Video Answers is a selection of short videos where Josh helps answer common questions on staircase renovation and construction. He also answers common product questions and gives brief demonstrations using our stair treads and risers.
If you're looking for an in depth installation video or installation instructions, check out our Installation Video
January 20th, 2010 - Can I install Retro Treads over 2 x12 Pine
In this video answer, Josh describes the purpose behind the retro-fit riser and installing retro stair treads over 1x12 pine boards.
Welcome to another edition of Video Answers from Stair-Treads.com
My name is Josh and I'm here to help answer your questions on prefinished stair treads and staircase construction.
Today's question come from Ken in Washington. Ken writes: We have a carpeted stair where the carpet is attached to 2 x 12 lumber. Can I install your retro stair treads on top of these 2x's and do I have to install a retro riser or can I just paint the pine that's already there?
Ken, that's a great question and have have a lot of similar questions that come in so we're going to take a few minutes and show you that yes, you can use a retro tread and you will need a retro riser. If you're going to paint the risers white, we offer pre-primed retro risers or you can use some locally sourced plywood from a home improvement store. Let's go to our mock staircase to see how it's done.
Here we are with our mock staircase that is constructed very similarly to what you described. We have 2x12 treads and 3/4" pine risers - very common to what you'll see on a lot of staircases today. Normally, you'll see a 2x12 and in some cases you may see a 2x10 with the riser below it and in many cases, the tread will be flush with the riser. If that's not the case, this model will simulate the tread being cut flush with the riser. Let's take a look and see what happens when we lay a standard retro tread over these 2x12's.
If we were to install the prefinished retro treads on top of the pine tread without a riser, we'll show you how the retro tread is not designed to fully cover the pine tread by itself. The retro tread only covers 1/4" of the face of each particular stair.
Let's zoom in and take a look. If you were to install this tread alone, you'd leave a seam between the old tread and riser that would be visible and take a lot of work to make look nice. You may see some knot holes, nails, staples, etc that would take quite an effort to clean up. So if we install a white riser in front of it, the old tread will be hidden behind the new riser.
With the new treads and risers installed, we've effectively hidden the old staircase below your new prefinished treads. And it's a simple as that!
Prefinished treads require no stain and no finish. Pre-primed white risers are ready to be painted to match your trim color. You can see from this short video how much better this staircase looks.
Ken, thanks for that great question. If you have your own question you'd like answered, feel free to e-mail us or check us out online. Thanks and happy building.
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