Existing stair treads & risers installed over carpet! Help!
by
Lou
+11
We easily discovered that the carpet was not removed by carpenters before installing wood treads and risers years ago in our home. The stairs now need to be repainted but what do we do about the top carpeted riser? Taking the existing treads and riser off are out of question. Specifically, I want to cover or replace the top currently carpeted riser with a wood riser. Another variation would be to have a wood riser along with the end of a wood tread.
Your ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Your ideas will be greatly appreciated.
9 answers
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You could try to make a riser from 3/8" plywood and paint it, then see if you can install it OVER the carpet with long screws. If you can't do that, you will have to cut the carpet, leaving enough to staple the edge to the old riser, then put on the new one with the new riser hiding the raw bottom edge of the carpet.
![Darla]()
Darla
on Jul 01, 2016
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I would cut the carpet, install a riser. Cutting the top of the riser at a 45 could still visually become a tripping hazard. I would glue and nail a half round piece of molding at the front top of the riser to create a bull nose like the rest of the stairs. Lowes, Home Depot, and Menards carry them.
![William]()
William
on Jul 01, 2016
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The carpeting is fairly recent? It doesn't look like it was installed "years ago." Perhaps you will find a bead board riser under the current carpet. I like William's idea of securing the cut carpet to the landing, if I was understanding him correctly.
![Anna M.S.]()
Anna M.S.
on Jul 01, 2016
- See 1 previous
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Look at this! http://www.stair-treads.com/blog/landing-tread-to-carpet/
![Rebecca Wright Noot]()
Rebecca Wright Noot
on Jul 01, 2016
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The simplest solution is to cut the carpet riser on the underside of the lip of the stair, and staple it to the underside of the lip. . Check if the riser is paintable, rather than adding to it. It is very important to keep the stairs symmetrical for depth, to avoid variances in height or depth.
![Daniel]()
Daniel
on Jul 01, 2016
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Great response.
![Lou]()
Lou
on Jul 02, 2016
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Home depot sells the re-tread kits in unfinished oak. I used them over top of existing stairs. Easier than replacing the whole stair case. They are sold for one step per package. Polyurethane, stain or paint will finish them to your liking.
![Pri4759878]()
Pri4759878
on Jul 02, 2016
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I used clear satin polyurethane on the steps and risers on the home depot re treads.
![Pri4759878]()
Pri4759878
on Jul 02, 2016
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Unfortunately, pre-finished Retreads are too expensive. Additionally, installing unfinished retreads would be a great solution if we insisted on a stained finish. Repair and re-painting is the most economical route. A provided solution for the top riser and tread will solve the biggest issue. Thanks to everyone for your help.
![Lou]()
Lou
on Jul 02, 2016
Darla
on Jul 01, 2016
William
on Jul 01, 2016
Anna M.S.
on Jul 01, 2016
Rebecca Wright Noot
on Jul 01, 2016
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