How to Replace Interior Stair Treads

Staircase with hardwood stair treads.

Over time, stair treads on the interior of your house get worn and damaged because of typical wear and tear. When this happens, it's time to replace them, refreshing the beauty and strength of your staircase. It's not necessary to replace every tread in the staircase if only a few are worn or damaged. Simply replace the damaged treads with the same type of wood to match the old treads.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level
• Circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Wood stain
• Paint brush
• Nails

Instructions

1. Slip the end of your pry bar under the front edge of the stair tread, and tap the other end with a hammer to work the pry bar under the tread. Lean on the end of the pry bar, prying the stair tread away from the stair stringers below.

2. Take the old stair tread to the home improvement store and purchase a piece of the same wood, slightly longer than the old stair tread. Also, purchase a wood stain needed to match the new wood to the existing stair treads.

3. Measure the old stair tread and mark the measurements on the new piece of wood, using a level as a straight edge. Cut the wood along the markings with your circular saw.

4. Mark a notch in the wood that allows it to fit around the banister's post. Cut the notch in the wood with a jigsaw. If your old stair tread didn't have a notch to accommodate a banister post, skip this step.

5. Paint or stain the new stair tread to match the old stair treads. Allow the stain to dry according to manufacturer's instructions.

6. Place the new stair tread on the staircase. Nail the new stair tread to the stair stringers below, using two or three nails for each stringer.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety goggles when using a circular saw.

References

• "Marie's Home Improvement Guide"; Marie L. Leonard; 2009