Check out the best red oak stair treads crafted from select-grade materials in pre-finished and unfinished variants. At Stair Treads, we pride ourselves on manufacturing top-tier stair components that combine durability with affordability. Each tread is meticulously processed using cutting-edge equipment to ensure uniformity in quality and precise dimensions.
Our Red Oak Stair Treads are available in standard sizes of 1” thickness and ¾” thickness. Get RetroFit treads tailored to fit any standard requirements.
Our red oak stair treads and risers are made from select-grade materials, require minimal preparation, and are easy to install, guaranteeing structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Do note that every piece is unique and may differ from the sample images provided due to the natural wood grain and color variations.
Experience the difference with our Red Oak stair treads adorned with returns—perfect for enhancing the beauty and functionality of your staircase.
Why Invest In Red Oak Stair Treads?
Among the different hardwoods, red oak is one of the most popular choices owing to its numerous advantages, which are as follows:
Unfinished Red Oak Stair Treads
Use unfinished stair treads to apply your own stain and polyurethane on site - some degree of sanding and minor prep-work should be expected
Prefinished Red Oak Stair Treads
Prefinished stair treads are like prefinished flooring - there's no sanding or polyurethane required, we've taken care of that with our Aluminum Oxide top coat. Just cut and install!
Durable
Red Oak is renowned for its durability and hardness. As a result it is highly resistant to wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas like staircases. This hardwood variant can withstand heavy foot traffic and everyday use without quickly showing signs of wear.
Aesthetically appealing
Red Oak's natural grain patterns and warm tones provide a classic, timeless appearance that enhances the overall aesthetics of any staircase. Red oak complements various modern and traditional interior styles. Thus, it adds a touch of elegance and warmth to your home.
Affordable
Red oak is relatively affordable and offers excellent durability and aesthetic qualities compared to hardwood options like white oak stair treads. It is a cost-effective choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their stairs without breaking the budget.
Increased ROI
Installing Retrofit red oak stair treads can increase the value of your home. Quality hardwood stairs are a desirable feature for homebuyers and can contribute positively to the overall resale value of your property.
Choosing The Right Retrofit Stair Treads
Choosing the right red oak stair treads and risers that fit seamlessly with your staircase is crucial, giving your home an immediate face-lift. Here are a few things to consider while making the choice:
Pre-finished or Unfinished Red Oak Stair Treads
The first step is to choose between the finishes available. Typically, there are two types of finishes: pre-finished and unfinished. Pre-finished Red Oak stair treads come ready with a durable factory-applied finish, saving time and effort during installation. They offer consistency in color and protection against wear from day one.
Unfinished Red Oak treads provide custom staining and finishing flexibility to match specific décor themes or personal preferences. This option allows for a more tailored look but requires additional time and effort to finish before installation.
Standard or Retrofit
Choosing between standard and retrofit stair treads depends on your staircase's current condition and renovation goals. Standard treads are designed for new construction or total staircase replacements, offering precise dimensions for a seamless fit. Retrofit red oak stair treads are ideal for upgrading existing stairs without significant structural changes, easily accommodating variations in stair dimensions and configurations.
Size
Selecting the right size for stair treads ensures a proper fit and enhances safety and aesthetics. Measure each steps’ depth and width accurately to determine the appropriate size. Custom sizes accommodate specific staircase dimensions, ensuring a snug and secure installation.
Nosing
Nosing options for stair treads include various profiles such as squared, bullnose, or rounded edges. Bullnose nosing provides a smooth transition and a finished appearance, enhancing safety by preventing tripping. Consider each nosing profile's aesthetic impact and practicality to complement your staircase design and meet your functional needs.
Return options
We specialize in crafting red oak stair treads with returns featuring tailored returns, whether left-hand or right-hand, depending on your staircase configuration. Stand at the bottom looking up. If your handrail is on the right, opt for a right-hand return; if on the left, choose a left-hand return. For staircases with banisters on both sides, our double-end return option is available in any desired length, ensuring a perfect fit for every home's unique layout.
About Red Oak
Red oak trees feature sapwood that ranges from white to light brown, while the heartwood displays a distinctive pinkish-reddish brown hue. Red oak has a similar appearance but a less pronounced figure compared to white oak due to smaller rays. Its grain is predominantly straight, accompanied by a coarse texture. Red oak is highly versatile for staining, accommodating a broad spectrum of finish tones, and is renowned for its exceptional durability against wear. At Stair Treads, we select only the highest quality grades of red oak lumber to ensure superior craftsmanship in our products.
FAQ
Is red oak suitable for stair treads?
Red Oak is an excellent choice for stair treads due to its durability and hardness. It is resistant to wear and suitable for high-traffic areas like stairs. Its attractive grain patterns and warm color also enhance the aesthetic appeal of staircases.
Which wood is best for stair treads?
Hardwoods like Red Oak, Maple, and Hickory are considered best for stair treads due to their durability and ability to withstand daily wear. These woods offer a balance of strength, aesthetic appeal, and longevity, making them ideal for enhancing the beauty and functionality of staircases.
What is the difference between pine and red oak stair treads?
Pine stair treads are generally softer and less durable than red oak ones. Red Oak has a tighter grain and hardness. This makes it more resistant to dents and scratches. While pine may be more affordable initially, Red Oak offers superior durability and a more refined appearance over the long term.
How thick should oak stair treads be?
Oak stair treads installed directly on the stringer should be a minimum of 1” thick. The typical range of stair treads is from 1 inch to 1.25 inches in thickness, depending on the manufacturer. Thicker treads, such as those around 1.75 inches and above, are required in floating, or mono stringer stair designs and other modern applications. Overlays, such as our Retro Tread, can be thinner since there is additional support below it.
Is pine cheaper than red oak?
Yes, pine is generally cheaper than Red Oak. Pine is more readily available and grows faster, contributing to its lower cost than hardwoods like Red Oak, which is valued for its durability and aesthetic qualities.
Which type of stair treads have the most durable finish?
Polyurethane or waterborne finishes are among the most durable options for stair treads that a consumer or contractor can apply on site. These finishes provide a hard, protective layer that resists scratches, moisture, and wear from foot traffic, ensuring long-lasting beauty and functionality.
Our machine-applied, 100% solids, UV-cured finish is approximately 3x tougher than the best site-applied finish on the market today.
How do you refinish red oak stair treads?
To refinish Red Oak stair treads, start by sanding the surface to remove the old finish and smooth out imperfections. If desired, apply stain, followed by multiple coats of polyurethane or varnish, sanding lightly between coats for a smooth finish. Make sure you allow ample drying time between each step for optimal results.
What wood do builders use for stairs?
Builders primarily use hardwoods such as Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Hickory and others for stairs due to their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. These woods are chosen for their ability to withstand heavy use while maintaining a pleasing appearance, making them popular in residential and commercial construction.
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