Hopefully there are two pictures of the stair tread that I am trying to replace attached to this post. Two questions; How do I go about removing the existing stair tread with the least amount of damage to the stairs and how can I install/attach/secure the new one. There is no access from the bottom. I am having a tread custom made, since I could not locate one of the appropriate size. The stairs are in a brick row house built in the 1870’s.
Replies
Removing the tread is easy- use a recip saw and cut the tread into pieces. Then just pull out the remainder from the strings.
To install the new tread, cut it so the length is the inside width between the strings, plus the depth of one dado. You might want to add some blocking along the bottom edge of the dado at this point to help hold the tread. Then apply some construction adhesive, fit the tread into the one dado, and slide it over until its sitting about half way in both dados.
Keep in mind that sliding it over is usually easier said than done. Make sure you thin down the tread in the dado area. Also make a pencil mark before you slide the tread over so you have a reference to judge half way.
Bear
oh my paint stripper!
-zen
If you don't have a recip saw, a regular circ saw can be used to at least make a few slices into the front half of the tread near to the right side, staying 1/16" above the visible riser. Then you should be able to knock a few chunks out of the tread and slip a keyhole saw or hacksaw blade in there to cut further.
Keep in mind that the tread may be dadoed to slip over the top edge of the riser below or (less likely) the bottom edge of the riser above, so be careful when prying that you don't take more than you should.
Also be aware that occasionally curved or (more often) angled stairs are built as a stack of platforms, meaning that the tread you're removing may extend under the edge of the step above several inches. Not likely in this case, but something to be aware of. If it turns out to be true you'll need to adjust your game plan a little, but it's nothing that a little head/butt scratching can't solve.