What are RetroFit stairs?
Retrofitting Staircases: A Closer Look at RetroFit Stair Treads
Brief Summary
RetroFit stair treads offer a convenient and efficient solution for staircase renovations, particularly when transitioning from carpeted stairs to hardwood. These pre-finished treads and risers come with attached molding, eliminating the need for extensive carpentry work and simplifying the installation process.
Expanded Answer
What are RetroFit Stair Treads?
- Purpose: RetroFit treads are designed specifically for staircase remodels where you want to replace existing carpet or worn treads with hardwood without having to rebuild the entire staircase.
- Construction: These treads are typically made of hardwood, such as red oak or white oak, and come with pre-attached molding or trim, such as a bullnose or cove molding.
- Riser: The RetroFit system also includes matching risers that have a stain-grade side and a paint-grade side, providing flexibility for finishing options.
Benefits of Using RetroFit Treads
- Simplified Installation: RetroFit treads streamline the renovation process by eliminating the need for complex carpentry work, such as cutting and fitting individual treads and risers.
- Time-Saving: Prefinished treads and risers with attached molding reduce the time required for sanding, staining, and finishing, allowing for a quicker installation.
- Cost-Effective: While the upfront cost of RetroFit treads may be slightly higher than purchasing unfinished wood, the savings in labor and time can make it a more budget-friendly option overall.
- Consistent Quality: Prefabricated treads and risers offer consistent quality and dimensions, ensuring a uniform and professional look for your staircase.
Installation Process
- Remove Existing Carpet: Carefully remove the existing carpet and padding from the stairs.
- Prepare the Stairs: Clean the treads and risers and ensure they are structurally sound. If necessary, repair or replace any damaged components.
- Measure and Cut: Measure the existing treads and risers to confirm the size of the RetroFit components. If necessary, trim the RetroFit treads to fit.
- Install Risers: Begin by installing the new risers, securing them to the stringers with construction adhesive and finish nails.
- Install Treads: Apply construction adhesive to the back of the treads and place them on top of the risers. Secure them with finish nails.
- Finishing Touches: Fill any nail holes with wood putty, and sand and finish the exposed edges of the treads and risers if necessary.
Building Code Compliance
- Riser Height and Tread Depth: Ensure that the installed RetroFit treads and risers comply with local building codes for safety and accessibility.
- Handrail Height: Check that the handrail height remains within the required range after installing the new treads. You may need to adjust its height if necessary.
- Slip Resistance: Consider adding non-slip treads or applying a slip-resistant finish to the hardwood for enhanced safety.
Conclusion
RetroFit stair treads offer a convenient and efficient solution for homeowners seeking to upgrade their carpeted stairs to hardwood. By simplifying the installation process and providing pre-finished components, they save time and effort while achieving a beautiful and durable result. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to transform your staircase, RetroFit treads are a worthwhile consideration.