DIY Your Staircase Treads Today

Looking to take on a DIY project to update a staircase?

A reasonably simple project that you can take on today is updating your stair treads. Minimal tools are needed and a great way to update any set of stairs in your home.

So let’s answer some questions regarding a project like this.

1. Can you put new stair treads over old treads?
   Yes, retro-fitting stair treads are the most straightforward solution and DIY-er. High-quality stair treads are made of solid edge-glued wood and can  “cap” or reface an existing tread.

2. How much does it cost to get stair treads? 
3. This question is a little harder to answer directly; the size of the tread needed, the total number of treads, and the wood species selected will significantly affect the price per tread.

Step #1 – Assessing the staircase you are going to update.

Gather the following information.

1. How many treads do you need?
2. Measurements: record the measurements of your existing treads and risers. Learn how to measure the rise and run.
3. Select your wood species.

Step #2 – Purchasing/Ordering your material

Head to your local millwork dealer or lumber yard and request Oak Pointe products! Learn More!

Oak Pointe offers treads in a wide variety of wood species. We can fulfill all your millwork needs, but we have you covered for this project, including treads with mitered returns if needed and oversized treads.

Standard (10-1/2” or 11-1/2”) or custom tread depths and various thicknesses and widths are available to meet your specifications. Keep in mind; Oak Pointe quality treads are manufactured to your exact requirements, so you get the best fit possible.

Step #3 – Remove any old carpeting or other floor covering.

After removing the old carpeting, vinyl, or other floor covering, you may need to eliminate any bullnose on the exposed lumber tread. Depending on the type of tread you have chosen to update your staircase.

Using a handheld circular saw or jigsaw, cut the bullnose of the tread back flush with (or slightly behind) the existing riser.

Step #4 – Installing the Treads

1. Individually measure and cut each stair tread to length.
2. Secure the treads with wood screws.
3. Stain and seal your new treads!

Option Step #5 – Finishing Up

You can seal all the nail holes on the new treads with fast-drying wood putty and, once it is cured, stain the putty to match the stairs.

Additionally, you can also calk and seams to create clean lines.