Step 5 · Step 5: Secure the Treads

Carefully place the glued tread back onto the stair. To prevent splitting the wood, always drill pilot holes first. You can drill up from underneath the staircase for a hidden finish, or from the top down if the screw heads will be covered later. Drive wood screws into the pilot holes to pull the tread down tight. For a clean look, countersink the screw heads so they sit just below the wood surface.