How to Replace Treads and Risers on an Interior Staircase

Climb to the top of the stairs. Position the flat tip of the pry bar or ripping chisel between the tread and riser. Tap the end of the pry bar or chisel to wedge it under the tread.

Lift the pry bar or chisel 1/4 inch at a time while driving it along the face of the tread. Continue to pry the tread until it becomes loose and breaks free from the stair. Depending on the process of installation, you may need to remove the nails attaching the tread to the stair, or cut through the adhesive between the stringer and tread. Continue this process to pry loose the remaining treads on the first stair.

Slide the tip of the pry bar behind the riser and work your way along the width of the stair to loosen it. If you cannot pry the riser off, position a wood wedge between the stringer and riser and pound it with a hammer until it is dislodged. Repeat the process of removing any other damaged treads and risers along the staircase.

Set the stair tread and riser on the replacement wood or laminate surface and trace their outlines. Double-check that the markings are straight using a straightedge. Cut around the outlines with a circular saw.

Sand the edges of the tread and riser to remove imperfections and give the wood a smooth finish. Wipe the surfaces with a clean cloth to remove sanding residue. If required, paint or stain the wood tread and riser to match the remaining stairs. Allow these the dry thoroughly before installing them on the staircase.

Inspect the surface of the stringers for leftover glue or nails, and remove these before installing the replacement tread and risers.

Lay the riser against surface of the stair. Hammer the riser in place with finish nails. Alternatively, pre-drill holes using a hand drill and counter sink bit if using brad nails.

Place the tread onto the stringers. Nail the tread to the stringer using a finish nail gun. Alternatively, pre-drill holes if you are using a hammer and brad nails.

Add tinted wood putty into the nail holes along the replacement tread and riser. Wipe the surface of the putty smooth with the edge of a putty knife and leave it to dry for the time specified on the label directions.