How to Put Plywood Tread on Stairs

Measure each of the existing stair treads; or if you do not have treads installed, measure each stair then add 1 inch to the measurement of each stair’s depth. This will allow for a slight overhang of each tread, called a “nose.”

Trim the plywood to the size needed for each stair with a hand or power saw. Mark the bottom of each tread with a number, written in pencil, on the back to help keep track of which tread belongs to which stair.

Sand down each tread with medium- then fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough edges and even out the surface. If desired, you can stain the plywood at this point although you will want to touch it up again after installation.

Remove the previous treads, if applicable, with a pry bar and a rubber mallet. Don’t worry about whether the wood below is rough; as long as it is relatively even, the new tread will be level, and the rougher the wood underneath, the better the glue will adhere between the stair and the tread.

Spread a layer of construction glue over the top of each stair then press the corresponding stair tread down firmly to make a good connection between the stair and the tread.

Drive a finishing nail into the corner of each tread to secure it firmly to the stair beneath it. Cover the nail holes with a small amount of wood putty.