Winder stair tread replacement in North Balgowlah
An internal winder staircase in a North Balgowlah home had been carpeted. Once the carpet, underlay and tack strips came up, the original treads and risers underneath were not worth keeping as a finished surface, so they came out and solid Blackbutt treads went in their place.
The approach
Rather than rebuilding the staircase, the existing treads and risers were removed and replaced in place. Keeping the original rise and run geometry matters. Adding new material over old treads changes the height of the top and bottom steps and creates uneven, non uniform risers. Taking the old components out first keeps every step height uniform.
What went in is new solid Blackbutt hardwood treads, each one custom scribed and fitted. Winder treads are all different shapes, so each is templated and cut individually. New moisture resistant MDF risers went in with them. Treads and risers are bonded with a flexible polyurethane structural adhesive and mechanically fixed with brad nails, so the stairs stay solid and squeak free long term.
Worth knowing before you start
Blackbutt is a natural timber, so grain and colour vary between boards and an exact match to existing flooring can never be guaranteed. Stair access to the upper floor is restricted during installation and while the adhesive cures. The immediate hallway and adjacent floors are protected while the work is on, and old materials and offcuts are disposed of properly with a full clean at the end.



Who this suits
Homeowners around the Northern Beaches with carpeted stairs who want timber, or with worn painted or damaged treads, without the cost and disruption of a full staircase rebuild.
Common questions about stair tread replacement
Thinking about your own stairs?
I am Wilson, a licensed and insured carpenter based in Fairlight, and I do the work myself. Site visits and written quotes are free. Call 0410 874 811 or send an enquiry through the contact page.
Got a job in mind? Happy to talk it through.
Send a short message or give Wilson a call. He will come and take a look, then send a written quote with no obligation.
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