Round Over Edges and Sand Treads

What happens in this clip

Use a router with a round-over bit to soften and shape the top and bottom edges of each hardwood tread. After rounding the edges, perform a final sanding of all tread surfaces with an orbital sander. This prepares the treads for the polyurethane finish, ensuring a smooth feel and professional appearance.

Goal: Smooth the edges and surfaces of the hardwood treads.

What's used

Tools

• Orbital sander Bosch
• Round-over bit
• Router Bosch

Materials

• Hardwood treads
• Sandpaper

About the full video

This project transforms an old carpeted staircase into a modern, illuminated hardwood staircase. The process involves removing old carpet, fabricating and installing new plywood risers and ash hardwood treads, integrating LED strip lighting, and finishing all components for a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.

Step 3 of 6: Prepare Tread Edges (Optional)

For a more finished look and to reduce the risk of snags or sharp edges, you can round over or chamfer the front edge (nosing) of each cut tread. Use a router with a roundover bit or a sandpaper block to achieve the desired edge profile. This step is particularly beneficial if the tread material has a sharp or unfinished edge.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Protect Hardwood Stairs from Wear with Removable Treads

1. Step 1: Measure Stair Treads

   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 0:43–0:52 Measure and Cut New Treads
   • 0:41–1:06 Measure and Mark Treads

2. Step 2: Cut Tread Material

   • 0:19–0:22 Measure and Cut FastTread
   • 4:34–5:55 Measure and Cut Treads
   • 0:55–1:05 Measure and Cut First Tread

3. Step 3: Prepare Tread Edges (Optional)

   • 7:51–8:14 Round Over Edges and Sand Treads (this video)
   • 5:16–7:59 Round Over Tread Edges
   • 0:08–1:13 Prepare and Finish Wood Stair Treads

4. Step 4: Test Fit Treads

   • 2:13–2:35 Test Fit and Adjust Treads
   • 1:35–1:41 Dry Fit Tread and Nosing
   • 1:38–1:50 Dry-Fit Laminate Pieces to Each Tread

5. Step 5: Install Securing Mechanism

   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs
   • 4:32–5:29 Finalize Tread Placement
   • 0:49–2:35 Install the Tread and Nosing Components

6. Step 6: Install Protective Treads

   • 0:20–0:37 Apply Stair Treads
   • 0:10–0:16 Install the Stair Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread