No one wants Stairs that squeak and creak. I have found a method of installation that keeps this from happening. You may be surprised at the way I have attached my stairs. The old saying if it works then its not a bad idea.

In this post I will teach you the process of attaching new or refurbished stair treads onto your stringers. The method I’m using will require a few items that you can purchase at your local home improvement store.

What methods are used to attach stair treads?

First let’s go over the ways that have been used for many years to attached stair treads. These methods have been used on many houses and by experienced installers that know what they are doing. I’m not claiming they are wrong in any way. I’m just going another way due to one reason. I Want Hidden Fasteners!

Read on to find out how the two common methods are not good for hiding the fasteners and how I managed to solve this issue.

Attaching stair treads by nailing them from the top

The most common method of attaching stair treads is to nail through the tread and into the stringer below. This method has been used for many years and does work. The problem with using nails as fasteners is that over the lifespan of the stairs the wood will expand and contract. This will cause the tread to come loose because the nail will be losing its tight grip during the expanding and contacting.

Attaching stair treads by screwing them from the top

The next most common way of attaching a stair tread is by using screws. This way the screw is driven through the top of the tread and into the stringer. Then the installer will use wood putty or a wooden dowel/plug to hide the hole that was drilled for the screw. This method is a very strong way of attaching the treads. The only issue is that you may see the plugs in the top of the tread.

Attaching stair treads by using brackets

Here is the best way (for me) to install stair treads. This method solves the following issues:

1. I am able to install the treads without anyone being able to see the fasteners.
2. I am able to install the treads with a method that will hold the treads tightly in place over time. Which allows me to use the holding power of screws.
3. This method creates a clamping pressure to the treads that holds them down tight.

I use Right angle brackets or what is commonly referred to as “L” brackets to hold my treads down. I screw a total of six brackets onto the stringers and then from underneath, I screw them into the treads. I have found this to hold down the treads exceptionally tight against the stringers. I also use some type of adhesive. The type of adhesive that I used in this install was liquid nails. I used the heavy duty formula to ensure that I had a good bond that would withstand the test of time.

Here is a video on how I installed my treads and risers. You can follow along with the video or read further to find a step by step breakdown of how I install them.