Clean Up and Finish

What happens in this clip

Continue repeating the process of installing risers and treads, moving upwards until all stairs are completed. Once all components are installed, thoroughly clean the steps. Next, use color-coordinating nail putty to fill in all the nail holes on both the risers and treads, ensuring a smooth finish. Finally, fill the expansion gaps left on the sides of the treads with caulk (for white stairs) or clear silicone (for other colors). After all finishing steps, it is crucial to stay off the stairs for 24 to 48 hours to allow sufficient time for the glue and sealants to fully dry and cure.

Goal: Complete the installation by cleaning, filling holes, sealing gaps, and allowing drying time.

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun
• Cleaning Rag

Materials

• Caulk
• Clear Silicone
• Nail Putty

About the full video

This project provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for installing performance accessory stair treads. It covers preparing the work area, measuring and cutting treads, applying polyurethane adhesive, securing the risers and treads with finishing nails, and finishing with nail putty, caulk, or silicone.

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
   • 1:28–1:50 Clean Up and Finish (this video)