Stair projects can be difficult. But they don’t have to be! If you want to give your stairs a bit of a makeover, there’s an easy way to do it by installing stair treads over existing flights of stairs. It is a little tricky for people who aren’t used to doing their own home improvement projects, but it isn’t too challenging if you take your time and move methodically through our simple DIY steps.
Most importantly, this is an affordable and fun project that almost any homeowner can do. Just use high-quality products, take your time, and double-check every step.
Ready to give your stairs the facelift they deserve? We’re happy to help!
What You Need to Complete This Project
When you decide to do this project, you need to invest in all of the materials, even if you think that you don’t need a certain item. We promise you that this will make it much easier. You may want to use a tread kit, or you can use treads and your own equipment. If you are using treads that aren’t stained, you may also need to buy your own stain. Some of the other materials you will need include:
- Drill
- Screws
- Adhesive for the stairs
- Saw (the best option is a circular reciprocating saw)
- Multi-tool that oscillates
- Hammer and nails or a nail gun
You may have some other tools with you to help you along the way, like a rag to clean up dust, polish, or whatever else you need to add the finishing touches to your treads.
First Step: Prepare Your Stair Treads
Now that you have your supplies, the next thing you want to do is prepare your stairs and the stair treads for the project. You may want to measure and cut your treads and risers, but we will have a more in-depth step about that in a bit. Be sure to measure a few times and make cuts that are straight and will sit flush with the walls if you have them. You can do some sanding if you'd like, but you need to be extremely careful if you choose to do so.
If you are going to stain your treads, you will do that in this step and then apply the coats of polyurethane.
Prepare the Stairs
The next thing you want to do is prepare your stairs for the treads. You need to remove the old stair tread materials that are there as well as any materials you no longer want on the stairs. Try to remove as many layers as you can. The best place to go is to get back to bare wood if it is at all possible. If you have an older house, be careful, and wear a good mask when you are removing layers.
Trim the Stair Treads
The next thing you want to do is trim the stair treads. Once again, measure a few times before you make any cuts. You want to remove any overhang before you install the wood stair treads. When cutting, notch the ends of the tread overhang so that it will fit cleanly against the new tread. We suggest using a reciprocating saw for this one unless you have worked with wood before and know that you can make clean cuts with a traditional saw.
Attach the Stair Treads to The Stairs
It’s go time! Now, you want to attach the stair treads to the stairs themselves. You want to use a generous amount of the adhesive under each tread and riser to ensure that it sticks. While you don’t want to make too much of a mess, you do want to use enough.
Screw in your treads from the back to secure them. You don’t want them to go all the way to the top of the surface, but you want to ensure that the screws are long enough to secure everything.
If you are worried about security, you can also use nails in spots that will be hidden.
You want to work your way from the bottom of your stairs to the top. Attach the riser, apply the adhesive, screw down the tread. Go up your stairs as you repeat this.
Here’s a pro tip! If you’re lucky enough to have someone helping you, it can help to have someone come and stand on the treads while you screw them down, as this eliminates any squeaks.
The Hardest Part: The Top of Your Stairs
When you get to the top of your staircase, you are going to encounter the hardest part of the process. You want to ensure that the tread is anchored extremely securely. Make a notch in the stairs for the tread section to sit in. You will have to measure it to your tread. Then, use a circular saw to cut everything and ensure that it is sized correctly. You may have some space left over. If so, use an LVP floor plank to get the tread in place. However, if you are careful, you won’t have to do that.
Clean Up Time
Finally, you want to give your adhesive time to dry and everything time to meld properly. Go up and down your stairs a few times in shoes to ensure that it all feels right. Then, go down in your bare feet and socks to make sure it feels right there too.
Try to feel for anything that feels sharp, makes noises, or just doesn’t seem right. You can make changes pretty easily, but you need to catch them early.
In Conclusion: An Easy Task that Requires Diligence
As with any home improvement task, you need to take some deep breaths and be prepared for a few slip-ups and silly mistakes when you try to install stair treads over an existing flight of stairs. But the good news is that this is a relatively easy task rather than something that only the professionals can handle. Beautiful stairs are just a few treads away!
Sources:
Remodel with Prefinished Stair Treads - Extreme How To
How to Install Wood Stair Treads Without Showing Nail Holes | SF Gate
