Treads & Risers

Treads are the horizontal steps of a staircase upon which we walk and the risers are the vertical pieces in between. Treads can be solid hardwood, capped with false end caps to give the appearance of solid wooden stair treads with a carpet runner or the rough framed treads can simply be fully carpeted. The obvious advantage to solid treads is that they are authentic and richly luxurious hardwood. If a carpeted look or feel is desired carpet stair parts runners can be overlaid and fastened in place with stair rods. False tread end caps provide a similar appearance of solid stair treads at the sides of the staircase without the expense because less expensive can be laid between the caps. Carpet wrapped treads are the least expensive and was common in the 60’s and 70’s but is rarely seen today. One advantage over carpet, in addition to appearance, is the longevity of solid treads, while they will wear they can be sanded and refinished to a new state without total replacement like the carpet options. Take these factors and your budget into consideration when deciding which tread option is best suited for your situation.