Replacement Stair Treads

Replacement stair treads is a term used for treads placed on the existing structural (weight bearing) stair treads, the part of the stair that you step on, and are used for several purposes including remodeling and repairing worn stairs.

It is less expensive and involved to layer a replacement tread on existing stairs than to remove and replace the underlying structural materials.

Non Slip and decorative material that only cover part of the treads, for example rubber and vinyl stair treads or stair tread rugs are not considered “replacement” stair treads.

One popular choice is wood, often hardwood, replacement stair treads. These are thinner than structural stair treads, for example half an inch as opposed to an inch or more thick.
If they are used in new construction, they are typically used on stairs that were designed for carpet but where hardwood was chosen after initial construction began. Half an inch is approximately the thickness of carpet and padding.

In renovation, these thinner treads allow the treads to have a not too large a difference in rise or height. If the difference between the steps is too great, people will notice and ascending or descending will be extremely awkward with plenty of falls and spills expected – it’s a major safety issue. Building codes typically allow a maximum of 3/8" of height difference between treads on a stair system.

In renovation, these are used either to replace worn treads as well as to add a new look, for example beautiful hardwood stair treads of your choice. Not surprisingly, replacement treads are available in over 20 different types of wood as well as different lengths and thicknesses.

Often matching replacement stair risers (the vertical part of the stairs between the treads) are used as well, or the existing risers may be painted. For example, white is a popular color to paint stair risers.

Of course a wall to wall carpet can also be used in projects that include renovating stairs.

In industrial and commercial environments, for example mass transit facilities and factory environments, sometimes aluminum or cast iron treads are used as replacements, for example ones made by American Safety Tread or Amstep Products. Sometimes the term stair tread nosings are used to refer to these products instead of replacement stair treads, even though they may cover the entire tread.