How to Install Stair Treads Over Existing Stairs

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If you have a wooden staircase, then you may wonder how to install stair treads over existing steps. The first step in this project is to remove flooring to expose the original construction tread. Afterward, install the stair tread. Make sure that the tread and riser are flush. You don’t want to add an extra riser as it bulks up the stairs. But before you start the job, make sure that you’ve prepared the stairs well.

Installation of stair treads and risers in a single step

Installing stair treads and risers over an existing stairway may seem like an intimidating task. In reality, the entire process can be completed in a single step. But which step is better? Which order should you use? There are several reasons why installing risers first will ensure a tight fit and better quality of stairway materials. If you install the risers first, you’ll be able to cut the tread to fit over the riser. Besides making the process faster, the risers will be more stable, too, because they’re hidden.

Installing stair treads and risers over an existing stairway requires careful planning and accurate measurements. Unlike a standard installation, stair treads should be flush with the risers, so you must measure properly. You can also add stair treads directly to the risers. Once you have the measurement, cut the treads to fit over the risers. Once you’ve done that, apply construction adhesive to the surface of the stair.

If you’re installing stair treads over an existing stairway, remember to remove the flooring first. This will expose the existing lumber construction tread. Make sure the treads are level with the risers to avoid gaps. If you decide to add a riser, however, remember that the riser will bulk up the stairs. In most cases, installing stair treads first is easier than installing risers, but it’s important to follow instructions carefully.

Preparing the stairs for stair treads

If you’d like to give your staircase an antique look, consider adding wood stair treads. Wooden stairs tend to have nail holes, gouges, and other imperfections that give them a charming, antique look. Before you install stair treads, however, you must prepare the stairs for them. Here’s how to prepare the stairs for wood stair treads. First, sand them to remove any dirt or imperfections. You should do this before applying stain.

Paint the treads in the same manner as the risers. Primer helps to protect the stairs against dirt and stains and is a better option than flat paint. Dark colors also look better on stairs because they are easier to clean and protect against stains. If you want to paint the stairs with a different color, use a darker color, as this will hide dirt and create the appearance of dark stained wood. You can also use a multi-tone pattern to add extra style to your staircase.

Choose a colour for the treads and risers of your stairs. If the stairs are wooden, you can use floor paint and make the staircase look like a new one. Make sure to use an oil-based paint with a sealer, as it will hold up better in constant use. Water-based paints are also acceptable but you’ll need a thinner to clean up the mess that is left behind.

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Buying stair treads

Purchasing new stair treads for existing stairs is an excellent idea if you’d like to add a touch of warmth and beauty to your staircase. First and foremost, your staircase is one of the first things that your guests see. If you want to give a good first impression, you should consider replacing your existing stair treads with a real wood one. You can choose from many different species of hardwood, and they generally adapt well to different architectural styles. They can last decades, unlike carpet, which is often replaced every few years.

It’s important to install new stair treads with adequate strength. You can use construction adhesive, polyurethane glue, or screws. Avoid using finish nails, as they can work loose over time, causing squeaks and cracks in the stairs. Use trim headed screws for added strength. If you’re not sure of the proper screws to use, consult a contractor. You can also use the glue provided with the new stair treads to adhere them to the existing ones.

Depending on your tastes and budget, it’s important to choose the right type of wood for your new stair treads. Oak and pine are two common choices, but they both have advantages and disadvantages. For example, walnut stair treads are not as durable as oak or hickory. You might want to consider the look of your existing stairs as well as the overall appearance of your home.

Cutting stair treads to length

If you’re installing stair treads over an old staircase, you’ll need to prepare them carefully before installing them. Cut stair treads to length individually for each stair, taking care not to cut them all at once, as this can lead to discrepancies. Once you’ve cut the stair treads to length, install them over the existing stairs using construction adhesive. If necessary, add a riser to the stairs.

Cut the risers and treads to the desired length, leaving enough room at the edge for the reference line. Place the tread against the frame, using the template as a guide. Use a router to cut dados in the risers and rabbets into the back of the treads. Trim the tread pieces to fit snugly. Apply wooden shims to fill any gaps between the tread pieces and the riser. Nail them to the stringers.

Once you’ve cut your stair treads to length, attach them to the existing stairs using adhesive or screws from behind. Be sure to avoid face-nailing the tread to the stairs because this could result in splitting or tearing. It could also compromise the installation of the riser. Some people have suggested glueing cracks or adding 9mm ply to the treads. But these solutions have been unsuccessful.

Adding stair tread covers

Adding stair tread covers to your staircase is easy, but they must be replaced periodically. Over time, the treads may start to look dull or shiny. The grit may also begin to wear off. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to replace your stairs. In order to prolong the life of your treads, consider buying heavy-duty covers. These are better quality and will last longer than normal covers.

When adding stair tread covers to your stairs, you should first remove the floor covering. If the tread is exposed lumber, use a jigsaw or handheld circular saw to cut off the bull nose. Cut the tread flush with the riser and clean the edges. You can also use construction adhesive and finish nails to secure the treads to the riser. This step will ensure a secure and beautiful finish.

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Stair tread covers made of natural sisal are great for preventing slipping. The fibers from this plant are used to make rope, clothing, and footwear. Ordinary carpets are difficult to curl over the nose of a stair. If you don’t want your new carpet to show through, look for a stair tread cover that comes pre-curled. You can then snap the stair tread cover over the nose of the stair. It’s important to make sure the stair tread cover is attached securely.

Leveling stair treads

Before installing stair treads, you must first remove the existing flooring from the steps. Remove the old carpeting to expose the lumber construction tread. The new stair tread and riser must be flush. If the staircase has a riser, you can add it to bulk up the stairs. But before you do that, you must be sure of the measurements of the existing stairs. If they are not level, you will have to make a few minor adjustments.

To start installing new stair treads, install the risers first. Then, the treads. You should place the level on the first riser. After the risers are installed, you can install the second riser. After putting in the new stair treads, level them. You may have to cut the bottom riser or add extra space. Remember to make sure the tread is level before you install the next riser.

Installing stair treads over existing steps is possible but it requires a certain amount of skill and knowledge. You may have no experience in construction, but you can always refer to your construction manual to learn about the basics of building a staircase. If you don’t have the proper tools and equipment, you may need to hire a professional to do the job for you. A good contractor should know how to make the stairs level.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


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