Apparatus and method for temporarily allowing use of and protecting a stairway framework during construction of buildings

Abstract

A temporary tread insert and method for installation in a stairway framework during building construction. The temporary tread insert includes an insert body having an upper tread surface, a bottom surface and opposed side surfaces. A front end of the insert body has a substantially bullnose shaped curved surface. The upper tread surface has a notched surface extending along the upper tread surface. Also disclosed is the method of inserting the temporary tread insert into the stair pan of a stairway framework, where the stair pan includes a bullnose at a front end of the stair pan, and the bullnose has a portion extending laterally a distance into the stair pan. The temporary tread insert includes a notched surface. The method includes positioning the temporary tread insert above a bottom of the pan, inserting the notched end of the temporary tread insert beneath the laterally extending portion of the bullnose, and moving the rear end of the temporary tread insert downward until the notched end of the temporary tread insert engages the underside of the portion extending laterally from the bullnose.