How to Cover Basement Stairs With Wood

Covering basement stairs with wood can be done soon after a staircase has been built or if the stairs need to be recovered. New wood can be installed to add decorative detail or as a covering if carpet is not going to be installed on the staircase. In order to cover your basement stairs with wood you will need to first measure the stairs before cutting and installing the new wood covering.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Table Saw
• Construction glue
• Finishing nails
• Nail gun or hammer
• Wood planks
• Wood filler

1. Measure each step to determine the dimensions that will be needed for the new wood covering. Use a tape measure to first find the width and depth of each tread.

2. Measure the dimension that will be needed for the new riser coverings. Use the tape measure to find the width and height for each step riser. The riser is the back cover for each step.

3. Cut individual planks of wood for each tread and riser for each step using a table saw. Use the tape measure to transfer the measurements to each plank and mark them with a pencil before cutting.

4. Clean the steps before installing the wood treads and risers to remove any dirt. You can use a broom or a vacuum to clean off the steps.

5. Dry fit each tread and riser to make sure they fit correctly before attaching them to the staircase.

6. Apply wood glue to the back of the first tread and insert it in place. Use finishing nails and a nail gun or hammer to secure the wood to the stair.

7. Apply wood glue to the back of the first riser and then insert it in place. Use finishing nails to secure the riser to the step.

8. Add each tread and riser until each piece has been installed and secured to the staircase.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry fitting each piece will allow you to make any corrections that are necessary if a tread or riser does not fit correctly.Wood filler can be purchased in sticks to cover up finishing nails. Wood planks can come already finished or may require applying polyurethane.
• Construction glue that is not applied evenly will need to be spread out before installing the piece of wood. Incorrect measurements may require cutting a new tread or riser.

References

• How to Install Solid Wood Stairs
• Refacing Basement Stairs in Solid Wood