A return stair tread is a stair tread with a wall on the left or right side of the staircase and one side is exposed. Return stair treads have a mitered return attached to one side of the stair tread.

The traditional style means that this stair tread is designed to be installed as a standalone step and doesn't need a supporting sub-tread. Return Maple stair treads are a full inch thick throughout the tread and are 11 1/2" deep. The single Return style means that this stair tread has one mitered return along the left or right edge. Remember that "left" and "right" are relative and is always determined as you ascend (or face) the staircase (standing at the bottom looking up). Sometimes this style of stair tread can be referred to as a "left hand open stair tread" or "left mitered return stair tread" or "right hand open stair tread" or "right mitered return stair tread". Single return stair treads will typically have balusters that directly intersect the tread and a quick and easy test is to determine if there is or will be a wall on one side of your new staircase and is or will the opposite side of the staircase will be visible from the ground level once installed? Do or will your balusters directly intersect your new stair tread? If the answer is "yes", these single return stair treads are for you. If both ends are against a wall or kneewall, you need a " Low Country Maple Closed" or "box" style stair tread. Also consider a Low Country Maple Landing Tread for the very top of your staircase and matching Low Country Maple Risers for the vertical space between each step.