Install LED Lighting and Treads

What happens in this clip

For each wooden stair tread, a custom dado (groove) is routed into its underside by the manufacturer to house the LED lighting. This step involves installing the LED strip lights into these routed channels. First, an aluminum LED track is placed into the dado and secured with screws. The LED strip itself is then adhered into this track. The individual wires from the stringer are soldered to the LED strip, and the connection is reinforced and insulated using a hot glue gun. A diffusion cover is then snapped into the aluminum track, covering the LED strip and providing a smooth, even light. Finally, the prepared tread is carefully lifted onto its corresponding bracket on the stringer, and secured from underneath using screws provided by the manufacturer. Throughout this process, moving blankets are used to protect the finished wooden treads from scratches and damage.

Goal: Integrate LED strips into each wooden stair tread and install the treads onto the stringer.

What's used

Tools

• Aluminum LED Track
• Hot Glue Gun
• LED Strip Lights
• Level
• Moving Blankets
• Screwdriver/Drill
• Soldering Iron
• Wire Strippers
• Wooden Stair Treads

Materials

• Solder

About the full video

This project details the process of installing a custom-fabricated steel stringer floating staircase and integrating LED lighting into each wooden stair tread. It covers preparing the stringer for wiring, fabricating a custom winch system for safe installation, routing channels in the treads for LED strips, wiring the LEDs, and finally installing the illuminated treads for a seamless and visually striking finish.

Step 6 of 6: Install Stair Lighting (Optional)

Plan the placement of your LED strip lights. Typically, they are placed just above the riser on the tread nosing or along the stringer. Cut the LED strip to length as needed. Clean the surface where the lights will be adhered thoroughly. Adhere the LED strip lights, connecting them to their power source and transformer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure all wiring is neatly managed and secured, ideally concealed within the staircase structure or along its edges. Test the lights to ensure they function correctly.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Modernize a Dated Staircase with Rails, Lights and Treads

1. Step 1: Remove Old Treads and Risers

   • 1:39–2:35 Cut Tread Fasteners & Remove Old Treads
   • 0:01–0:09 Remove Old Carpet and Treads
   • 0:05–0:08 Remove Old Stair Components

2. Step 2: Inspect and Repair Staircase Structure

   • 0:00–0:13 Assess Existing Stairs and Planning
   • 0:09–0:14 Repair and Prepare Stair Structure
   • 3:59–6:57 Replace Damaged Stair Treads or Risers

3. Step 3: Install New Treads and Risers

   • 6:45–8:03 Install New Treads and Secure with Shims/Glue/Nails
   • 9:53 Install New Treads
   • 0:06–0:09 Install Treads and Risers

4. Step 4: Install New Balusters and Handrails

   • 5:36–6:05 Install Balusters and Handrail
   • 0:23–0:31 Install Oak Handrails and Metal Balusters
   • 3:35–4:17 Install Balusters and Fillets

5. Step 5: Sand and Finish Treads and Handrails

   • 0:20–0:25 Sand and Finish Treads
   • 0:37–0:45 Sanding the Stairs for Smoothness
   • 0:15–0:17 Sand the Stairs

6. Step 6: Install Stair Lighting (Optional)

   • 0:01–0:04 Apply LED Strip Lights to Treads
   • 7:31–9:55 Install LED Lighting and Treads (this video)
   • 0:00–0:19 Install Flexible LED Strip Lighting