Remove Old Stair Components

What happens in this clip

Carefully remove the existing stair treads and risers from the staircase. This process likely involves prying them up or unscrewing them from the stringers. The goal is to strip the staircase down to its basic framing to prepare for the new installations. Ensure all nails, screws, and debris are cleared from the stringers.

Goal: Begin the staircase renovation by carefully demolishing and removing all existing treads and risers to expose the underlying stringer structure.

What's used

Tools

• Hammer
• Pry Bar
• Utility Knife

About the full video

This project details the process of renovating an existing staircase by removing old treads and risers, installing new wooden ones, securing them with adhesive and fasteners, sanding the new surfaces, and applying a protective clear finish. This video does not feature a spiral staircase assembly with a central pole, but rather the installation and finishing of straight wooden stair treads and risers.

Step 1 of 6: Remove Old Treads and Risers

Begin by removing any carpet or other floor covering from the treads. Use a pry bar and hammer to carefully loosen and remove the old treads. Work from the front edge of each tread, prying upwards to detach it from the riser and stringer. If the risers are also being replaced, remove them after the treads are off. For stubborn treads, you may need to cut through any nails or adhesive with a reciprocating saw. Ensure you are working safely, wearing appropriate safety gear.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Modernize a Dated Staircase with Rails, Lights and Treads

1. Step 1: Remove Old Treads and Risers

   • 1:39–2:35 Cut Tread Fasteners & Remove Old Treads
   • 0:01–0:09 Remove Old Carpet and Treads
   • 0:05–0:08 Remove Old Stair Components (this video)

2. Step 2: Inspect and Repair Staircase Structure

   • 0:00–0:13 Assess Existing Stairs and Planning
   • 0:09–0:14 Repair and Prepare Stair Structure
   • 3:59–6:57 Replace Damaged Stair Treads or Risers

3. Step 3: Install New Treads and Risers

   • 6:45–8:03 Install New Treads and Secure with Shims/Glue/Nails
   • 9:53 Install New Treads
   • 0:06–0:09 Install Treads and Risers

4. Step 4: Install New Balusters and Handrails

   • 5:36–6:05 Install Balusters and Handrail
   • 0:23–0:31 Install Oak Handrails and Metal Balusters
   • 3:35–4:17 Install Balusters and Fillets

5. Step 5: Sand and Finish Treads and Handrails

   • 0:20–0:25 Sand and Finish Treads
   • 0:37–0:45 Sanding the Stairs for Smoothness
   • 0:15–0:17 Sand the Stairs

6. Step 6: Install Stair Lighting (Optional)

   • 0:01–0:04 Apply LED Strip Lights to Treads
   • 7:31–9:55 Install LED Lighting and Treads
   • 0:00–0:19 Install Flexible LED Strip Lighting