Wood Stair Treads

Wood stair treads, as opposed to rubber or vinyl ones, are usually part of the structural part of the stairs instead of merely added afterwards for their non slip or non skid characteristics.

The treads are simply the part of the stair that is stepped on. Where it gets confusing is that in a given staircase, the stairs may have multiple treads.

There is commonly a wood stair tread per step which is part of the structural part of the stairs. These are usually supported by two (or more) pieces of wood called stingers or sometimes simply strings or stringer boards. This structural “tread” is usually construction grade wood, but it could be made of other materials as well, for example metal or synthetic materials.

On top of the structural tread there may be another. For example, in my wife’s previous rental properties (may she never own another – I was in charge of maintenance and I don’t have the time nor really the skill!), this somewhat unattractive construction grade material was entirely covered by relatively inexpensive and durable industrial type carpet.

This carpet worked very well as the occasional tenant would trash it and it could be simply and cheaply replaced by the carpet shop and their professionals down the road.
It’s also possible for the construction grade treads to be covered in hardwood stair treads which are usually chosen for their beauty. Personally I find many hardwoods to be absolutely beautiful and the following are some commonly used: oak, red oak, cherry, the very popular Brazilian cherry, hickory, Brazilian walnut, black walnut, birch, cypress, bloodwood, cumaru, maple, and mahogany.

I and many others love the many contrasting colors, small knots, dark streaks and more found in many woods, especially hardwoods and some others are well. Hard woods are rarely used in the underlying structural components of the staircase due to costs. Quite simply plywood or similar material is much cheaper, and if covered by a beautiful piece of hardwood or other wood stair tread, you can save very significant money and still have a drop dead gorgeous wooden stair case.

We might even have three stair treads per stair, the underlying supporting material, for example construction grade plywood, beautiful hard or other wood stair treads on top, and than maybe small stair tread carpets or a carpet running going down the middle, both for decorative and non slip characteristics, leaving some wood exposed on both sides.
Wood stair treads can be found almost anywhere. Construction grade material, for example plywood, may be cut to size on the location, but hardwood stair treads may require some shopping. Your local hardware store, lumber yard, or home improvement store is not likely to have those exotic wood stair treads you want.

Wood stair treads also come in different sizes and shapes. We won’t go into infinite detail here, and local building codes certainly apply, but besides standard treads there are also replacement treads, ideal for remodeling or for adding decorative wood treads when the stairs were built with carpeting in mine. Replacement treads are thinner, typically half an inch, so that the vertical separation between all the stairs I consistent or close enough to avoid stumbling. There are also thicker than normal tread, for example two inch thick treads, and winder treads, used in areas of a stairway where the staircase changes direction.

One great resource is Stair Supplies - check them out!