How to Replace Carpeted Stairs With Wood

Beneath every set of carpeted stairs there lies a set of wooden stairs ready to be revealed. Many people prefer wooden stairs for their elegant and classy look, as well as easier cleaning. Transitioning from wood to carpet is usually a matter of removing all of the carpet and installing hardwood treads. With a little time and effort, you can have the wooden stairs you've dreamed of.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Sandpaper
• Broom
• Power saw
• Plywood
• Hardwood
• Square ruler
• Cardboard
• Paintbrush
• Stain
• Polyurethane finish
• Construction glue
• Spiral finishing nails
• Wood plugs

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Instructions

Removing Carpet

1. Pull up all of the carpet and padding on your stairs. Remove all exposed nails, staples and nail strips using a hammer or pliers.

2. Remove all exposed nails, staples and nail strips with a hammer or pliers.

3. Remove adhesive with warm water and sanding. Sweep the steps clean.

Preparing Steps

1. Remove the nosing (overhanging lip on the front) of every step with a power saw.

2. Cover the side walls of the steps with 1/4-thick plywood that will match your new steps. Make a cardboard template first, using a square to measure the dimensions. Cut the plywood according to the template.

3. Cut rectangular pieces to cover the back of the each step, using the same plywood. Measure and fit each piece separately as every step may not be the same size. Number the stairs and pieces for easy installation later on.

4. Measure and fit each hardwood tread. Number each plank again, for easier installation later on.

5. Stain your wood if desired. Finish all of your step pieces with polyurethane coating. Allow it to dry for one or two days before installation.

Wood Installation

1. Start at the top of the stairs and work your way down. Install the the top riser, pushing it up tight against the vertical face of the step. Glue it in place and finish with a few nails.

2. Take your first tread piece, glue and install. Add a few 2 1/2-inch spiral finishing nails on the top face. Remove these once the glue has dried, and fill the holes with wood plugs.

3. Continue to install the riser and then hardwood tread on each step until the stairway is complete.

References

• Installing Hardwood Stairs

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish