Character Hickory Stair Tread Details

Character grade stair treads show off the wood’s natural beauty and characteristics. This may include knots and color variations. Our character hickory stair treads are perfect for anyone who appreciates the natural beauty of wood and the variety between different pieces.

Please Note: Because each piece of wood has its own unique character, grain and color will vary from the sample images shown. All stair treads are custom made to order. All orders revised or cancelled after going into production (within 24 hours after order is received) will have a restocking fee of up to 50%.

Customize the Look of Your Stair Treads

The Hardwood Lumber Company makes all of our stair treads custom to order, so you can choose the right look and size for your project. Choose from these options as you’re creating your perfect stair tread.

Standard or Retrofit

Standard stair treads are designed for brand-new or completely remodeled staircases. Retrofit treads (retreads) are designed to fit over top of existing stairs for a refreshed look without the hassle of a full remodel.

Standard treads come in 1”, 3/4", 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" thickness. Retrofit stair treads are 3/4" thick, with an overhang on the front edge measuring 1" thick x 1-1/4" deep. Our stair treads and risers are made with a three to five piece glue up.

Sizing

Our Character Hickory Stair Treads are available in any length up to 120” and any depth up to 18”.

Nosing

Nosing is a safety feature on the end of each step that allows more space for you to step. However, we can make nosing both functional and beautiful with a variety of styles:

• Bullnose (half-round)
• Square edge
• Eased edge ⅛” radius
• Eased edge ¼” radius

Return

We can make your Character Hickory Stair Treads with a left hand, right hand, or double end return.

Returns are determined by banister position. If you have a banister on the right side of your stairs, you need a right return; if left, then you need a left return. Left or right return is determined by standing at the bottom of the stairs looking up. Double returns are for those who have staircases with banisters on both sides.

Returns are 1 ¼” wide and extends 1 ½” past the back side of the tread. Stair treads and risers over 48” long may be slightly oversize with uneven ends. All length measurements are overall, including the return(s). For example, a single return 36” tread will have a 34 ¾” throat size, a double return 48" tread will have a 45 ½” throat size.

Finish

You can leave your stair treads unfinished or order them prefinished with Tread Coat Varnish, a very durable two-component, commercial grade conversion varnish, specifically made for high traffic areas. We also offer several other finish options.

Additionally, you can select a standard stain color or apply a custom stain of your choice. We provide a stain match service for those interested in matching their stair treads to other areas of the home.

Textures

Choose from a variety of texture options for your wooden stair treads:

• Hand planed time-worn
• Hand scraped
• Wire brushed
• Saw cut (circular or band saw)
• Chiseled edges
• Dings and dents
• Worm holes
• Distressed

If you prefer to have your stair treads sanded smooth and have no texture, be sure to select NONE in the Texture Options.

Wire Brushed texture works best on wood with an open grain, such as White Oak, Red Oak, or Ash. On other tighter grain wood species, such as Character Hickory, the Wire Brushed Texture will not have the same effect and will not be as visible.

Our Stair Treads are sanded and maintained perfectly on top, while the bottom is left in a potentially rough state, untouched, because when installed, it will never be visible.

Shipping Information

All wood stair parts are custom made to order. Shipping may vary depending on your customization options. Please provide for a standard lead of 1 to 2 weeks for processing, milling, and shipping of stair tread orders.

Note: Lead times may vary based on seasonal demand. Please contact our sales team online or by phone at 1-800-798-1269 for questions regarding current order lead times.