Stair Tread Caps - updates

[Jonathan Shively]

Those steps look slick!
Actually, my family and I run around in socks, those steps look slippery!
Are they? How does one not make them like "ice" yet retain the sheen you have achieved?

[Brent Dowell]

Looks great Darren!

Pretty good color match to the upper floor too!

[Darren Wright]

Those steps look slick!
Actually, my family and I run around in socks, those steps look slippery!
Are they? How does one not make them like "ice" yet retain the sheen you have achieved?

I used a satin poly on them, guess I've never noticed it being any slicker than the laminate or hardwoods I've had in the past.

[Darren Wright]

Well, I've returned to do some more updates to the stairs. Finally got around to cutting the kickers from bead board and will be painting all the trim (not the treads) the same cream color of the beadboard in the dinning area and using some of the distressed black finish we used on the kitchen cabinets...more to come in the next few weeks.

[Matt Meiser]

Great thread. I've got a similar project on my todo list for our basement stairs. I bought a similar layout tool over on Woodnet when they had their Christmas auction.

How did you end up spacing out the kicks? I know that's an issue I'll have to deal with.

[Darren Wright]

Great thread. I've got a similar project on my todo list for our basement stairs. I bought a similar layout tool over on Woodnet when they had their Christmas auction.

How did you end up spacing out the kicks? I know that's an issue I'll have to deal with.

Matt, I cut each for height, just measuring with a tape measure, then used the same stair tool for the measuring the width and laying out the cut lines/angles on the tread. I cut mine on the radial arm and after a couple of test fits and extra cuts they fit perfect, just work your way to it. I'm caulking and painting, so really didn't have to be that perfect.

BTW...I did put a coat of paint on before I actually installed them. I'll do the same with the quarter round when I get it picked up for the bottom side, then all I have to do is touch up where I caulked and filled nail holes.

[Matt Meiser]

I'll be painting too. I'll probably use MDF based on reading. In the only direction it will see abuse (the face) its quite strong. Mines an almost identical project in fact--want to come over and help.

I have to make or buy about a 3' square of flooring too to deal with a landing.