Retro Stair Tread Installation Video

One of our customers has put together a great installation video of his installation techniques of our prefinished Ash Retro Replacement stair treads. This is a great resource and details the basic installation process.

Here are a couple of key features that we find in this installation video:

• Gary starts by removing the existing carpeting and padding. This is done by using a razor knife and cutting the carpet in manageable strips. The carpet can then be simply pulled off (this may take some effort)
• He then uses a "cats paw" or a small pry bar to remove any existing tackstrip along the edges of the existing stair
• The carpet pad is removed by pulling the piece or pieces by hand
• This process is continued until all the stairs are bare
• Once the carpet and pad is removed, there will likely be staples remaining on the existing stair treads and risers
• These can be removed with a pry bar, screwdriver, putty knife or even a sander with a heavy (16Y) grit sandpaper.
• Next, he uses a reciprocating saw, sometimes known as a sawzall, to remove the overhang of his existing 2 x 12's
• Notice that his existing stairs do not have an existing bullnose but he still needs to remove any overhang from the step to ensure a flush fit of the new retro treads
• For this installation, Gary added additional trim along his skirt boards for a more decorative appearance
• If you notice, he is using a small shaving from the end of a retro tread to measure and draw any cuts and angles without actually having to position a full tread in the opening. (See the shaving at 3:08 just over the pry bar)
• Next he measures and cuts the tread to fit on an individual basis - measure with care - each step is likely to be a slightly different dimension. The idea is to cut the tread as close as possible to the actual dimensions needed
• He measures and cuts the riser in the same manner. The riser is secured with a small gauge brad nailer with a good bead of construction adhesive as well
• At 3:40, Gary needs to add shims to bring a riser to square. He adds several shims and marks their positions on the treads below with a dry erase marker so he knows where to nail once the riser is in place
• He continues this process for the remaining treads and risers until all of the treads are installed

From here, you may want to review our written installation instructions.