Remodel with Finished Stair Treads

Published: August 25, 2020

Are you transitioning from carpet to hardwood floors or are you just looking to update and replace the look of a stair case. Replacing stair treads can be a simple DIY solution with a big aesthetic upside. Solid wood stair treads are not a veneered or engineered material but rather a solid wood tread that will replace the existing treads instead of placing a thin veneer cap over top of the existing tread which alters the dimensions of the stairs which can cause a tripping hazard, these veneers are also made of cheaper material and likely won't last as long as a new wooden stair tread.

When replacing your stair treads you will want to measure each one as settling and other factors such as less than perfect workmanship in newer homes can cause dimension variations and things to come out of square. For example a tread could be 23-inches wide in the back but be 23-1/8 inches or worse in the front, because of this we recommend purchasing new treads that are slightly bigger so you can trim them to be an exact fit.

Installing a New Tread

Check the stairs for any visible fasteners, and remove them if possible.
Remove old tread.
1. Slide a pry bar under the nosing of the tread you want to replace.
2. Work the bar between the tread and the riser underneath it, pushing the tread up and away from any fasteners attached to the underside.
Pull the tread away as completely and gently as possible, and remove any remaining nails and screws.
Install the risers first to help with seating the tread properly. Apply wood glue to the stair frame and nail the replacement riser in place.
Apply wood glue to where the riser and tread meet and nail the tread in place. Remember each tread can be different so make sure you are measuring each as you go
Fill nail holes and sand your new treads and risers smooth.
If not finished, varnish, stain or paint the new treads and risers.

Here are some Do's and Don'ts when it comes to replacing your stair treads

Do's

Measure each step properly
Use both adhesive and fasteners
Work in order so riser, tread riser, and so on.
Only nail into stringers and not risers

Dont's

Don't use the stringers to level the treads, instead use the front edge of the risers as the tops of the stringers will rarely be level.
Don't assume all treads and risers will be the same size
Don't nail through the face of the tread into the riser, nails should always go into the stringers.