Installing hard-surface stair treads—whether hardwood, laminate, vinyl, rubber or tile—may seem like a daunting task. But as manufacturers across the segment explain, it doesn’t have to be. As long as installation instructions are followed, measurements and cuts are carefully made, and potentially project-ending shortcuts are avoided, building a set of stairs is something that any installer can add to their skill set.
According to Bill Treiber, technical sales and education manager for Artistic Finishes, installers should have the following tools ready for installing hard-surface stair treads: “a table saw, skill saw and/or compound miter saw, T-square and/or stair jig, level, tape measure, utility knife, hammer, nail punch, finishing nails (#6 to #8s), elastomeric construction adhesive, caulking gun, finishing nail gun and safety goggles.”