We just recently negotiated much lower pricing with our molding manufacturer for our Red Oak Stair Treads. We of course, passed the savings along to you! These stair parts are of the highest quality. They are made using color matched, Appalachian hardwoods with only 3 - 4 pieces per tread. They are solid 1 1/16″ thick hardwood, meaning no thin veneers on top. These treads should last more than a lifetime!

Here are some common questions and answers regarding stair treads:

Why aren’t stair treads made from one solid piece of wood?

A solid piece of hardwood is not stable and can move, shift, or warp when it looses or gains moisture, which can happen a lot if areas of the world that have drastically different seasons. Using smaller pieces of wood, and bonding them together using an adhesive adds a considerable amount of dimensional stability.

What do you for stair treads if the stairs have an exposed side?

You have two options, the first is to use a “round over” router bit to round the side yourself. Use multiple passes, cutting a little each time, for the best results.

The second option is to purchase a linear foot of Stair Tread Return (Image on Right). This is a piece of solid hardwood that has the same rounded profile as the front of the tread. The tread is cut in on a 45 degree angle, then straight back, usually using a jigsaw. Then sanded smooth, and the return can be glued and nailed on, or secured using a biscuit joint, or other tool like the Festool Domino Joiner.

How do I replace old stair treads?

A great tool is a stair jig, which you use to measure the old stair tread’s exact dimensions. Just adjust the guides to fit the tread, tighten the knobs, and you have your measurement. Take it over to the new tread, trace it out and start cutting!

How should I sand stair treads?

Traditionally most flooring contractors have used their edgers to sand stairs. I’ve used palm sanders and my awesome Festool Rotex Sander also. Which ever you use, you want to match the final sanding grit to what you did on your floor. This way, the stain and finish sheens will be a closer match.

When using an edger, a lot of contractors use (or make) a stair tread extension. This incredible invention sits on the tread below you are sanding, with it’s adjustable feet set to make it the correct height. This helps keep the wheels of the sander flat, and gives you a level, even surface to help you sand easily and speedily!

I could go on and on, but I will stop here. Let me know in the comments below if there is anything I should add, or if you have more questions!