A staircase is one of the few places in a home where wood is seen up close, touched every day, and has to be both beautiful and safe. That is why wooden stair treads are not bought off the shelf. We measure every tread on site and make it individually for its exact position in the staircase. This article describes how the process works — from the first inquiry to the finished staircase.
Why stair treads are made to measure
Staircases rarely have two identical elements. Concrete steps often differ in height and width, and in older buildings the differences are even greater. Even a minimal deviation in the first steps can add up and affect the level of the landing.
That is why we keep the geometry exact in production: the same height for every step, within 5 mm. Uneven heights make people trip — this is a standard, not a whim.
What a stair tread consists of
A finished wooden tread has five visible and hidden parts:
- Tread — the horizontal surface you step on.
- Riser — the vertical part between two treads. It is added depending on the architecture of the staircase — in the same wood, grade and finish, for a fully finished look.
- Nosing — shapes the visible front edge; it can be straight, rounded or profiled.
- Side finishing piece — covers the structural edge on staircases with an open side.
- Protective finish — lacquer or oil.
Solid or engineered treads
We make treads in two constructions. Solid treads are 20 mm European oak through their full thickness and suit classic and formal staircases. Engineered treads have a 4 mm layer of natural oak on a birch plywood core — more stable when humidity changes and easier on the budget.
Treads are made 16, 19 or 20 mm thick, and the nosing can be shaped so the tread looks like a solid block about 40 mm thick. You will find a comparison of solid, engineered and SPC treads on the page Wooden stair treads.
The process in five steps
- Consultation. You send photos of the staircase, the number of steps and approximate sizes, plus the material and look you want. We discuss the options and an indicative budget.
- Measuring. We come on site with a laser and measuring tools, record the size of every step, and take templates of irregular steps.
- Choosing the wood and finish. You choose the oak grade, colour and finish from a real sample and receive an exact quote for the project.
- Production. Every tread is cut individually at our base in Trud. The usual lead time is 3–5 weeks, and up to 6 weeks for more complex colours or non-standard shapes.
- Delivery and installation. The treads are glued onto a prepared concrete or timber base.
Finish and safety
The finish is chosen by the load and the style. UV lacquer gives high resistance under intensive use, while oil keeps the more natural feel of the wood and is easier to refresh. For treads we recommend UV lacquer or hardwax oil rather than oil-waxes, which are more sensitive to water.
For better grip, the front edge can be milled with anti-slip grooves (lines 1–3 mm deep) or fitted with an insert. The nosing can also be prepared for integrated LED lighting — see, for example, our wooden tread for LED lighting.
Treads that match the floor
When the treads and the floor are the same oak, the transition between floors looks natural. That is why we match the treads to the parquet by wood, grade (Standard, Plus or Prima), colour and finish. If you already have an Artistico floor, the treads can be made in the same colour. If you are still choosing a floor, see our engineered oak flooring or herringbone and chevron parquet — the treads can be made in the same grade and colour.
What to send us for an indicative price
The price of a staircase is calculated individually — by the number, size and shape of the treads, the construction, extra elements such as risers and landings, the finish and the complexity of installation. For a first estimate, this is enough:
- the number and approximate sizes of the steps;
- a few photos of the staircase;
- a drawing, if you have one;
- your town or village.
You do not need a finished technical design.
Wooden stair treads — frequently asked questions
Are wooden treads suitable for winding staircases?
Yes. Each tread is made individually to the shape of its position, including on winding and cantilevered staircases.
Can the treads be refinished?
Yes. Natural wooden treads can be refreshed and, if needed, sanded and refinished. What is possible depends on the construction and the thickness of the oak layer.
How long does the whole process take?
Production usually takes 3–5 weeks after measuring and final confirmation of the project. How long installation takes depends on the staircase.
Start with a photo
Send us photos of the staircase, the number of steps and approximate sizes. We will recommend a suitable construction and finish and prepare an indicative budget. You can also see our completed projects.