Cut & Sand New Treads

What happens in this clip

Measure the dimensions of each stair tread accurately. Use a table saw or circular saw to cut new wooden boards to these precise measurements. Once cut, thoroughly sand each new tread piece, starting with a coarser grit and finishing with a finer grit (e.g., 220-grit) to achieve a perfectly smooth surface for optimal stain application.

Goal: Cut new wooden boards to the appropriate size for each stair tread and sand them smooth in preparation for staining.

What's used

Tools

• Measuring Tape
• Orbital Sander
• Table Saw / Circular Saw

Materials

• Sandpaper
• Wood Boards

About the full video

This project guides you through renovating carpeted stairs into a modern look with stained wooden treads and painted white risers. It covers removing old carpet, preparing the existing structure, cutting and staining new wood treads, installing them, and reinstalling the railing for a complete transformation.

Step 4 of 8: Prepare Tread Surfaces

After cutting, thoroughly sand each new tread. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (e.g., 80-100 grit) to remove any saw marks or rough edges, then progress to a finer grit (e.g., 150-220 grit) for a smooth finish. Vacuum or wipe down each tread to remove all dust. This preparation is crucial for proper adhesion of any finishes and for a clean appearance.

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 (this video)

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