How to Install Hard Wood Steps

Hardwood steps provide an attractive covering for any staircase. The overall installation is a relatively easy project requiring a few different tools to accommodate the hardwood stair installation. Using a combination of glue-down and screw-down fastening techniques, a hardwood stair installation will remain securely in place under the highest traffic demands. Most DIY installers have the skills to complete the project.

Things You'll Need

• Sawhorses
• Hammer
• Nail set
• Electric hand sander (60, 80, and 100 grit sandpaper)
• Miter Saw
• Tapping block
• Tape measure
• Angle finder
• Liquid nail
• Riser finish wood
• Tread Hardwood
• Pneumatic finish nailer
• Pneumatic finish nails
• Cordless, variable speed drill
• #2 square head faster bit
• #2 square head finish screw
• Pilot bit

Instructions

1. Set up saw horses. If stair risers are to be painted, prep boards by sanding with 100 grit paper, remove dust, and apply primer coat while full riser boards lay across the saw horses to facilitate faster application of the finish coats. Allow to dry. If not painting, continue to Step 2.

2. Clean the steps of any foreign debris. Scrape up drywall mud and set nails above tread surface.

3. Prep the surface of each tread using the hand sander and go grit sandpaper to remove remnants of any paint and drywall mud. Clean the surface of stair treads.

4. Measure the length and height of the bottom riser to ensure flush fit. Use angle finder against the walls to ensure proper angle on riser, if walls are not square. Use the miter saw and make the necessary cuts. Once cut, install the bottom riser by placing liquid nail on the riser board where it contacts wood when nailed in place. Nail securely using finish nails.

5. Use the angle finder against the walls to find the right angle, if the walls are not square. For hardwood installations, be sure to have a flush cut along all areas where walls and wood meet. The installation looks professional. Cut the tread board. Verify a satisfactory fit.

6. Lay the board out on the saw hoses. Mark the pilot marks for the pilot holes. Over open stringers, the stringer dictates placement of screws. Over subfloor covered stairs, a uniform design of the installer's choosing is satisfactory. Usually there should be six pilot holes in total for the look, as if there were three stringers with two fasteners in each stringer. Use the same measurements on each subsequent tread for a uniform look. Drill the pilot holes.

7. Ensure a good bead of liquid nail is applied between the tread and the subfloor/stringer. Install the tread using the finish screws. Immediately wipe any glue that seeps onto the surface of the riser or tread.

8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 for each subsequent step.

9. Use wood filler or wood plugs to fill screw holes. Apply finish coats of paint to each riser. Sand entire surface of each stair tread using 80 grit paper. Refill screw holes with filler, if needed. Sand entire surface of stair treads using 80 grit paper. Hardwood stairs are ready for stain and urethane finish coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Patience is a virtue. Take your time.

• Double check your measurements.

• Do not force boards into place. Cut the boards to fit properly.

• Be careful using power tools. Improper use can cause injury or death.

• Clean up glue as you go. It is much easier when it is still wet.

Resources

• HardwoodInstaller.com; The Internet Consumer Guide to Hardwood Floors