How to Update Oak Stair Treads and Risers | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner how to replace split-level stair treads in his midcentury modern home

Time: 10-12 hours

Cost: $300

Skill Level: Moderate

Tools List for Updating Stair Treads and Risers:

Shopping List:

Resources:

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Update Oak Stair Treads and Risers | Ask This Old House

[yoyoitsKerry]

I always love how Tom shows us how the ancient Egyptians did it instead of telling you to buy a $70 tread scribing tool

[donktheclown]

Very few builders have helped homeowners like Tom has, over all these years. He's a national treasure, me thinks.

[c]

There's a lot of projects I'm willing to undertake in my own home, but the attention to detail and patience required for something like this, is out of my DIY zone.

[BryanHawkins]

The level of detail and slower pace of this segment is sweet. I appreciate it because in other segments, for instance the one about shingling, some of the more subtle bits of information were left out. I'm helping my parents fix up an old house, and while I can swap an engine, home improvements are foreign to me. These videos (as well as the YouTube channel "Essential Craftsman") have been valuable and confidence inspiring! Thanks you!

[matthewdubois]

Using the paper for a template and to figure out the length. Genius!

[harrismohammad]

These guys, this show, has taught me so much over the years that I can't thank them enough. I have my renovation business now but I started with my first flip in 2011 when I use to watch this show on TV. Thank you guys.

[GreenAppelPie]

Stairs are easily the biggest pain in the ass when it comes to household woodwork. Great tips here.

[dekonfrost]

Honestly ive been doing this work my whole life. This is the distillation of a lifes work. Excellent video.

[sam-a-rai]

Tommy I would throw away my life to learn from you. Another glorious video from a true Master!

[garyewing]

Dear Tom. You and Canadian Jeff Thorman are amazing. Last forever.

[brianfoley]

I watched a 15 second commercial in the middle....that's how good this episode is.

[ajcccjohnson]

Tommy’s awesome! So patient and thorough. Love watching him and the others too.

[Lando]

Most impressive detail: pretty much zero measuring when it came to install the treads. Tommy is a national treasure. Thanks ATOH!

[rodrigito]

Tom rocks. What an awesome human being. God bless you, Good sir.

[joolwing]

Boy, am I glad to see this project! I have been holding off on doing my own because I knew I would do it wrong. Thanks TOH, I will try to do you guys proud!

[ChevyAndy]

Wow. Handing out lessons left and right. We appreciate you Tom!

[stlchuckhd]

Fantastic craftsmanship! Methodical and clearl instructional approach. Awesome! 🇺🇸

[mattpierce]

Man that guy is so good at what he does! Incredible

[scottwinterton]

Tommy is the man!! Love and hate how he makes it all sound so easy!

[runthefight]

Hey baby! Just saw a cool video and now I’m gonna tackle that stair case remodel you been asking about! 3 weeks later.... you know what baby...it looked way easier on YouTube