Rochelle Brown | Sep 24, 2016 5:20:44 PM

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Hi,

I installed your retro treads on 3 staircases about 4 years ago. I am not as pleased with some of the earlier ones I did, as my skill improved with time (a few have gaps on either side that I don't like). I also have one that split. How do you recommend removing a stairtread? I was thinking of trying to strike underneath the bullnose with a rubber mallet, but that may not work or may damage the riser and other treads. Should I use a Saw? Have you had anyone attempt this and if so any tips?

Also, do you have any resources for local installers of your product? I'm in Maryland.

Thanks,

Rochelle
Telephone:4107995339

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Hi Rochelle-

Regarding removing an installed tread - it is possible but does take a little effort.  Once they've been installed for a week or so, the glue sets and it does become a little more difficult but not impossible. Since yours have been installed for a couple years, the glue is obviously dry and the best way is to hit the nose with a mallet, just like you suggest, until you can get a prybar somewhere underneath.  If you can pry in stages without breaking the tread, you'll have better luck.  Basically, keep working your way under the tread little by little - having a couple prybars is helpful here.  I wouldn’t recommend cutting the tread until you’ve removed all you can in one piece.  The you can cut or chisel the remainder out.

As far as removing any glue residue that's left after you've removed the tread, a belt sander may be able to clean up the chips or remaining splinters.

Gaps: Most of our customers have white skirtboard and white caulk fills the gaps on the side quite nicely - I'm not sure whether yours are white or stained but that's' one suggestion we can offer. 

And finally, we have a few contractors that we've worked with in the past and I'll dig through our records and see if we can find a couple.  We do recommend either houzz.com or homeadvisor.com as good resources for local labor as well. Thumbtack.com seems to be an up and coming source but we haven’t used it personally.

You can give us a call at your convenience if you need a little better clarification on removing treads - just call 866-283-4224 and ask for Josh at extension 101.

Thanks again for your order!