Install New Treads

What happens in this clip

Apply a generous bead of construction adhesive (such as Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive) to the top edges of the stringers and along the front edge of the riser where the new tread will sit. The adhesive acts as both a strong bond and a lubricant, helping the tread slide into place. Carefully lower each custom-cut tread into its position, ensuring the rabbet joint on the back of the tread slides into the dado on the riser below it. Push the tread firmly against the riser and down onto the stringers. Use a hammer to gently tap the tread into its final, tight position if necessary. Finally, use a finish nail gun with 2 1/2-inch (8-penny) finish nails to secure the treads, driving nails through the top surface into the stringers. This combination of adhesive and nails ensures a strong, squeak-free installation.

Goal: Apply construction adhesive to the stringers and risers, then carefully install the new treads, ensuring they fit tightly into the dado joints, and secure them with a nail gun.

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun
• Finish Nail Gun

Materials

• 2 1/2-inch Finish Nails Senco
• Construction Adhesive Gorilla Glue

About the full video

This video provides detailed instructions on how to update an old, noisy, and discolored oak staircase by replacing the worn treads and resurfacing the risers. The process involves carefully disassembling the existing stairs, preparing the structural components, custom-cutting new oak treads to fit irregular spaces, and applying an oak veneer to the risers for a refreshed, modern look. The project focuses on improving aesthetics, reducing noise, and extending the lifespan of the staircase.

Step 6 of 8: Apply Adhesive and Fasten Treads

Apply a generous bead of high-quality construction adhesive along the top surface of the existing stair substrate, ensuring full coverage. Carefully place the new tread onto the adhesive. For added security, fasten the tread from the top using wood screws. Predrill pilot holes to prevent splitting the wood, and countersink the screw heads so they can be filled later. If you have access from below, you can also use screws driven upwards into the tread, or specialized angle brackets.

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 (this video)

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