How to DIY Install Stair Treads

Are you tired of your outdated or worn-out stair treads and you are thinking of having them replaced? If so, you don’t have to worry about the financial implications of hiring a contractor, since you can do it yourself.

DIY videos and tutorials are some of the most viewed things on the internet today. Many people across the world have embraced DIY to make or fix things around their homes. It is no surprise that stair treads can now be replaced using DIY methods.

Taking on a DIY project at home can be quiet tasking depending on what you want to do. This is why the first thing you need to do is to plan properly for it and give yourself some good amount of time for the project. Installing stair trends needs a lot of patience and attention but you will love what you can be able to do while saving some money all at the same time.

Tools and Materials Needed

Whether you are installing new treads or replacing the old ones, the first thing you need to do is to have the right tools with you. The right tools will not only make your work easier but will ensure that the project is well done.

Here are some of the tools that you will need:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Pry bar. This will help to remove the carpet tacks if you had one
• Crowbar to remove old treads
• Utility knife to cut the carpet scores
• Stair tread template
• Natural bristle brush for oil-based polyurethane
• Sliding compound miter saw. You can choose to rent or buy it
• Air compressor and a nail gun. Rent or buy
• Power sander and fine grit sandpaper
• If you want a different color of treads than the wood color, you can buy
• clear polyurethane. Get the best that will give you a smooth finish
• Stair Treads. This is where you will step on. You can choose to buy pine or oak. You have to measure your stairs to know the number of inches you need. Standard size is 36 but there are 42 inches stair treads too.
• Stair Risers. This is the vertical wood that goes above the tread. They can also be pine or oak.

Remember, the right set of tools increase your productivity and efficiency. Therefore, make sure you have the appropriate tool for each task.

Step to Step Guide on Installing the Stair Treads

You have the tools and the materials you need? Follow this clear guide to install your stair treads.

1. Sand and Stain the Treads and Risers

If you do not have time to wait for the stairs to dry to before using them then this should be your first step. Carefully sand each piece of wood with sandpaper and then wipe them down.

If you choose to sand after installation, it will help all nail holes to stay hidden. So if you have time to wait for the stairs to dry up after installing then that is even a better option.

When staining, you can use old tins to hold the treads above the ground for them to dry well. To avoid having a stain/poly combination, stain first then you can polyurethane. Whether you are staining before or after installation, 2 coats of poly will do just fine.

2. Remove the Old Carpet and Any Underlay

Remove all the carpet tacks before ripping apart the carpet. Rip up the old carpet. Work from down to up the stairs. This is not time-consuming but a fun process to undertake. Once you have removed the carpet ensure you dispose of it well or clear it from your working area.

3. Remove the Treads and Risers

To do this, you will require a little more muscle because it is tasking. Using a crowbar and a hammer, wedge it under the treads and lift them up. You can then hammer upwards to completely remove the tread.

Plywood is much easier to remove than pine or oak and this is what will determine how much time you will take to remove the treads and risers. Once this is done you will end up with a bare stringer. Well, I hope you remembered to keep all your pets downstairs during this project.

4. Measure, Cut the Treads and Install

This is now where the measuring tape and pencil come in. However, there are stair tread templates sold in the market today that can make this work much simpler.

Lay the template on the stringers then tighten it to get the exact length and angle of each tread and riser. Mark the board with a pencil or a knife. If you have an industrial staircase, you should also make sure that you get the right measurements.

Using the miter saw, cut the board to the exact measurements. Work your way from down the staircase to up. There is no other way around this.

This is tiring and time-consuming. It is ok to take a snack break. You do not want to rush up the project and end up with a squeaky staircase.

While installing, start with the riser then tread in that order till you are done. Use a PL adhesive in a caulk gun generously for the treads.

Use a nail gun and 2-inch nails for the boards. The trick here is to nail at a 45 degrees angle so that the nails can stay in place. Use a lot of nails to avoid squeaking.

Finally, use a wood filler for the holes.

5. Caulk and Paint

Tape the areas around stairs and paint with 2 coats of paint. Then caulk the spaces in between the stairs and the trim. There is a caulk that is designed specifically for the trim.

Remember to wipe off the excess as you work. Caulking is important because it will fill up all the gaps and get rid of any squeaking sounds. You can choose to be creative with your staircase design and make it unique.

Remember Safety When Installing Stair Treads

This project involves a number of tools and you need to ensure your safety and that of others around you as you take on this DIY project to install the stair treads. DIY projects are a very good way to bond and have fun with family as you enjoy remodeling your home together.

Remember to follow any DIY instructions as they are. You can also take the time to read more about the stairs and the type of stairs that you have.

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