Mark and Cut New Stair Treads

What happens in this clip

Once a step's dimensions are captured by the templating tool, carefully place the adjusted tool onto the new stair tread material (e.g., solid wood tread). Use a pencil or scribe to trace the exact outline of the template onto the new tread, ensuring all angles and lengths are precisely marked. Then, using a table saw for straight cuts and a miter saw for angled cuts, carefully cut along the traced lines. This method ensures that each new stair tread will have a custom, tight fit against the walls and risers of the staircase.

Goal: Transfer the precise dimensions from the templating tool onto the new stair tread material and then make clean, accurate cuts using appropriate saws.

What's used

Tools

• Miter Saw
• Orbital Sander
• Pencil / Scribe
• Stair Tread Templating Tool
• Table Saw

Materials

• New Stair Tread Material

About the full video

This video demonstrates a professional method for installing new stair treads by using a specialized stair tread templating tool to achieve precise, custom cuts for each step, ensuring a clean and tight fit.

Step 2 of 8: Measure and Template Treads

Measure the depth from the front edge of the tread to the face of the riser, and the width of the tread from wall to wall (or from open side to wall). For treads that are not perfectly square, create a cardboard template by tracing the exact shape of the existing tread. This is especially important for staircases with angled or winding treads. Ensure measurements are taken consistently for all treads.

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 (this video)

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

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