How Do I Put Down Hardwood Stairs? The Complete Guide

Putting down hardwood flooring on the stairs can completely change the look of your home and make the transitions between levels look smooth. This complete guide tells you everything you need to know about putting a wooden floor on stairs, from choosing the right materials to how to do it like a pro.

List of Things You’ll Learn

• Important tools and materials for installing hardwood stairs
• How to put down wood flooring on stairs, step by step
• Which types of wood are best for stairs’ floors?
• Safety concerns and methods for finishing
• Tips from professionals for results that last

Why Should You Use Wood on the Stairs?

Wood floors on stairs are better in many ways than carpeted ones. Hardwood is very durable in areas that get a lot of use, which makes it perfect for installing flooring on stairs. Wood floors on stairs are better for your health than carpet because they don’t trap allergens or dust. In addition, putting hardwood flooring on your stairs makes your home much more valuable and gives it a classic look.

Advantages of Wooden Stairs

• Better durability: hardwood can handle a lot of foot traffic better than most other options
• Easy to take care of: a wooden floor on the stairs is easier to clean than carpet
• Property value goes up: good wood flooring on the stairs raises the value of a home by a lot
• Lessens allergies: the surface isn’t porous, so it doesn’t hold dust mites or other allergens

Which types of wood are best for installing stairs?

Choosing the right type of wood is very important for installing wood stairs. Each species has its own unique traits that affect how long it lasts, how it looks, and how much it costs.

Best Choices for Hardwood

Oak is still the most popular wood for stairs made of hardwood. Red oak has warm, reddish tones and clear grain patterns, while white oak has softer colors and is better at resisting water damage. Both types work well in places with a lot of foot traffic.

For homes with pets or kids, maple is the best choice because it is very hard and won’t scratch easily. Its light, creamy color goes well with modern styles, and it stains evenly.

Walnut gives a wide range of deep, rich colors, from light brown to dark chocolate. This high-quality wood species is very durable and makes furniture look classy and expensive.

Brazil Cherry (Jatoba), which has a Janka hardness rating of 3500, is one of the hardest woods. The color of this exotic hardwood gets deeper over time and makes it last longer.

Engineered hardwood vs. solid hardwood

Solid hardwood is the most durable type of wood, and it can be refinished many times over the course of its life. It costs more, though, and isn’t good for places that tend to get wet.

Engineered hardwood is great for stairs that lead from one level of a house to another because it is resistant to water and doesn’t change temperature easily. It usually costs less than solid wood and is easier to put together for do-it-yourself projects.

Important Materials and Tools

Certain tools and materials are needed to successfully install wood flooring on stairs. When you prepare well, you get professional results and avoid mistakes that cost a lot of money.

Required Tools:

• For accurate measurements, use a tape measure and a pencil
• To make accurate cuts, use a circular or miter saw
• Level to make sure everything is lined up right
• For a secure installation, use a nail gun or hammer
• Pry bar for taking off old materials
• A trowel is used to apply adhesives
• Safety gear (masks, gloves, and goggles)
• Clamps to hold planks in place while they are being installed

Materials List

• Hardwood planks or engineered wood flooring
• Stair nosing for safety and smooth edges
• Adhesive for installing that can be used on wood floors
• Putting on cap nails or screws
• Filler for wood to fix gaps
• Sandpaper or a machine for sanding
• Wood stain and finish shield
• Shims made of wood for leveling

How to Do Wood Flooring on Stairs: Step-by-Step Installation

This step-by-step guide shows you how to put wood floors on stairs, from getting ready to finishing.

Step 1: Take up the old flooring

First, carefully take up any carpet, tiles, or old flooring that is on the stairs. To lift things and get rid of all the nails, staples, and glue residue, use a pry bar. Use a vacuum to clean the stair surface well and get rid of any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Look at the stair structure and get it ready

Check the stairs for cracks, damage, and uneven surfaces. Put new screws into any loose steps and use wood filler to fill in any gaps. The “27 rule” says that the riser height plus the tread depth should equal 27 inches for each step.

Step 3: Find the exact length of each step

As the sizes of steps often vary, you should measure each tread (horizontal surface) and riser (vertical back) separately. Add at least ¾ inch to the measurements to allow for changes, and then cut the planks to fit. Each piece has a number that goes with a certain step.

Step 4: Put in the risers First

Start with risers to give the treads a clean place to go. In a zigzag pattern, put construction adhesive on the stair frame. Place one riser against the frame so that it is flush with it, and then nail two of them into each stringer (side support). Nailed into the wood more deeply with a nail set for a clean look.

Step 5: Put down the treads

Using a trowel, spread the glue evenly on the tread surface. Place the wooden planks so that they are flush with the edges and have the right amount of overhang (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Nails spaced about 6 inches apart should be used to attach treads to stringers. Pilot holes should be drilled to keep the treads from splitting.

Step 6: Add handrails

Put in stair nosing to make the stairs safer and give them a finished look. The nosing should stick out 16 mm to 1 ¼ inches from the riser at the very least. Use glue and nails to hold it in place, making sure that each tread is lined up correctly. This important safety feature gives you more grip and keeps the edges of the stairs from wearing down.

Step 7: Fill in the holes and sand the surface

Fill nail holes with wood filler that matches the color of the wood and let it dry completely. Start with medium-grit sandpaper and work your way up to fine-grit sandpaper to finish. Before putting on the finish, clean very well to get rid of all the dust.

Different Ways to Finish Wood Floor Stairs

Finishing wood floors on stairs the right way will protect your investment and bring out their natural beauty.

Steps for Staining

Before using them, test the colors of the stain on scraps of wood. Use a brush or cloth to apply stain along the grain of the wood. Wipe off any extra right away to make sure the coverage is even. For the best results, let each coat dry for 24 hours.

Finishing to protect

Use polyurethane or a similar finish made for high-traffic areas to protect the wood. For better durability, apply several thin, even coats instead of one thick one. Lightly sand with 220 grit paper between coats to get a smooth finish. After 24 to 48 hours, you can use the stairs.

Things to Think About for Safety on Hardwood Stairs

To keep people safe and make sure the installing code is followed, wood floors on stairs need to be protected in a certain way.

Resistance to Slips

When they get wet, hardwood stairs can be very dangerous. For extra grip, you could add non-slip stair treads or carpet runners. If you want to keep things from slipping, choose satin or semi-gloss finishes over high-gloss ones.

Following the installing code

The stair nosing needs to be different from the rest of the stairs and meet the local installing code. For safety reasons, make sure the overhang is the right size and that the materials won’t slip. Add handrails to both sides to make the area safer and more stable.

How to Keep Wooden Stair Flooring in Good Shape

If you take care of your wooden floor on the stairs, it will last longer.

Cleaning Often

Regularly sweep and vacuum the stairs to get rid of dirt and other things that can scratch the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals that damage protective finishes and use cleaners that are safe for wood.

Measures to Protect

Put rugs or mats at the bottom of the stairs to protect them from damage. Check the stairs often for loose planks or nosing, and fix any problems right away to keep everyone safe.

Care for a Long Time

Every 7–10 years or when the protective coating shows a lot of wear, you should refinish the stairs. This process restores the look and keeps the protective properties.

VC Floor is the hardwood flooring stair installer you can trust in Canada

When it comes to installing wood floors on stairs across Vancouver and Edmonton, we’re proud of the great results we get. VC Floor is the best choice for homeowners who want professional hardwood installation stairs because we are dedicated to quality craftsmanship, offer fair prices, and provide reliable service.

Get in touch with us right away to get beautiful, long-lasting hardwood flooring installed on your stairs. This will make your home more valuable and appealing.

Questions People Ask Us Often About Hardwood Stairs Installation