Imagine walking into a home where the staircase instantly catches your eye—sleek, finished, and designed to impress.
A hardwood stair tread with both return is a stair step that has finished edges on both sides, ideal for open staircases where both ends are visible.
In this guide, you'll learn how these treads enhance safety, style, and value, plus how they pair beautifully with carpet stair treads for added comfort.
We’ll cover what makes double return treads unique, how to install them, and why they’re a smart upgrade for DIY homeowners.
You'll also discover the difference between hardwood and pine options, how to fix damaged treads, and when to use no-return stairs.
Whether you're building new or remodeling, this guide gives you the insights to make confident, stylish choices for your home.
Hardwood Tread with Both Returns—What’s It For?
A hardwood stair tread with both return is designed for staircases that are open on both sides.
Unlike standard treads that only have one or no finished edge, these feature rounded or mitered finishes on each exposed end, giving your staircase a seamless and custom-built look from every angle.
You’ll often see this style in homes with floating stairs or staircases visible from multiple rooms.
But it’s not just about looks.
Having returns on both ends:
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Prevents splinters or rough cuts on exposed stair edges
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Enhances symmetry and polish
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Increases your home’s resale value
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Improves comfort and safety with the option of adding carpet overlays
Why Homeowners Are Choosing Double Return Treads
Families—especially ones with young children or pets—care about more than just good looks.
They want safety, durability, and easy care.
Here’s why more homeowners are turning to this type of stair solution:
A Safer Choice for Open Staircases
With exposed sides, open staircases can pose tripping risks—especially when the tread edges aren’t smooth or properly aligned.
Double return treads eliminate those hazards by wrapping the edge in a finished return on each side, offering cleaner lines and safer steps.
Easy to Customize and Install
Most big-box stair options require professional tools, complicated cuts, or permanent installations that can damage your flooring.
Oak Valley’s DIY-ready treads make installation simple, with options for custom sizing and eco-friendly adhesives.
If you’re installing a hardwood stair tread with both return, you can choose from oak, maple, walnut—or even softer woods like pine.
In fact, many customers looking for a more budget-friendly, easy-to-work-with solution opt for a pine stair tread with return as part of their DIY project.
It offers the warmth and flexibility needed for weekend installations while keeping that high-end finish.
How to Install Hardwood Stair Tread with Both Return
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or trying this for the first time, installing your stair treads the right way makes all the difference.
Follow these simple steps to ensure a clean, secure installation:
1. Measure Twice, Cut Once
Start by measuring the exact width of your stair opening.
Double return treads require precise cuts—especially on the mitered corners where the return pieces meet the main tread.
Be sure to measure for both the length of the tread and the depth, and don’t forget to factor in any nosing or overlap.
2. Dry Fit the Pieces
Before adding glue, dry fit the tread and the return edges to ensure everything lines up.
The miters should sit flush without gaps.
3. Glue and Clamp
Apply wood glue to the mitered joints of the returns and attach them to the tread.
Use clamps to hold them firmly in place while the glue dries.
A high-quality adhesive will ensure a durable bond that lasts for years.
4. Secure to the Stair Frame
Once the tread is assembled and the glue is dry, apply construction adhesive to the bottom of the tread.
Position it on the stair frame, and if necessary, reinforce with finishing nails or screws for extra strength.
5. Sand, Stain, and Seal
To finish the job, sand down any rough edges and apply your preferred stain or finish.
This not only enhances the look but also protects the wood from wear and tear.
Add Warmth to Your Stairs with Pine Treads and Returns
Floating stairs don’t have to feel cold or industrial.
If you’re looking to bring in a touch of warmth and natural charm, pine stair treads with returns offer a beautiful alternative to traditional open-step designs.
These wood treads feature soft grain patterns and warm tones that instantly make your staircase feel more inviting.
Add Warmth to Your Stairs with Pine Stair Treads and Return
Pine stair treads with a return edge are crafted to wrap around the stair’s open end, giving a more finished and substantial look.
They not only enhance aesthetics but also reduce exposed corners that can feel sharp or unfinished.
When paired with carpet stair treads, you get the best of both worlds—wood character underneath with added comfort and traction on top.
This combination transforms how floating stairs looked before and after the upgrade, especially in homes that lean toward cozy, farmhouse, or cottage styles.
It's a simple way to blend craftsmanship and comfort on every step.
How to Fix a Split in Your Stair Tread
Sometimes, you don’t need to replace your entire staircase—just repair a damaged tread.
Here’s how to fix a split hardwood stair tread with both return using basic tools you likely already have at home.
Quick Fix Steps:
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Clean the Split: Use a vacuum to remove dust and debris from the crack.
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Apply Wood Glue: Inject glue deep into the split. Choose a strong, waterproof wood glue.
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Clamp It Down: Press the split together using clamps. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
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Reinforce (Optional): Screw in a small metal brace underneath the tread for extra support.
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Sand and Finish: Smooth the surface and touch up with stain or finish as needed.
Repairs like this not only save money but also extend the life of your existing treads—especially helpful for real hardwood installs.
What About Stairs with No Returns?
If your staircase is tucked between two walls, you’re probably dealing with a no-return design.
These staircases don’t need finished edges since they aren’t visible from the side.
No-return stairs are typically:
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Easier to install
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Lower in cost
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A great match for narrow or closed hallways
But while they’re common in older homes, many homeowners choose to upgrade them with finished treads for a more refined look—especially during major renovations.
Style Meets Substance: Why This Matters to Real Families
Let’s circle back to why this keyword matters: a hardwood stair tread with both return is about more than what it looks like—it’s about what it feels like to walk up and down those stairs every day.
Open staircases in homes like hers can be slippery or noisy.
Kids and pets can fall or slip.
A double-return tread paired with Oak Valley’s non-slip carpet overlays can make all the difference.
And for homes on a budget, using a pine stair tread with return still gives that cozy, finished look without the high cost.
Stepping It Up
Upgrading your staircase with a hardwood stair tread with both return is a small change that makes a big impact.
Whether you're doing a full renovation or just giving your entryway a facelift, these treads combine safety, beauty, and long-term value.
With DIY-friendly installs, custom sizes, and premium finishes, you can turn a builder-basic staircase into a statement piece.
And if you’re just getting started, we’re here to help.
Explore our wide range of stair tread styles, order a few swatches to see what feels right, and connect with our friendly support team if you have any questions.
We’re proud to offer a smarter, simpler way to love your stairs.
Ready to Transform Your Stairs?
Let Oak Valley Designs help you turn your staircase into a space you’re proud of—with safety, style, and heart built into every step.
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Website: https://oakvalleydesigns.com/
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Phone: 706.331.0315
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Email: info@oakvalleydesigns.com
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Address: 30 River Ct SW Bldg E Cartersville, Ga 30120
