Stair Tread Replacement: Options, Cost & What to Expect

Stock Treads vs Custom-Milled Treads

Most big-box home improvement stores sell stock stair treads in limited dimensions and a handful of species. If your stairs are a standard width and you're happy with what's available, stock treads are a reasonable option. But most staircases aren't standard — widths vary, existing nosings may be a non-standard profile, and if you want the treads to match your main floor flooring exactly, stock is rarely the right answer.

At A&A Flooring, we mill custom stair treads in our Coquitlam shop. We match the species, cut profile, and stain to your existing floor so the staircase reads as a continuous surface rather than a separate element. This is what separates a finished renovation from one that looks assembled from parts.

What It Costs

Stair tread replacement in BC typically runs $80–$180 per step installed, depending on the species, whether the work is custom or stock, and the complexity of the installation. A standard 14-step staircase with custom white oak treads and matching nosings would typically fall in the $1,500–$2,500 range for a full supply-and-install.

Factors that move the price up: curved or winder stairs (non-standard shapes require more material and labour), site-finishing after installation (adds drying time), riser replacement (often done alongside treads), and matching existing stain colours precisely.

• Stock tread, simple install: $80–$120 per step
• Custom-milled tread, matching existing floor: $120–$180 per step
• Site-finished (stained and coated on-site): add $30–$50 per step
• Riser replacement (front face of each step): add $30–$60 per step

The Installation Process

Tread replacement starts with removing the existing treads — usually carpet, old hardwood, or painted wood. The stringers (the structural side pieces) are inspected for any soft or damaged areas. New treads are cut to size in our shop, installed with construction adhesive and finish nails, and then the nosings and risers are fitted.

For custom-milled treads, we bring samples to your home first to confirm the match to your existing floor before cutting. A typical 12–16 step staircase takes one full day to complete.

When to Do Stair Work

If you're also replacing your main floor, do the stairs at the same time. It's more cost-effective (one mobilization, one cleanup, consistent materials), and it ensures the species and finish match before the floor is laid. Trying to match an existing floor after the fact is harder and sometimes impossible.

We serve homeowners throughout Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, and the broader Lower Mainland. If your stairs need attention, a site visit will give us everything we need to quote the job accurately.