Measure and Mark Tread and Nosing

What happens in this clip

With the riser confirmed, proceed to measure the stair tread. Use the stair tread templating tool to get precise measurements. When marking the flooring, remember that the stair nosing will line up with the front edge of the tread. Position the nosing and the flooring piece together as they will be installed and trace the template onto both simultaneously. This ensures the angles and length match perfectly across both components. Remember that each side of the stair tread may have a different angle.

Goal: Obtain accurate measurements for both the stair tread and matching nosing.

What's used

Tools

• Marker
• Scribe
• Stair Tread Templating Tool Unbranded
• Measuring tape and angle finder

Materials

• Engineered Hardwood Flooring Florette Silverline (Anzo color)
• Stair Nosing Florette (Anzo color)

About the full video

This DIY project provides a step-by-step guide to installing engineered hardwood flooring and matching stair nosing on existing stairs. The process involves precise measurement and cutting of flooring pieces, removal of unnecessary grooves, dry fitting for accuracy, and finally, gluing down the risers, treads, and nosing, securing them with brad nails and finishing with a wax crayon.

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 (this video)
   • 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

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