Apply Wood Filler for Finishing Touches

What happens in this clip

After all risers and treads are installed, apply a color-matched wood filler (e.g., Roberts Wood, Laminate & Vinyl Putty) to any visible seams between the pieces, gaps against the walls, or pin nail holes. Squeeze a small amount of filler into the gap and smooth it with your finger or a putty knife. Wipe away any excess immediately with a clean cloth. The 23-gauge headless pins are very small and may not require filling, but larger gaps should be addressed. Allow the filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before any final cleaning or sealing.

Goal: Fill any remaining seams, gaps, or nail holes with wood filler for a smooth, finished look.

What's used

Tools

• Putty Knife (optional)

Materials

• Clean Cloth
• Wood Filler (e.g.
• Roberts Wood
• Laminate & Vinyl Putty)

About the full video

This project provides detailed instructions on how to install hardwood stair treads and risers using construction adhesives, ensuring a secure and durable finish while preventing squeaks. The process involves preparing the existing stairs by removing old nosing, cleaning surfaces, addressing squeaks, precisely cutting new hardwood components using specialized tools, and finally adhering and securing them.

Step 9 of 11: Fill Nail Holes and Gaps

Using a putty knife, apply wood filler to any nail holes, screw holes, or small gaps in the hardwood treads and risers. Press the filler firmly into the voids. Smooth the excess filler flush with the wood surface using the putty knife. Allow the wood filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Get a Hardwood Look on Carpeted Stairs

1. Step 1: Remove Carpet and Padding

   • 0:04–0:34 Remove Old Carpet and Padding
   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

2. Step 2: Remove Staples and Nails

   • 0:31–0:55 Remove Tack Strips and Staples
   • 0:13–0:38 Remove Carpet and Prep for Installation
   • 1:19–1:49 Remove Staples and Protruding Nails

3. Step 3: Inspect and Repair Stair Structure

   • 0:09–0:14 Repair and Prepare Stair Structure
   • 1:40–2:44 Prepare Surface by Filling Holes
   • 3:59–6:57 Replace Damaged Stair Treads or Risers

4. Step 4: Clean and Sand Stair Surfaces

   • 1:05–1:18 Vacuum Dust and Perform Fine Sanding
   • 0:51–0:57 Strip Old Finish from Tread Surfaces
   • 0:37–0:41 Sand the Staircase

5. Step 5: Measure and Cut Hardwood Treads and Risers

   • 6:09–11:07 Measure and Cut Treads
   • 0:43–0:52 Measure and Cut New Treads
   • 3:40–6:00 Measure and Cut Risers

6. Step 6: Install Hardwood Risers

   • 0:35–0:46 Install the Riser Boards
   • 2:49–3:19 Install Retro Risers
   • 3:55–5:35 Cut and Install Stair Risers

7. Step 7: Install Hardwood Treads

   • 10:00–11:40 Install Hardwood Treads and Risers
   • 0:49–2:35 Install the Tread and Nosing Components
   • 2:35–4:25 Secure New Stair Treads

8. Step 8: Install Stair Nosing (if applicable)

   • 4:41–5:53 Cut and Install Nosings
   • 0:37–0:41 Install Stair Nose Trim
   • 13:39–14:45 Measure and Install Stair Nosing

9. Step 9: Fill Nail Holes and Gaps

   • 16:00–16:30 Apply Wood Filler for Finishing Touches (this video)
   • 0:55–1:21 Apply Wood Filler to Blemishes
   • 0:07–0:25 Inspect and Fill Imperfections

10. Step 10: Sand Repaired Areas and Final Surface

    • 2:44–3:20 Sand Surfaces and Control Dust
    • 1:21–1:35 Sand and Clean Stairs
    • 1:47–2:00 Fill and Sand Risers

11. Step 11: Apply Finish (Stain and Sealant)

    • 0:45–0:59 Apply Protective Topcoat
    • 11:09–11:34 Apply Protective Wood Top Coat
    • 2:01–2:44 Apply Polyurethane Sealer