Homeowners love the elegance of timber treads, but many wonder exactly how to install hardwood flooring on stairs without costly missteps. As the residential construction specialists at CountBricks, we combine on-site craftsmanship with AI-driven estimating to make every stair upgrade predictable and profitable. This detailed guide walks you through each phase, from initial measurements to the final coat of finish, while highlighting how CountBricks.com streamlines the process for contractors and DIY-savvy property owners.
Stairs are more than short, narrow sections of floor. Each tread is a standalone workpiece that must resist concentrated foot traffic, meet strict code requirements, and pair perfectly with adjoining risers and stringers. Ignoring stair-specific details can lead to squeaks, uneven nosing, or premature wear—issues CountBricks field crews are called to remedy far too often.
• Superior durability compared with carpet or laminate
• Timeless aesthetics that can match or accent surrounding floors
• Increased resale value thanks to premium material perception
• Easier cleaning for homes with pets or allergy concerns
Before learning how to install hardwood flooring on stairs, assemble these essentials. Use CountBricks.com/services to generate an exact quantity list, delivered with live pricing.
• Pre-finished or raw hardwood treads and risers (species to match floor)
• Construction adhesive approved for wood-to-wood bonding
• 15-gauge finish nailer and 2" nails
• Circular saw and miter saw
• Jig saw for curved returns
• Tape measure and digital angle finder
• Flooring stapler for landing transitions
• Wood filler, stain, and polyurethane if using raw stock
• Personal protective equipment
Use the CountBricks AI takeoff tool or a traditional tape to record width, depth, and height of every tread and riser. Do not assume all stairs are identical; many existing stringers vary by ⅛" or more.
1. Pry up carpet, pad, or previous laminate carefully to avoid damaging stringers
2. Remove all staples and adhesive residues until wood substrate is clean
Place each tread without glue to verify proper overhang (typically 1") and to mark any scribe cuts. CountBricks installers label each piece on the underside to maintain order during final assembly.
Open staircases often require a finished end called a return. Cut 45-degree miters so the return moulding meets the tread flush. Accuracy here is critical to the professional finish that CountBricks guarantees.
Apply a serpentine bead of adhesive to the existing riser face, set your new hardwood riser, and nail along the top edge where future tread nosing will hide fasteners.
1. Spread adhesive on the stringers and existing tread substrate
2. Set the hardwood tread firmly, nose forward
3. Shoot finish nails through the back edge into the riser below
Walk each step before moving on. If you hear a squeak, add a 2" trim screw from below or re-seat adhesive. CountBricks project managers schedule these quality checks at 30-minute intervals.
• Sand starting with 120-grit, progress to 220-grit
• Vacuum thoroughly and tack-cloth between coats
• Apply stain evenly, wipe excess, and allow to dry
• Brush on two to three coats of polyurethane, abrading lightly between coats
If a hardwood landing meets the staircase, use a flush stair nose profile. CountBricks AI estimating will automatically add this accessory and its fasteners to your material list.
CountBricks supervisors evaluate tread alignment, nosing projection, and finish consistency. Remove protective tape and cover, then present the homeowner with maintenance guidelines generated through CountBricks.com/portfolio resources.
• Tread Thickness Mismatch—Our blueprint analysis flags out-of-level stringers before demolition starts
• Underestimating Material Waste—CountBricks AI factors return cuts and end grain exposure, reducing reorders
• Budget Overruns—Real-time pricing updates keep customers and contractors on the same page
• Order stair parts from the same mill batch to maintain color consistency
• Use painter’s tape to prevent glue squeeze-out staining raw oak
• Keep tread adhesive 1" from edges; it will spread when weighted
• Pre-drill for railing posts before treads go down to avoid chipping
• Photograph each stage; CountBricks cloud storage links images to the estimate for transparent record-keeping
If your staircase is open on both sides, curved, or includes integrated lighting, partner with CountBricks certified installers. We coordinate measurement, fabrication, and finish under a single contract, backed by our warranty.
Ready for next steps? Speak your scope into the CountBricks voice app and receive a line-item estimate in minutes. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to schedule a virtual walkthrough today.
A San Francisco homeowner wanted Brazilian cherry treads to match newly refinished first-floor planks. The challenge: the 1906 stairwell had 13 uneven steps and bowed stringers.
1. The CountBricks blueprint takeoff engine mapped each tread width to the nearest 1/32", flagging three stringers that dipped more than 3/16".
2. An AI-generated estimate listed sister-stringer labor, tread milling, and finish coats, locking material prices for 14 days.
3. Site crews shimmed low spots, installed new riser backs, and set pre-finished treads within 0.5 mm variance.
• Project finished two days ahead of schedule
• Zero change orders—budget held to the penny
• Homeowner reported a 40% noise reduction compared with prior carpeted stairs
• Voice-First Scoping: Speak room dimensions and material preferences; the CountBricks platform builds a shareable proposal instantly.
• Dynamic Materials Database: Costs update hourly, reflecting lumber yard fluctuations so you lock in the best price.
• Integrated Scheduling: Confirm the estimate and receive a real-time calendar invite for your preferred installation window.
Visit CountBricks.com/services to explore our turnkey residential offerings or book a free consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation. From single-flight retrofits to grand curved showcases, our team brings precision, speed, and transparent pricing to every staircase.
Knowing how to install hardwood flooring on stairs is half the battle; having CountBricks orchestrate measurements, materials, and manpower ensures the journey is as smooth as the finished treads underfoot.
