Apply Finish & Clean Up

What happens in this clip

After all the retro treads, risers, and cove moldings are successfully installed, the final step involves addressing any visible imperfections to achieve a polished look. Use pre-finished touch-up sticks, selected to match the color and grain of your new treads, to fill any small nail holes and minor chips. Gently rub the stick over the imperfection, then carefully wipe away any excess with a soft cloth or a finger to blend it seamlessly into the surface. Additionally, any remaining small gaps where the new elements meet the skirt boards or other adjacent surfaces can be filled with caulk and painted as necessary. The pre-finished nature of the treads ensures they are ready to be walked on immediately upon installation, offering a durable and long-lasting finish designed to withstand years of use.

Goal: Achieve a polished and durable finished staircase.

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun
• Paintbrush
• Pre-finished Touch-up Stick
• Colored wax filler
• Soft Cloth

Materials

• Caulk
• Touch-up Paint

About the full video

This project guides you through the process of renovating an old carpeted staircase into a modern, pre-finished wooden one. It involves removing the old carpet, preparing the existing subtreads and risers, precisely measuring and cutting new pre-finished retro risers and treads, installing them with adhesive and nails, and finally adding decorative cove molding and performing touch-ups for a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Step 8 of 8: Fill Screw Holes and Finish

Once all treads are securely fastened, fill the countersunk screw holes with wood filler or putty. Allow the filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sand the filled areas smooth, ensuring they are flush with the tread surface. Then, apply your desired finish (stain, paint, or sealant) to the new treads and any new risers. Follow the product's instructions for application and drying times.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Treads on Stairs with a Mid-Stair Landing

1. Step 1: Assess Existing Stair Treads

   • 0:00–0:13 Assess Existing Stairs and Planning
   • 0:01–0:04 Remove Stair Covering
   • 0:00–0:56 Assess and Remove Old Stair Treads

2. Step 2: Measure and Template Treads

   • 0:55–1:13 Measure and Mark Tread and Nosing
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 0:29–0:45 Mark and Cut New Stair Treads

3. Step 3: Cut New Stair Treads

   • 1:16–2:13 Measure and Cut New Stair Treads
   • 4:34–5:55 Measure and Cut Treads
   • 2:07–2:42 Mark and Cut Your Treads

4. Step 4: Prepare Tread Surfaces

   • 0:51–0:57 Strip Old Finish from Tread Surfaces
   • 2:06–2:59 Sand Solid Oak Treads
   • 0:33–0:39 Cut & Sand New Treads

5. Step 5: Test Fit New Treads

   • 2:13–2:35 Test Fit and Adjust Treads
   • 1:35–1:41 Dry Fit Tread and Nosing
   • 19:07–19:52 Dry-Fit and Test Treads

6. Step 6: Apply Adhesive and Fasten Treads

   • 2:32–3:28 Install First Tread and Riser
   • 1:24–1:35 Apply Adhesive and Install Treads
   • 9:53 Install New Treads

7. Step 7: Install Risers (if applicable)

   • 1:24–2:00 Install Risers
   • 0:04–0:08 Measure, Cut, and Install New Risers
   • 3:28–6:52 Install Remaining Treads and Risers

8. Step 8: Fill Screw Holes and Finish

   • 4:25–4:47 Fill Gaps and Nail Holes
   • 5:31–6:06 Apply Finish & Clean Up (this video)
   • 1:28–1:50 Clean Up and Finish