Do I need to attach skirt boards on this stairwell?
I am going to put treads and risers on a stairwell in my house. I don't want to put skirt boards on the walls if I don't have too. Does anyone have experience with tis situation, I have attached a couple of pictures with the larger gaps that I am dealing with. Do I need to attach skirt boards on this stairwell?
After the treads and risers are installed in place, if there still are gaps that show, then put 1/4 round, two rows of 1/4 round, or similar narrow moulding against the wall up into the corners to hide them. If you use rounded top trim, this will take a little time as you will have to mitre the corners. Or, if you prefer the look of flat trim, you could zig zag the pieces without mitres.
Skirting board is usually installed before stair treads and risers. Hard to get perfect cuts after the fact. The stairs look like they were carpeted originally. Builders usually build stairs out of construction lumber and then carpet. My crew did the same when I was a builder. Why waste money on something that will be covered? Since you will be putting new treads and risers they should cover the gaps. As Flipturn suggests, if you do have any large gaps 1/4 round molding can cover them up. With careful measuring and cutting you may just be able to cover the gaps with treads and risers. If most of the gaps look like the photos. Cut the treads and risers about 1/8" to 1/4 longer and sneak up on the cut for a tight fit.