Install Hardwood Treads and Risers

What happens in this clip

With the sub-structure prepared and your hardwood components ready, begin the installation. Apply a generous amount of construction adhesive to the exposed sub-material on each step. Carefully position the hardwood treads and risers, ensuring a snug fit. Secure these components further using a pneumatic nailer with appropriate nails. Make sure the nails are recessed below the surface for a smooth and finished look. This method provides a strong, durable bond and helps prevent future squeaks.

Goal: Securely attach new hardwood to the staircase

What's used

Tools

• Hardwood risers
• Hardwood treads
• Nails
• Pneumatic nailer
• Drill and screws (might be visible)

Materials

• Construction adhesive

About the full video

This project guides homeowners through the process of converting a carpeted staircase to a hardwood staircase. It covers initial assessment, removal of existing carpet and tack strips, choices between full hardwood or hardwood with a runner, and the installation of new hardwood components using appropriate tools and adhesives.

Step 7 of 11: Install Hardwood Treads

Apply construction adhesive to the top of the riser and the front edge of the stair stringer where the tread will rest. Carefully place the hardwood tread onto the stair, ensuring it is flush with the riser and that the nosing (if applicable) extends properly over the riser. Secure the tread by driving finishing nails or screws through the tread into the stair stringers and riser from the top. Predrill holes if necessary to prevent splitting the hardwood. Ensure the tread is level and firmly attached.

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 (this video)
   • 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
   • 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