How to Install Stair Treads Over Existing Stairs
NuStair offers exceptionally easy installation with our prefinished stair treads and stair risers. You choose your wood species and finish, cut things down to size, and install the treads over your existing stairs.
Our one-piece nosing and scotia mold construction reduces your labor time by at least 50-70%! That means you get great-looking stairs for much less time than you’d spend with other refinishing methods.
There’s no need to remove your old staircase, no need to plunge cut into the substrate nosing, no need to patch and putty the mortise holes, and no reason to cut the original stair frame. Just begin with your prepared, cleaned stairs and follow the simple process below to suit your staircase style.
How to Install NuStair Stair Caps Step-by-Step:
- Trim all stair parts to size.
- Install 1st prefinished stair tread – full coverage using a urethane base adhesive .
- Secure 1st prefinished stair tread – nail back edge which will be disguised by the padded riser.
- Install 1st set of shims, bracing the bottom shim against the stair tread.
- Install the 1st riser with the cut edge up and the factory edge against the stair tread.
- Trim the top stair tread to match up to the carpet.
- Continue until the transformation is complete.
NuStair Stair Retread Installation Video:
*For a complete list of definitions for the stair remodeling terms used above, see our Stair Remodeling Glossary.
How to Install NuStair on an Open Sided Staircase with Adjustable Iron Balusters:
- Remove carpet from stairs (if installed)
- Cut tread ends flush to outside wall
- Remove existing newel post
- Apply shims and first riser. Riser should be flush with existing tread nosing.
- Nail along top of riser where next tread will cover. Apply minimal nails along bottom.
- Apply NON water based adhesive to existing tread and install first NuStair tread.
- Nail along back edge so that next riser covers nail holes.
- Install new newel post and attach to handrail.
- You can now remove current balusters.
- Install second riser and Nustair tread.
- Continue until all treads are installed.
- Install stair brackets to cover gaps between new and old risers.
- Install top adjustable shoes. These should cover any existing holes.
- Cut and install balusters with bottom shoes.
Open Sided NuStair Installation with Adjustable Iron Balusters:
*For a complete list of definitions for the stair remodeling terms used above, see our Stair Remodeling Glossary.
How to Install NuStair on an Open Sided Staircase with Adjustable Wood Balusters:
- Remove carpet from stairs (if installed)
- Cut tread ends flush to outside wall
- Remove existing newel post
- Apply shims and first riser. Riser should be flush with existing tread nosing.
- Nail along top of riser where next tread will cover. Apply minimal nails along bottom.
- Apply NON water based adhesive to existing tread and install first NuStair tread.
- Nail along back edge so that next riser covers nail holes.
- Install new newel post and attach to handrail.
- You can now remove current balusters.
- Install second riser and Nustair tread.
- Continue until all treads are installed.
- Install stair brackets to cover gaps between new and old risers.
- Mark and drill bottom holes for new adjustable balusters.
- Measure and mark top of adjustable balusters for cutting.
- Slide adjustable sleeve up to bottom of handrail and nail into place.
- Install remaining balusters until complete.
Open Sided NuStair Installation with Adjustable Wood Balusters:
*For a complete list of definitions for the stair remodeling terms used above, see our Stair Remodeling Glossary.
Unsure of Your Skills? Hire a NuStair Installation Expert
If you’re not comfortable – or you just don’t want to! – installing your NuStair products yourself, we can help you find an expert staircase remodeler in your area. Call Steve at (717) 495-4132 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST) or select “I need to find someone in my area to install NuStair” on your Quote/Order Request Form and we’ll connect you with an expert!
