How to Update Oak Stair Treads and Risers | Ask This Old House

Moments in this video

1. 1:39–2:35 Cut Tread Fasteners & Remove Old Treads From How to Modernize a Dated Staircase with Rails, Lights and Treads, Step 1: Remove Old Treads and Risers

   After removing the scotia molding, position a long metal cutting blade (such as a reciprocating saw blade) between the underside of the tread and the stringer. Carefully cut through the nails that fasten the tread to the stringer, taking care not to damage the stringer or any surrounding components. Once the nails are cut, use the pry bar to lift the tread from its position. Repeat this process for each tread that needs to be replaced. Understanding that the treads are typically joined to the risers using a rabbit and dado joint (where a tongue on the tread fits into a groove on the riser) helps in anticipating how they will separate.

2. 3:09–3:51 Tighten Loose Risers with Shims From How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks, Step 2: Prepare Shim Material

   With the treads removed, you'll have access to the risers. If any risers are loose or pulled away from the skirt board (the vertical board running along the wall), use a hammer to gently tap them back into position, ensuring they are flush against the skirt board. To prevent them from moving again and to eliminate squeaks, apply construction adhesive to thin wooden shims. Insert these adhesive-coated shims into any gaps behind the risers, driving them in securely until the riser is tightly held against the skirt board. This step stabilizes the stair structure and prevents future noise.

3. 3:09–3:51 Tighten Loose Risers with Shims From How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks, Step 4: Insert and Secure Shims

   With the treads removed, you'll have access to the risers. If any risers are loose or pulled away from the skirt board (the vertical board running along the wall), use a hammer to gently tap them back into position, ensuring they are flush against the skirt board. To prevent them from moving again and to eliminate squeaks, apply construction adhesive to thin wooden shims. Insert these adhesive-coated shims into any gaps behind the risers, driving them in securely until the riser is tightly held against the skirt board. This step stabilizes the stair structure and prevents future noise.

4. 9:53 Install New Treads From How to Install Treads on Stairs with a Mid-Stair Landing, Step 6: Apply Adhesive and Fasten Treads

   Apply a generous bead of construction adhesive (such as Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive) to the top edges of the stringers and along the front edge of the riser where the new tread will sit. The adhesive acts as both a strong bond and a lubricant, helping the tread slide into place. Carefully lower each custom-cut tread into its position, ensuring the rabbet joint on the back of the tread slides into the dado on the riser below it. Push the tread firmly against the riser and down onto the stringers. Use a hammer to gently tap the tread into its final, tight position if necessary. Finally, use a finish nail gun with 2 1/2-inch (8-penny) finish nails to secure the treads, driving nails through the top surface into the stringers. This combination of adhesive and nails ensures a strong, squeak-free installation.

5. 9:53 Install New Treads From How to Modernize a Dated Staircase with Rails, Lights and Treads, Step 3: Install New Treads and Risers

   Apply a generous bead of construction adhesive (such as Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive) to the top edges of the stringers and along the front edge of the riser where the new tread will sit. The adhesive acts as both a strong bond and a lubricant, helping the tread slide into place. Carefully lower each custom-cut tread into its position, ensuring the rabbet joint on the back of the tread slides into the dado on the riser below it. Push the tread firmly against the riser and down onto the stringers. Use a hammer to gently tap the tread into its final, tight position if necessary. Finally, use a finish nail gun with 2 1/2-inch (8-penny) finish nails to secure the treads, driving nails through the top surface into the stringers. This combination of adhesive and nails ensures a strong, squeak-free installation.

Guides that use this video

• How to Modernize a Dated Staircase with Rails, Lights and Treads
• How to Fix Squeaky Stairs from Underneath with Shims and Glue Blocks
• How to Install Treads on Stairs with a Mid-Stair Landing