Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner how to replace split-level stair treads in his midcentury modern home
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Time: 10-12 hours
Cost: $300
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Updating Stair Treads and Risers:
Prybar [https://amzn.to/2USuhBl]
Reciprocating saw [https://amzn.to/2IUBdwi]
Hammer [https://amzn.to/2UPkY5e]
Utility knife [https://amzn.to/2XXQuzJ]
Pencil [https://amzn.to/2vyVUFb]
Combination square [https://amzn.to/2vvxUTt]
Circular saw [https://amzn.to/2PG4kEf]
Router [https://amzn.to/2J4wGXc]
Palm sander [https://amzn.to/2vteHBZ]
Scissors [https://amzn.to/2PEMmlm]
Roller [https://amzn.to/2vtewGO]
Caulking gun [https://amzn.to/2Y0q1l0]
Rubber mallet [https://amzn.to/2GPBVHB]
Brad nailer [https://amzn.to/2GUkB4a]
Air compressor [https://amzn.to/2DGrlSo]
Shopping List:
_” Oak stair treads [https://amzn.to/2Le6tbu]
4×8’ oak veneer sheet [https://amzn.to/2GRuNdK]
4” or longer metal cutting blade for reciprocating saw [https://amzn.to/2ITomKI]
Shims [https://amzn.to/2GVFI7p]
Wood glue [https://amzn.to/2XWu9CH]
Temporary floor protection [https://amzn.to/2vvdERU]
Sandpaper [https://amzn.to/2ZQ7d9V]
Construction adhesive [https://amzn.to/2GVAQiA]
8d finish nails [https://amzn.to/2GWAjgD]
Resources:
While the risers could have also been replaced, Tom thought it would be easier and just as effective to apply a veneer over them to give them a cleaner look that matched the new treads. Tom applied a pressure backed 20 PSA red oak veneer, which is manufactured by Veneer Technologies (https://amzn.to/2ITqr9u). He ordered one 4’x8’ sheet for the whole set of stairs.
For the template, Tom used an extra piece of Ram Board temporary floor protection (https://amzn.to/2Wd23Tg), though any semi-rigid markable material would work.
To secure the treads in place, Tom used 8d finish nails and construction adhesive, which is manufactured by Gorilla Glue (https://amzn.to/2GVAQiA).
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Atlantic Plywood (http://atlanticplywood.com/).
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we’re ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Update Oak Stair Treads and Risers | Ask This Old House
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View Comments
I would squared whole staircase up instead of making special cuts for each plank. Make it easy, not hard.
When i was having my hardwood floors quoted, i had them quote my stairs from carpet to hardwood as well. They quoted me $125 per stair. I thought it was a rip off and now i think it was the bargain of a century.
He is very patient. Good carpenter
I would paint the sides first. Sand them . Before doing the steps
You had me at - "put some glue on the shim and drive it in" @ 3:44
This man talk finish and one year job finish
Are there any videos that explain the caulking process and options to tidy the connection between stair threads and each side of the "stringer"? I am staining my stairs but not sure whether to caulk before or after staining each thread?
Don't you have a perfect stair tread template by using the old one from the same spot?
Tommy please leave the stairbuilding to the stair builders nthats not how stairs get built sorry sir were are the routed stringers on the side of the walls a stair like that would be built up side down in a shop setting !! It's a simple box Stair case this not the way stairs are built Tommy sorry ,me stairbuilder of 28 years myself!!!in my shop that stair would be routed and built ready to install in 5 hours fact!!
Great job!.Thank you for the helpful tips.