[masraum]

This is more of a procedure question.

We've removed the carpet from our stairs. The stair treads are just crappy 2x12 or however wide they are. We are planning to replace the treads with new treads because we'd like to get the stained tread, painted riser look similar to this


My wife was planning to stain and then clear coat the new treads and then let me put them down because that would be easiest for her.

I don't think that'll be a good idea because I'll be nailing the new treads in. Then the finish will have to be fixed.

I figure we have 4 options. Which do you think is best and why?

1 Stain and clear coat treads. Nail them down, repair countersunk holes, restain and clear coat spots where nails live. Paint risers whenever

2 Stain treads. nail them down and use a stainable wood putty on recessed nail heads, restain, then clear, then paint risers.

3 Install new stair treads. fix nail heads, stain and then clear treads. Later paint risers

4 Other, you tell me.

Thanks