How to finish exposed ends of stair treads and risers?

Cheryl Bohn
by Cheryl Bohn

I removed carpet from wooden stairs to prepare for hardwood. The edges of the treads and risers are now infinished. Has anyone had this dilemma and how did you tackle it? I’d like a finish which matches the hardwood (hi kory) as closely as possible. The edges are not uniform in width. I’ve considered laminate edging, wood filler and restaining, or wood filler and paint. Any other ideas out there?

  3 answers
  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jan 27, 2019

    I would use pieces of the hardwood cut slightly wider than the thickness of the final stair tread. Stain it to match tread and tack it on flush with the top of the tread with glue and a brad nail gun. Fill nail holes with colored putty.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 27, 2019

    Do you have a pictue,? You should replace the stair threads with hardwood. They sell oak treads at Home Depot. Not sure what you are saying about risers.

  • William William on Feb 02, 2019

    What and how other Hometalkers did. Super creative. Look like a gazillion.


    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=remove%20carpet%20from%20stairs