[joewho]

I agree with the others. Cover or replace. You might want to prime them top and bottom before recovering.

 

[joewho]

replacing tread is like rebuilding the whole stairs... probably put solid wood on top of the exising tread/riser and make the wood support each other... and using the tread as a moulding for the build rather than true support... then you will end up have a true wood stairs...

You know, it probably wouldn't be feasable to replace the treads. If the treads are mdf, the risers are probably mdf too.

sounds like the only option is to re-cover them. On the other hand, don't the treads go on last? Wouldn't it be fairly simple to take them off and replace them? Adding wood to the top would change the height and then you have to think about bullnose to go with that.

 

[joewho]

There shouldn't be any height changes except the first step... which will be shorter than before by the width of the wood tread... because all steps increase by the same height....

the key is to find support for the tread ... of course take out the existing MDF treads/riser is the best... but that could mean a lot of work....

a compromise approach is just cover the MDF tread/riser up with true wood...

if it is me... I will cover them up without any nose... then buid hardwood on them ... as I just done mine like that and I like the result.. a lot of work and cost (approx $50 /step)... but result is excellant.....

I'm just trying to understand what you're saying. what support? The stringers are the support. Either one on each side or one on each side and one in the middle. Remove the mdf treads and replace with bullnose oak treads. NO?

 

[joewho]

OK, I see now. Sort of a veneer.
Thanks

 

[joewho]

There is some tolerance on stair height and depth. You could tack 3/8 or 1/4 luan to the risers and depending on height could probably do the same with the treads. Cover seams with trim. This would pass inspection unless the rise is already at the maximum height. But all the trouble of doing it would outweigh buying oak (or any other wood) stock and cutting your own treads. This would also allow the new riser wood to go below the tread depth. I think.
Where's atlanticwb? He would know for sure.


As long as the houses' price was inline with what they did, the new oak would raise the value of the home.