How to Upgrade Carpeted Stairs to Hardwood Stairs

Renovate your stairs by replacing boring carpeting with beautiful hardwood. Learn how to upgrade carpeted stairs to hardwood stairs in this Lowe’s video:

1. Prep your stairs

Remove the carpet with a utility knife and pry bar (do this carefully to prevent damaging any existing hardwood underneath). Remove the carpet pads, then remove any staples, nails or tack strips.
Replace or repair any existing subfloor damage.
Cut off any existing nosing to create a flat profile.

2. Install hardwood

Measure your stairs to get your cut lengths.
Cut riser pieces to size and attach with construction adhesive.
Cut tread caps to size and attach with construction adhesive and nails, then attach edge molding with adhesive and nails. If you are replacing the entire tread instead, measure the tread size and cut treads, attaching with adhesive and nails.

3. Stain hardwood

Stain and clear coat your stairs for lasting protection. If you have existing hardwood under the carpeting, you’ll need to sand it all down and re-stain them.