How to Drill Holes for Stairs

Installing stairs is not an overly difficult process, but you will need to understand some basic woodworking concepts for a successful installation. It is important to pre-drill hardwood before you fasten it. If you fail to pre-drill the wood, it could split or the fastener could bend or break off. It is essential you drill stair treads before you install them since they are completely exposed on the finished staircase. Stair treads are typically installed using finish nails. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the diameter of the finish nail you are using to pre-drill the treads.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Drill
• 1/16-inch drill bit

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place each stair tread on top of the stair stringer. Make sure the treads are exactly positioned the way they will be when you fasten them in place.

   • 2

     Drill a hole every 2 inches across each end of each of the stair treads using a tape measure and a drill equipped with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Drill the holes completely through the stair tread.

   • 3

     Sand the drilled areas of the tread lightly with the wood grain to remove any small rough areas left from drilling.