Sand Stair Treads and Risers

What happens in this clip

Using an orbital sander equipped with a vacuum attachment, begin sanding the stair treads with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and smooth the surface. Follow this with a second pass using 220-grit sandpaper for a finer finish. Manually sand the edges of the treads and risers with 220-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to ensure all surfaces are smooth and ready for primer. The vacuum attachment on the sander helps to minimize dust in the work area.

Goal: Sand the stair treads and risers, starting with 120-grit for initial smoothing, then finishing with 220-grit for a fine, paint-ready surface. Pay attention to sanding the edges thoroughly.

What's used

Tools

• 120-grit Sandpaper
• 220-grit Sandpaper
• Orbital Sander
• Sanding Sponge
• Vacuum Attachment (for sander)

About the full video

This video details the process of preparing, priming, and applying the first coat of paint to wooden staircase treads, risers, handrails, and newel posts. The goal is to create a durable, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean finish, suitable for high-traffic areas and eventual addition of a runner. The process emphasizes proper sanding, choice of oil-based primer for wood, and specialized paints for different components of the staircase.

Step 2 of 5: Sand the Stair Treads

Using medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120-grit), sand each tread. The goal is not to remove a significant amount of wood, but to scuff the surface lightly. This will open the pores of the wood, allowing for better penetration and adhesion of paints, sealers, or adhesives. After sanding, vacuum up all the dust. You can also wipe down the treads with a tack cloth to ensure all fine dust particles are removed.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Make Oak Stairs Less Slippery

1. Step 1: Clean the Oak Stair Treads

   • 0:03–0:07 Prepare and Clean Stairs
   • 0:45–0:50 Scrub and Agitate the Wood Surface
   • 0:35–0:44 Apply Wood Cleaner to Stairs

2. Step 2: Sand the Stair Treads

   • 2:06–2:52 Sand Stair Treads and Risers (this video)
   • 1:01–1:17 Sand Stair Treads
   • 1:05–1:18 Vacuum Dust and Perform Fine Sanding

3. Step 3: Apply Anti-Slip Coating

   • 0:46–0:59 Spray Clear Anti-Slip Coating
   • 0:11–0:25 Apply First Coat of Non-Slip Spray
   • 2:27–3:10 Apply Paint to Stairs

4. Step 4: Apply Anti-Slip Tape or Strips

   • 1:12–1:19 Prepare Steps and Apply Non-Skid Strips
   • 0:02–0:06 Apply Anti-Slip Strip
   • 1:14–1:23 Apply Non-Skid Strips to Steps

5. Step 5: Install Anti-Slip Treads or Risers

   • 0:18–0:37 Install Lower Stair Treads and Risers