Secure New Treads with Screws — Step 5: Secure the Treads
Part of project
Stair Treads · Step 5 of 10
In this video
Once the adhesive is applied, place the new tread onto the stringers, pushing it down firmly into the bead of adhesive. Ensure there is a small 1/8-inch gap between the new tread and any adjacent boards for proper expansion and drainage. For fasteners, always use screws rather than nails, as they provide a much tighter and more durable hold. Specifically, use 2.5-inch exterior-grade screws. Using a Hitachi drill, pre-drill pilot holes with an 1/8-inch bit, carefully lining them up with the center of the stringer to prevent splitting the wood. Then, use a DeWalt impact driver to drive the screws in, countersinking the head slightly so it's flush or just below the surface of the tread. For the front edge of the board, where the stringer's wood grain might be weak or 'sketchy,' it is often better to put a screw down into the riser below instead of directly into the stringer end. Line it up by eye, pre-drill with the 1/8-inch bit, and then drive the screw in with the impact driver, countersinking it as before. Repeat this fastening process for each stringer contact point and for the front edge of each new tread.
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Secure New Treads with Screws — Step 5: Secure the Treads
Part of project
Stair Treads · Step 5 of 10
In this video
Once the adhesive is applied, place the new tread onto the stringers, pushing it down firmly into the bead of adhesive. Ensure there is a small 1/8-inch gap between the new tread and any adjacent boards for proper expansion and drainage. For fasteners, always use screws rather than nails, as they provide a much tighter and more durable hold. Specifically, use 2.5-inch exterior-grade screws. Using a Hitachi drill, pre-drill pilot holes with an 1/8-inch bit, carefully lining them up with the center of the stringer to prevent splitting the wood. Then, use a DeWalt impact driver to drive the screws in, countersinking the head slightly so it's flush or just below the surface of the tread. For the front edge of the board, where the stringer's wood grain might be weak or 'sketchy,' it is often better to put a screw down into the riser below instead of directly into the stringer end. Line it up by eye, pre-drill with the 1/8-inch bit, and then drive the screw in with the impact driver, countersinking it as before. Repeat this fastening process for each stringer contact point and for the front edge of each new tread.