Measure and Cut Treads

What happens in this clip

After the risers are installed, measure the depth and length of each individual stair tread. According to these measurements, cut your new hardwood treads. It's crucial to be accurate, as even small errors can lead to visible gaps. You may need to make slight adjustments to ensure a gap-free fit. A track saw, set at a 5-degree angle as demonstrated, can be particularly useful for making precise, straight cuts.

Goal: Prepare and cut new hardwood treads to fit each step precisely.

What's used

Tools

• Miter Saw Bosch
• Table saw
• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Track Saw Makita
• long straight cuts on treads.

Materials

• Hardwood Tread Blanks

About the full video

This project transforms a carpeted staircase into a modern hardwood staircase by replacing old carpet, installing new wooden treads and risers, and updating the railing with metal balusters. The process involves extensive demolition, precise measurement and cutting, careful installation of new wooden components, and fitting the new metal balusters.

Step 2 of 6: Cut Tread Material

Using the measurements obtained in the previous step, carefully cut your chosen tread material (e.g., plywood, laminate, or specialized tread material) to the precise depth and width for each stair. For a professional finish, consider cutting the material so it fits just shy of the riser, leaving a small gap at the back. If you are cutting a material that requires a specific blade type for a clean cut, ensure you use the correct blade. For example, a fine-tooth blade is recommended for plywood to minimize tear-out.

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
   • 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 (this video)
   • 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