How to Install Wood Step Treads

Measure the size of tread you need. Measure the width and the depth, keeping in mind what sort of overhang you want the front of the tread to have. Also, if you are going to install kickers (the vertical piece that covers the part you don't step on) either install those before measuring or allow for them in your measurements.

Cut your tread to the appropriate size. Generally, you will select an overhang so that you do not need to cut the depth of the board at all. For example, for a needed 11-inch depth, you would select a 12-inch board (actual width 11.5 inches) for an overhang of 1/2 inch.

Place the board on the riser in the appropriate place and screw it down. Do not use nails to install the tread. Almost every squeak you have heard from stairs is because someone used a nail and the nail came slightly out of the tread, causing the board to rub against it when someone walks on it, resulting in a squeak.