How to install stair treads over existing stairs? (2024)

Can you put stair treads over existing stairs?

This entry was posted on May 2, 2021 by alexander mathis. Stair projects can be difficult. But they don't have to be! If you want to give your stairs a bit of a makeover, there's an easy way to do it by installing stair treads over existing flights of stairs.

How do you cover old stairs?

Should stair treads be nailed or glued?

Don't fasten treads and or risers with only nails or staples. The adhesive is much more important than the fasteners. There will be times when fastening may be limited, so a good adhesive is critical.

What is the maximum overhang for stair treads?

The nosing on treads, believe it or not, has a code minimum and maximum of how far the nosing projects over the next stair. Nosings are required to overhang a minimum of ¾-in. to a maximum of 1-¼-in. Also the maximum nosing radius cannot exceed 9/16 of an inch.

How can I make my old wooden stairs look better?

How can I make my stairs better for elderly?

How much does it cost to install retrofit stair treads?

On average, the cost of installing treads and risers can range from $5,000 to $8,000.

What is the difference between standard and retrofit stair treads?

Our stair treads come in two varieties, Standard or Retrofit. Standard Stair Treads are boards that replace previous Stair Treads entirely, requiring removal of any previous Stair Treads. Standard stair treads are a full 1" thick. Retrofit Stair Treads, also known as Retreads, are made to fit over your existing stairs.

How much does it cost to put treads on stairs?

An average cost of prefinished 12 treads and 13 risers can range from $800-$1,000. If you are using the primed white risers the cost of the stair install will typically be closer to $800 whereas if you were to use matching red oak risers the cost will be closer to the $1,000 range.

What is a good thickness for stair treads?

Should you caulk between stair treads and risers?

Caulking truly gives a project like this a finished, professional look to it and is a necessary step if you want to be sure your stairs look nice.

Is Liquid nails good for stair treads?

LIQUID NAILS^® Cove Base & Stair Tread Adhesive, (CB-10), is a water-resistant, latex-based construction adhesive. It offers quick initial grab without bracing. CB-10 is designed specifically to bond vinyl or rubber cove base and stair treads.

What is the best adhesive for stair treads?

What is the Best Adhesive for Stair Nosing? Your main options for specific adhesives are going to be products like Sikaflex, PL Premium, or Gorilla Glue. Make sure that the glue you use is specifically designed to work on the surface type of both your stairs and your stair nose.

Can you screw down stair treads?

The best method of securing the treads to the risers is to screw them down. Normally, three screws per tread are more than sufficient. Before mounting the screws, you will need to pre drill holes through the tread level with the riser.

Can you just glue stair treads down?

Modern adhesive technology allows for the installation of stair treads without having to drill holes for screws or hammer nails into the surface. Over time, the staircase will shift as the house settles and nails can work themselves loose, not only leaving an unsightly hole but also creating a safety hazard.

Is nosing required on stairs?

Basically, you cannot build a staircase without nosing – this is the name given to the very edge of the treads, where we most often place our feet as we walk up and down the steps.

Why is nosing required on stairs?

Since the stair nosing is where people step on the stair, it is the part that tends to wear out first. With stair nosings, you can prevent the problem of worn stairs. You are also helping to prevent the problem of slips and falls because of the anti-slip features that stair nosings provide.

What is a standard stair tread size?

Most stair treads measure between 8 and 10 inches long, with longer treads being used on larger staircases. Nine-inch stair treads are the most common lengths. To determine the length you need, simply measure from the back of the step to the front of the step.

How do you make stairs look modern?

You can really get creative with your stairs to make them more interesting, paint for example is a great option – paint each step a different color so they start light and get darker as you go up. You can add wallpaper and tiles to the risers so each one has a pattern.

Can I use plywood for stair treads?

In some cases, boxed-in stairs that are covered with carpet or flooring tile have treads made from plywood instead of hardwood. If you pulled up the carpet or tiles and discovered a tread that's water-damaged or weak, you can replace it with a new tread that's cut from a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood.

What color looks best on wooden stairs?

Wooden stairs look great with one or two colours, so experiment with both. You may want to go with a two-tone white/blue or a white/beige combination for the stair treads and risers for a cool, neutral finish. Alternatively, block white or wood colours look great when combined with accent stair runners and rods.

What is best to use on wooden stairs?

We suggest using one of the following: Wood Oil –the most common preservers for wooden stairs and just a couple of coats can last for years. When you apply the oil, the woods pores soak it up which helps reduce how much water is absorbed, preventing the wood from rotting and keeping it strong.

What is the safest covering for stairs?

Out of all the options on our list, carpet is by far the safest type of flooring for stairs. A carpeted staircase with short, dense fibers can do a lot for your home. The shorter fibers are more durable and can weather heavy foot traffic while still feeling soft and comfortable underfoot.

What height stairs for seniors?

In general, it is recommended that steps for seniors should have a rise (height from one step to the next) of between 4 and 6 inches with an 8-inch tread or depth. This size provides enough surface area for seniors to get a good grip and balance while climbing the stairs.

At what age do people have difficulty with stairs?

You may be surprised to read that 60 is the age when many activities become more difficult to do. If you're in the age range 60 and above and you're finding activities like walking or climbing up the stairs difficult you certainly aren't alone.

Are stair treads worth it?

Stair treads are a popular, cost-effective way to make staircases safer. Depending on the material, they usually cost between $10 and $200. Each type of stair tread comes in different styles and colors. If your home has wood flooring, consider additional tread styles that won't damage your floor.

Can I replace just the stair treads?

Damage to treads are rare and are normally limited to split or broken nosings. Damaged treads can be repaired or replaced based on how your staircase is constructed. This depends on the type of string you have, either a cut string ora closed string (see staircase glossary inour information hub).

Should stair treads have a slope?

For outdoor stairways, treads must be slightly sloped so water will not accumulate on the stairs. Install a 1% slope (1/8 inch per foot) to ensure water runoff but do not exceed the maximum allowable slope of 2% (1/4 inch per foot) in any direction.

How long does it take to install stair treads?

Prefinished stair treads spare you the trouble of procuring the wood, cutting and gluing-up your own hardwoods, and sanding and staining the treads. In other words, half the work is done for you, so installation takes only about 15 minutes per tread.

How much is labor to install vinyl stair treads?

Sheet Vinyl: Average Cost – $2.50 per square foot or about $10 per stair tread. Installation Cost: Pro installation will range between $50 and $80 per stair. The average cost for material and professional installation for sheet vinyl is around $60 to $90 per stair.

How many treads do I need for stairs?

You divide the height by 7 inches; if, say, the floor-to-floor distance is 8 feet, 10 inches (or 106 inches), then you'll need 15 treads (106 divided by 7 equals 15.14).

Can you use a 2x10 for stair treads?

The maximum 18-inch spacing works well with treads made of 2x boards or 5/4-inch boards. The rough-framed stair stringers made from solid wood lumber are often made of 2x10-inch or 2x12-inch dimensional lumber boards.

What is a comfortable stair tread width?

With a riser height of 7 1/2 inches, tread width (run) should be at least 9 inches. Ten inches is a more comfortable run; when you multiply 7 1/2 inches by 10 inches, you get 75 -- within the conventional ratio of 72 to 75 inches. With 14 10-inch treads, the total run of the stair will be 140 inches.

What size stair tread is comfortable?

Rule one says that rise plus run (r+R) should equal 18 inches. Why? That's what most people find to be a comfortable stride on most stairs. You can cheat a bit up or down, but below 17” and more than 19” will result in steps that require strides either too big or too small for most people.

Do stair treads need an overhang?

The stair nosing can provide extra safety to your staircase. It overhangs the top of the tread and provides extra space for you to step on. It also helps protect the edge of your treads from getting damaged and wearing down over time.

Do stair treads need expansion gap?

Dry fit the tread and the nosing to make sure they fit. There should be a 1/4-inch expansion gap between each end of the tread and nosing and the walls. The expansion gap isn't necessary on the riser -- it can be an exact fit.

How do you hide the gap between tread and riser?

If the gaps are not too severe, consider using colored caulk to cover them. This type of repair has one advantage: It's pliable enough to move with the steps. If the treads and risers continue to move, the caulking will move with it. It can also help to deaden squeaks and creaking noises.

How do you stick stair treads to stairs?

You can use a variety of adhesives to attach your stair treads to your steps, including double-sided tape, Velcro, tacks or glue. Most people like to use double-sided tape because of its convenience. You simply turn over your stair treads and apply double-sided tape along the edges on the reverse side.

Can you alter an existing staircase?

“Relocating a staircase in its entirety is usually considered as a last resort, as it's just too disruptive and can be a costly exercise. But the staircase handrail and balustrading can be replaced fairly easily, resulting in a visual transformation.”

Are stair treads a good idea?

Stair treads aren't only great at improving safety, but they also protect the stairs from the daily traffic. They minimize the scuffs, scratches and stains that mar the surface. They take the brunt of the wear and tear and prolong the lifespan of your stairs, therefore, minimizing your maintenance costs.

How deep do stair treads need to be?

There are also section codes in place for standard stair tread dimensions. The tread depth code for residential stairs should be no less than 10 inches with nosing, no less than 11 inches without nosing, and maximum tread depth variation should also be less than 3/8 of an inch.

What do you need to install stair treads?

What is the difference between retrofit and regular stair tread?

Our stair treads come in two varieties, Standard or Retrofit. Standard Stair Treads are boards that replace previous Stair Treads entirely, requiring removal of any previous Stair Treads. Standard stair treads are a full 1" thick. Retrofit Stair Treads, also known as Retreads, are made to fit over your existing stairs.

Is it expensive to reconfigure stairs?

The cost to remodel a staircase can range anywhere from $250 to $30,000, depending on the type of remodel. But most homeowners will pay around $1,500. Meanwhile, replacing a staircase usually costs between $1,000 and $10,000, with an average cost of around $2,300.

What is the best material for stair treads?

For stair treads made of manmade materials, nylon is a top choice. Though a premium manmade material, it often costs less than premium natural materials such as wool. This material boasts several benefits. It's very easy to spot clean or vacuum.

What do stair treads sit on?

A stringer is the support board that runs along each side of the staircase. The treads and risers are fixed into the stringer or stringer board.