Measure and Cut New Treads

What happens in this clip

Measure each stair tread individually from front to back and side to side, as stairs are rarely perfectly uniform. Cut the new hardwood treads to the precise dimensions of each step. Double-check all measurements before making cuts to ensure accuracy.

Goal: Prepare new hardwood treads to fit each stair.

What's used

Tools

• Pencil
• Safety Glasses
• Saw (e.g.
• Miter Saw
• Table Saw
• Jigsaw)
• Tape Measure

Materials

• New Wooden Treads

About the full video

This DIY project guides you through completely renovating old carpeted stairs by removing the old carpet, cutting off existing bullnoses, securing loose stairs, installing new hardwood treads and risers, and finally staining them for a polished look.

Step 1 of 6: Measure Stair Treads

Begin by measuring the depth of each stair tread from the nosing to the riser. Then, measure the width of each tread from one side to the other. Record these measurements carefully, as they will be used to cut the protective treads to size. It's crucial to measure each step individually, as stair dimensions can vary.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Protect Hardwood Stairs from Wear with Removable Treads

1. Step 1: Measure Stair Treads

   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 0:43–0:52 Measure and Cut New Treads (this video)
   • 0:41–1:06 Measure and Mark Treads

2. Step 2: Cut Tread Material

   • 0:19–0:22 Measure and Cut FastTread
   • 4:34–5:55 Measure and Cut Treads
   • 0:55–1:05 Measure and Cut First Tread

3. Step 3: Prepare Tread Edges (Optional)

   • 7:51–8:14 Round Over Edges and Sand Treads
   • 5:16–7:59 Round Over Tread Edges
   • 0:08–1:13 Prepare and Finish Wood Stair Treads

4. Step 4: Test Fit Treads

   • 2:13–2:35 Test Fit and Adjust Treads
   • 1:35–1:41 Dry Fit Tread and Nosing
   • 1:38–1:50 Dry-Fit Laminate Pieces to Each Tread

5. Step 5: Install Securing Mechanism

   • 3:25–4:32 Secure Treads to Stairs
   • 4:32–5:29 Finalize Tread Placement
   • 0:49–2:35 Install the Tread and Nosing Components

6. Step 6: Install Protective Treads

   • 0:20–0:37 Apply Stair Treads
   • 0:10–0:16 Install the Stair Treads
   • 0:59–2:07 Install First Stair Tread