Prepare and Plan Tread Placement

What happens in this clip

Begin by preparing your wooden staircase, ensuring it is clean and free of any dust, debris, or old adhesive residue. Take a pre-made stair tread and place it on each step to determine the proper fit and alignment. Use a measuring tape to note any necessary cuts for width or depth, accounting for the nose of the stair. It's often beneficial to dry-fit all treads before applying any adhesive to ensure a good layout, identify any custom cuts needed for irregular steps, and confirm the aesthetic arrangement.

Goal: Ensure proper fit and alignment of stair treads

What's used

Tools

• Measuring tape
• Yardstick
• Pencil
• Chalk
• Stair treads
• Vinyl planks
• Rubber treads

Pro tips for this step

• Oak Valley Designs Pro Tip: Ensure your nosing overhang is between ¾" and 1¼", and the bullnose radius is no more than ½" for a secure and stylish fit.

These safety tips are AI-generated and have not been verified by a professional. They may be incomplete or incorrect. Verify independently against manufacturer instructions and local codes, and consult a qualified professional before relying on them. This is not a substitute for professional advice.

About the full video

This project provides a step-by-step guide on how to install pre-made stair treads onto a wooden staircase. The process involves precise measurement and dry-fitting, cutting the treads to size, applying adhesive for secure bonding, and finally, fastening the treads with a staple gun to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Step 2 of 3: Confirm Overhang and Determine Ideal Tread Width for Safety and Style

It's time to confirm those critical dimensions for both safety and the perfect aesthetic. Double-check that the nosing overhang you just measured is comfortably within our recommended ¾-inch to 1¼-inch range. Additionally, ensure the rounded radius of your bullnose step doesn't exceed ½ inch. These specifications are vital for the secure and beautiful application of your Oak Valley Designs treads. To achieve that truly integrated, professional finish – the kind that looks like it was always meant to be there – you'll want your carpet treads to extend across the entire width of your step.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in how to measure bullnose stairs for carpet stair treads

1. Step 1: Precisely Measure the Depth Over Your Bullnose

   • 0:54–1:39 Measure Stair Tread Depth
   • 0:07–0:30 Measure Bullnose Edge Width
   • 0:00–0:11 Measure and Align First Stair Tread

2. Step 2: Confirm Overhang and Determine Ideal Tread Width for Safety and Style

   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width
   • 0:54–1:39 Measure Stair Tread Depth
   • 0:03–0:04 Prepare and Plan Tread Placement (this video)

3. Step 3: Fine-Tuning for Thickness and Tackling Unique Starter Steps

   • 0:09–0:21 Understand Measurement Types
   • 0:54–1:39 Measure Stair Tread Depth
   • 0:21–0:53 Measure Stair Tread Width