# Installing Stair Treads

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/installing-stair-treads/534877>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 4, 2010, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/installing-stair-treads/534877 "2010-04-04T01:57:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![PokerAKQJT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b5ac83/32.png) [@PokerAKQJT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PokerAKQJT)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2010, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/installing-stair-treads/534877/1 "2010-04-04T01:57:23Z")

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Hi. I am planning to install 1" bullnose stair treads (hardwood red oak)  
with white risers. Several questions:

1. The stairs are 38" long. Can I cut the stair treads to be flush up against the walls, or  
do I need to be concerned about expansion like I would when installing  
wood floors?
2. I would like to use Liquid Nails to adhere the stair treads to the existing  
plywood stairs. Do you advise Liquid Nails by itself or should I also  
use finishing nails for extra strength? I would think that Liquid Nails is  
strong enough by itself.

Any other tips you can offer?

Thanks so much.

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**Author:** ![Mulletgatani](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Mulletgatani](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mulletgatani)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2010, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/installing-stair-treads/534877/2 "2010-04-04T02:03:48Z")

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I would go for the “cleanest” look possible…without any gaps against the wall. ALWAYS use nails with liquid nails.

this might help as well…[http://forum.doityourself.com/solid-hardwood-engineered-laminate-flooring/366891-glue-nail-oak-treads-both.html](http://forum.doityourself.com/solid-hardwood-engineered-laminate-flooring/366891-glue-nail-oak-treads-both.html)