• Terms of Use
  • DMCA Policy
  • Privacy Policy
No Result
View All Result
A Path Appears
  • Home
    Tips to Handle Biggest Losses

    Learn how to Handle Life’s Biggest Losses with These Tips

    steps to coping with stress as a teacher

    Steps to Coping with Stress as a Teacher 

    qualification class made up of adults students

    Can You Really Go Back to School as a Working Adult?

    bored girl with thick book

    15 Things to do when you’re bored

    Improving the Quality of Your Life

    Improving the Quality of Your Life- The Steps

    know your status

    What Blocks Your Personal Growth

    Personal Growth

    The Personal Growth – Some Useful Tips

    Employability Skills

    The Employability Skills-What Are They and Which Count the Most?

    Personal Development

    Personal Development-What it is and why it’s important

  • A Path Appears
  • Book
  • Film
  • Home
    Tips to Handle Biggest Losses

    Learn how to Handle Life’s Biggest Losses with These Tips

    steps to coping with stress as a teacher

    Steps to Coping with Stress as a Teacher 

    qualification class made up of adults students

    Can You Really Go Back to School as a Working Adult?

    bored girl with thick book

    15 Things to do when you’re bored

    Improving the Quality of Your Life

    Improving the Quality of Your Life- The Steps

    know your status

    What Blocks Your Personal Growth

    Personal Growth

    The Personal Growth – Some Useful Tips

    Employability Skills

    The Employability Skills-What Are They and Which Count the Most?

    Personal Development

    Personal Development-What it is and why it’s important

  • A Path Appears
  • Book
  • Film
No Result
View All Result
A Path Appears
No Result
View All Result
Home Home Improvement

How to Install Stair Treads

October 2, 2020
in Home Improvement
0 0
0
How to Install Stair Treads

Gone are the days when you had to drill holes for screws or hammering nails for installing the stair treads. Not only that it was difficult, but as the house would settle, the nails would become loose and leave the nasty holes that are so dangerous.

If you’re planning to install some good old solid wood stair treads, you should know a thing or two (better try “a lot”) about wood grain, cutting wood, construction and getting around with the power tools. Patience and meticulosity are also necessary, but it’s all worth it when you get to think of the beautiful look of your stairs at the end of it all.

Page Contents

  • 1 First thing first: what do you need for the job?
  • 2 What are the steps to follow when installing stair treads?
    • 2.1 1. Sand and stain/polyurethane the treads and the risers
    • 2.2 2. Remove the carpet and the underlay
    • 2.3 3. Say “goodbye” to the treads
    • 2.4 4. Time for some measuring and cutting
    • 2.5 5. Start installing the treads and risers
    • 2.6 6. Finish with caulk and paint

First thing first: what do you need for the job?

Any DIY fan knows that preparing the tools and materials you need for a job is one tip for completing your project.

Here’s what you’re going to need for this project:

tools for Install Stair Treads

  • Nail gun and air compressor (you can rent it if you’re not using it often)
  • Sliding compound miter saw (either you buy it, or you rent it)
  • Power sander and fine-grit sandpaper
  • Stair tread template
  • 42″ oak stair risers. You can also go with pine risers as they’re less than $10 apiece, with the oak risers coming for more than $10 ($12 or so).
  • 42” oak stair treads (it’s what you’re stepping on). You may find pine treads for $11/piece, and oak models for as high as $16/piece.
  • You will need some clear polyurethane and stain (when you don’t want to stick with the natural color of wood).
  • A natural bristle brush as a nylon type isn’t a good choice for the polyurethane (it’s based on oil)

You also need a crowbar for removing treads and pry bar for getting rid of the carpet tacks. Don’t forget to get your pencil, measuring tape, and the utility knife for cutting the carpet or scoring the risers.

What are the steps to follow when installing stair treads?

Being meticulous on the job should be a rule of thumb for any project, especially when it comes to construction.

Without any further ado, let’s take a good look at each and every step of the way of installation:

steps to follow when installing stair treads

1. Sand and stain/polyurethane the treads and the risers

Truth be told, this is one of the most time-consuming phases of the whole process. You can do it outside or inside your garage. You need to sand every tread with some fine-grit sandpaper. Use some power sander and a damp cloth for wiping them down too.

Some like to install first the wood and stain/polyurethane it after the installation. It’s an excellent way to do it as it’s going to cover the nail holes too. Keep in mind that you need to wait for the stairs for drying (dah!). If that’s a no go for you, you should start with staining the wood pieces.

You should also keep in mind that staining comes before polyurethane. Either way, you have to let the pieces dry out. Two coats are going to be needed with the first coat soak into the wood, whereas the second one is for protecting the wood.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you also have to sand between coats (only slightly, though) as the first coat may bring out the “grit” in the wood.

2. Remove the carpet and the underlay

It’s time for some rough and tough job. Ripping up the carpet and the underlay (it goes fast) helps you blow some steam off, though. If the carpet goes all the way to the upstairs landing, it’s better that you begin with cutting it at the top of the stairs.

You should also remove the carpet tack strips. Do it slowly as they’re sharp. Even if this step isn’t mandatory, you should do it as you don’t want the carpet tacks to poke you later on.

3. Say “goodbye” to the treads

Now you need to put some muscle into it. Get a hammer and a crowbar for wedging it under the treads, removing it for good. Pry off the tread with the hammer when some of the treads is up. If they’re made of birch plywood sheets, it’s going to be easier than thick pine, though.

You should stop for a minute and take a look at what used to be your stairs. No way to climb up back, right? Plan so that you don’t have any kids or pets trapped upstairs throughout the installation.

4. Time for some measuring and cutting

Take a leap of faith and try a $20 template for the project. It has two plastic ends, and it may be a bit shorter than the width of our stairs, but it’s still going to work.

Pu5 the template on the stair stringers and tighten the model until you achieve the right angle and length of every side of the tread/riser.

Use the pencil for marking the boards (you can also use the utility knife for scoring as it’s not going to leave any marks).

Get the compound miter saw for cutting the board to the right angle, lining up the laser for accurate results. Don’t stop until you’re done with all the boards. And yes, it’s going to take you a while (even a whole day).

5. Start installing the treads and risers

Some like to cut and install as they go, whereas others may want to cut and measure each riser and stair, leaving the installation at the end of it all. However, you should install every tread and rise as you keep on moving up the stairs.

Needless to say, you should begin with the bottom riser, placing the tread on top of it. Continue with the riser and then add the next tread. You do it over and over again until you get to the top. The riser should always rest on the tread. Install the treads with PL premium adhesive and a caulk gun. Funny enough, you may use the glue as a leveler as well.

You should keep the boards into place with a nail gun and 2″ nails. Make sure you use a 45degree angle as you don’t want the nails to become loose after some time. The 45-degree corner seems to be ideal for keeping the nail in place. If you don’t want any squeaking noises in time (who does?), you should use a lot of nails. Get some wood filler for filling the holes afterward.

Stairs are going to squeak for sure. But caulking and wearing them in, and walking on them is going to help after a while.

6. Finish with caulk and paint

Even though it’s tempting, you should stay on the safe side and not paint the side stringer trim before you’re installing the treads. It’s almost never a wise idea. Since the treads are cut so tightly, the chances are that they will scrape up the trim when you fit the treads and risers as needed.

However, you may tape off the stairs, painting the trim instead. Use two coats of paint, generously. It may take you a couple of hours (it doesn’t matter anymore at this point), but it’s going to be the final touch that the stairs need.

Get some white caulk that is made for trim and…take a deep breath as this phase isn’t going to be clean at all. You should cut off every small tip of the caulk, squeezing small lines into the edges. Have some paper towels (a lot) and a bit damp cloth/towel for wiping off the excess. No time to complain about the manicure at the moment as you need to wipe off all the excess caulk.

Even if it’s time and nerve consuming, this final step is going to fill in the gaps and help you get rid of the squeaking too. At least for now, anyhow!

Other resources

The DIY Guide to Installing Stair Treads – Our Tennessee Home

How to Install Wood Stair Treads Without Showing Nail Holes | Home Guides | SF Gate

How to Repair a Rotting Porch Railing | DoItYourself.com

 

Previous Post

How to Install Roll Roofing

Next Post

Mascara for Swimming-Which Type Works &How to Use It Right

Related Posts

Tips For Troubleshooting Broken Furnace
Home Improvement

4 Tips For Troubleshooting A Broken Furnace

December 1, 2022
What Services Will A Locksmith Vancouver Provide
Home Improvement

What Services Will A Vancouver Locksmith Provide?

December 2, 2022
6 Person Hot Tub Right for You
Home Improvement

Is a 6 Person Hot Tub Right for You?

October 8, 2022
Sheds and Planning Permission
Home Improvement

Sheds and Planning Permission – Everything You Need to Know

May 28, 2022
dulux painters
Home Improvement

Why Dulux Paints Are A Great Choice For Your Home?

May 11, 2022
Planning Ahead For Your Electrical Needs In A New Build
Home Improvement

Planning Ahead For Your Electrical Needs In A New Build

April 21, 2022
Next Post
Mascara for Swimming

Mascara for Swimming-Which Type Works &How to Use It Right

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Developing Your Skills and Talents

Developing Your Skills and Talents- Some Useful Tips

November 29, 2019
How to Install Stair Treads

How to Install Stair Treads

October 2, 2020
Micro Link Hair Extensions

Best 7 Micro Link Hair Extensions

November 4, 2019
How to Install Roll Roofing

How to Install Roll Roofing

February 24, 2022
Why choosing a Professional Pest Control Company is rewarding

Why choosing a Professional Pest Control Company is rewarding?

Become a Better Self

How to Become a Better Self

Personal Development 101

Personal Development- A 101 Overview

Personal Development

Personal Development-What it is and why it’s important

Why choosing a Professional Pest Control Company is rewarding

Why choosing a Professional Pest Control Company is rewarding?

January 20, 2023
What You Should Know About Florida Real Estate

What You Should Know About Florida Real Estate

January 9, 2023
Tips For Troubleshooting Broken Furnace

4 Tips For Troubleshooting A Broken Furnace

December 1, 2022
What Services Will A Locksmith Vancouver Provide

What Services Will A Vancouver Locksmith Provide?

December 2, 2022

Recent News

Why choosing a Professional Pest Control Company is rewarding

Why choosing a Professional Pest Control Company is rewarding?

January 20, 2023
What You Should Know About Florida Real Estate

What You Should Know About Florida Real Estate

January 9, 2023
Tips For Troubleshooting Broken Furnace

4 Tips For Troubleshooting A Broken Furnace

December 1, 2022
What Services Will A Locksmith Vancouver Provide

What Services Will A Vancouver Locksmith Provide?

December 2, 2022
A Path Appears

“This is a lyrical guide that addresses the deep human yearning to make a difference. It’s full of indelible stories reminding us that, yes, helping people is hard—but it’s both possible and infinitely rewarding. A Path Appears offers practical steps that any of us can take to empower others, and ourselves.”

Anne Rice

Browse by Category

  • Beauty & Health
  • Business
  • Camping
  • CCTV Cameras
  • Cooking
  • Crypto
  • Digital Marketing
  • DIY
  • Education
  • Electronics
  • Financial
  • Funeral Industry
  • Games
  • Gardening
  • Health
  • Home
  • Home Improvement
  • Industrial
  • Investing
  • Legal
  • LIfestyle
  • Living
  • Music
  • Office
  • Outdoor
  • Pets
  • Pianos
  • Real Estate
  • Security
  • Self Improvement
  • Shopping
  • Social Media & Internet
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Uncategorized
  • Vehicles

Recent Articles

Why choosing a Professional Pest Control Company is rewarding

Why choosing a Professional Pest Control Company is rewarding?

January 20, 2023
What You Should Know About Florida Real Estate

What You Should Know About Florida Real Estate

January 9, 2023
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • DMCA Policy

© 2019 apathappears.org - All right reserved.

No Result
View All Result

© 2019 apathappears.org - All right reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In