Final Touches and Cleanup

What happens in this clip

With all the new oak treads installed, inspect the stairs for any visible nail holes or imperfections. Use wood putty to fill nail holes and touch up any areas on the risers or stringers that may have been scuffed or scratched during installation. The final result should be a beautiful, sturdy staircase with stained oak treads and clean, painted risers.

Goal: Complete the installation and ensure a finished appearance

What's used

Tools

• Small Paintbrush
• Small Putty Knife

Materials

• White Paint (for risers)
• Wood Putty

About the full video

This project details the process of transforming carpeted stairs into elegant hardwood stairs by replacing existing carpet and underlayment with new oak treads. The process involves removing old flooring, preparing and painting risers, custom-cutting and staining new oak treads, and finally installing them using adhesive and finishing nails.

Step 8 of 9: Inspect and Repair Stairs

Examine the wood treads and risers for any gouges, splinters, or loose boards. Fill any minor holes or imperfections with wood filler. Address any loose boards by securing them with screws or nails, ensuring they are flush with the surface.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Remove Old Carpet from Stairs

1. Step 1: Secure the Area

   • 0:55–1:00 Prepare and Protect Adjacent Areas
   • 0:55–1:00 Seal Off Entryways
   • 0:26–0:34 Mask and Protect Surrounding Areas

2. Step 2: Loosen Carpet Edges

   • 0:58–1:33 Loosen Carpet from Tack Strips
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

3. Step 3: Pull Carpet Up and Away

   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet
   • 0:58–3:40 Cut and Remove Main Carpet Sections
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

4. Step 4: Remove Carpet Backing

   • 3:40–4:20 Remove Carpet Underpad
   • 0:02–0:09 Remove Carpet and Padding
   • 0:40–1:09 Remove Carpet Pad and Tack Strips

5. Step 5: Remove Padding

   • 2:46–3:43 Remove Carpet Padding
   • 1:00–1:25 Remove Carpet Pad
   • 1:33–1:40 Remove Carpet Padding

6. Step 6: Remove Tack Strips

   • 4:56–5:35 Remove Tack Strips
   • 0:31–0:55 Remove Tack Strips and Staples
   • 1:02–1:12 Remove Tack Strips

7. Step 7: Clean Stair Treads and Risers

   • 0:14–0:23 Initial Cleanup and Debris Removal
   • 0:23–0:26 Clean and Prepare Stairs for Finishing
   • 1:49–2:08 Clean Up Debris

8. Step 8: Inspect and Repair Stairs

   • 0:55–1:21 Apply Wood Filler to Blemishes
   • 7:20–7:30 Final Touches and Cleanup (this video)
   • 0:07–0:25 Inspect and Fill Imperfections

9. Step 9: Dispose of Materials

   • 1:07–1:12 Bag Carpet Sections
   • 7:37–8:39 Roll Padding with Tack Strips for Disposal
   • 3:46–3:50 Dispose of Carpet Debris