Sand Solid Oak Treads

What happens in this clip

Each cut oak tread is then thoroughly sanded. The process starts with a 60-grit sandpaper to remove any major imperfections, followed by 120-grit, and finally 220-grit for a smooth finish. This multi-stage sanding ensures that the stain and finish will apply evenly and that no scratches or dents from handling will show through the final coating. The sanding is performed outdoors using a Festool orbital sander.

What's used

Tools

• 120-grit Sandpaper
• 220-grit Sandpaper
• 60-grit Sandpaper
• Festool Orbital Sander Festool

About the full video

This video demonstrates the comprehensive process of installing a custom solid oak staircase over an existing concrete structure, transforming it from a bare concrete stairwell into a finished, durable wooden staircase. The project involves cutting, sanding, staining, and finishing solid oak treads, installing a custom stringer and risers, and finally assembling the entire staircase and landing using strong adhesives due to the concrete substrate.

Step 4 of 8: Prepare Tread Surfaces

After cutting, thoroughly sand each new tread. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (e.g., 80-100 grit) to remove any saw marks or rough edges, then progress to a finer grit (e.g., 150-220 grit) for a smooth finish. Vacuum or wipe down each tread to remove all dust. This preparation is crucial for proper adhesion of any finishes and for a clean appearance.

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
   • 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 (this video)
   • 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