Dry Fit Tread and Nosing

What happens in this clip

Once the stair tread and nosing pieces are cut, bring them back to the stairs for a dry fit. Place them into their final positions without adhesive to ensure all cuts are perfect and the pieces fit snugly against the riser and along the stair's edges. Make any necessary micro-adjustments at this stage.

Goal: Verify the perfect fit of the stair tread and nosing before permanent installation.

What's used

Tools

• Engineered Hardwood Flooring Florette Silverline (Anzo color)
• Stair Nosing Florette (Anzo color)

About the full video

This DIY project provides a step-by-step guide to installing engineered hardwood flooring and matching stair nosing on existing stairs. The process involves precise measurement and cutting of flooring pieces, removal of unnecessary grooves, dry fitting for accuracy, and finally, gluing down the risers, treads, and nosing, securing them with brad nails and finishing with a wax crayon.

Step 5 of 8: Test Fit New Treads

Before permanently fastening, place each newly cut and sanded tread onto its intended stair. Ensure it sits flush against the riser and any adjacent walls or stringers. Check for any gaps or overhangs. Minor adjustments can be made by carefully trimming edges with a sander or a fine-toothed saw. This step prevents costly mistakes and ensures a professional finish.

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 (this video)
   • 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