Sand Stair Treads

What happens in this clip

Once the paint is stripped, sand the exposed wooden stair treads to achieve a smooth surface and prepare them for staining. The video demonstrates sanding every other stair to ensure you can still walk up and down the staircase while working. Use a sander, such as a detail sander or orbital sander, starting with a coarser grit (e.g., 80-100 grit) to remove any remaining imperfections and then progressing to finer grits (e.g., 120-150 grit) for a smooth finish.

Goal: Smooth and prepare the wooden treads for staining.

What's used

Tools

• Dust Mask
• Sander
• Detail sander
• Sandpaper

About the full video

This project details a budget-friendly stair renovation, transforming carpeted stairs into stylish wooden stairs with stained treads and beadboard risers. The process involves removing old carpet, stripping paint, sanding wood, applying wood stain, installing beadboard panels, applying polyurethane sealant, laying new landing boards, and finishing with trim and paint. The entire project was completed for approximately $80.

Step 2 of 5: Sand the Stair Treads

Using medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120-grit), sand each tread. The goal is not to remove a significant amount of wood, but to scuff the surface lightly. This will open the pores of the wood, allowing for better penetration and adhesion of paints, sealers, or adhesives. After sanding, vacuum up all the dust. You can also wipe down the treads with a tack cloth to ensure all fine dust particles are removed.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Make Oak Stairs Less Slippery

1. Step 1: Clean the Oak Stair Treads

   • 0:03–0:07 Prepare and Clean Stairs
   • 0:45–0:50 Scrub and Agitate the Wood Surface
   • 0:35–0:44 Apply Wood Cleaner to Stairs

2. Step 2: Sand the Stair Treads

   • 2:06–2:52 Sand Stair Treads and Risers
   • 1:01–1:17 Sand Stair Treads (this video)
   • 1:05–1:18 Vacuum Dust and Perform Fine Sanding

3. Step 3: Apply Anti-Slip Coating

   • 0:46–0:59 Spray Clear Anti-Slip Coating
   • 0:11–0:25 Apply First Coat of Non-Slip Spray
   • 2:27–3:10 Apply Paint to Stairs

4. Step 4: Apply Anti-Slip Tape or Strips

   • 1:12–1:19 Prepare Steps and Apply Non-Skid Strips
   • 0:02–0:06 Apply Anti-Slip Strip
   • 1:14–1:23 Apply Non-Skid Strips to Steps

5. Step 5: Install Anti-Slip Treads or Risers

   • 0:18–0:37 Install Lower Stair Treads and Risers