Red Oak Gunstock Traditional Left Return Stair Tread 48 in

SKU
STLRGNOK-48
$87.08 ea
Red Oak Gunstock Traditional Left Return Stair Tread 48 in
Lead time is approximately 1 -2 weeks
Expected shipment date : 06/16/2026 to 06/17/2026

The most popular Red Oak stain — on the most popular left return size — ready to install. This Gunstock prefinished Red Oak traditional left return tread finishes the open left side of your 48-inch staircase with a clean wrapped nosing and the warm amber-brown that matches more American hardwood floors than any other single stain color.

Gunstock is the definitive Red Oak floor stain. Factory-applied and polyurethane-sealed — no finishing, no waiting. Remove the old tread, install the new one, and the open side of your staircase looks professionally built.

SPECS:

Thickness: 1 inch (traditional — new construction or full tread replacement)

Width: 11-1/2 inch | Length: 48 inches

Return: Left end finished with wrapped nosing | Right end closed (box)

Nosing overhang: 1-1/2 inch | Coved back edge

Finish: Prefinished Gunstock — warm amber-brown factory stain and polyurethane coat

Species: Red Oak | Janka hardness: 1,290

INSTALLATION NOTE:

Remove existing tread. Loctite PL Premium adhesive across full back. Position left return flush with open stair edge. Secure with screws from below or 2-inch brad nails through back edge only. Do not nail through the return nosing face. Touch up cut ends on the right (wall) side with a Gunstock touch-up marker from the Prefinished Touch Up Repair Kit ($21.07).

STAIN / FINISH TIP:

Gunstock is a near-match for Minwax Gunstock (210B), Bruce Gunstock, and most warm amber Red Oak floor stains. Pair with Red Oak Gunstock Traditional Risers ($38.48) for a fully matched staircase, or Pre-primed White Traditional Risers ($28.14) for the two-tone contrast look. Order the Red Oak Stain Colors Sample Pack ($19.95) to confirm Gunstock vs Saddle or Butterscotch before ordering.

ColorGunstock
Unit Of Measureea
Width11-1/2 in
Color CodeGNOK
Length48 in
PrefinishedYes
ProfileTraditional Left Return Stair Tread
Thickness1 in
Wood SpeciesRed Oak
Quickship ItemNo
Stain ColorRed Oak - Gunstock [F29]
Your Rating
Product Questions and Answers
  1. Q:What is a traditional 1-inch stair tread and when should I use it?
    A:A traditional stair tread is 1" thick — the standard for new staircase construction or full replacements where existing treads are removed. Required by most US building codes for new builds. Use when existing treads are too damaged to install over, or when building a staircase from scratch.
  2. Q:How are traditional stair treads installed?
    A:Traditional installation requires removing the existing tread first: pry from below or cut the nosing and pull off stringers. Once removed, check stringer surface is flat and clean. New treads are installed with construction adhesive plus screws from below, or toe-nailed through the back edge. Return styles need additional care when fitting around baluster holes or open stringer ends. Carpentry-level project — many homeowners hire a stair carpenter for best results.
  3. Q:When do I need a 48-inch stair tread?
    A:48" treads are used in wider residential staircases — common in larger custom homes, colonial-style homes, and formal entry staircases. A 48" staircase feels noticeably more generous than a 42". Also found in converted commercial spaces, wide hallways, and some split-level designs. Always measure before ordering — a 48" tread in a 42" opening needs cutting; under-ordering creates gaps.
  4. Q:Why is Red Oak the most popular species for stair treads?
    A:Red Oak accounts for over 50% of hardwood floors in US homes built before 2015, making it the natural match for most staircase upgrades. Janka hardness 1290 — handles residential traffic for decades. Open grain accepts stain evenly for consistent color matching to existing floors.
  5. Q:What is a left return stair tread and when do I need one?
    A:A left return has a finished, curved nosing on the left end — the left side when facing the staircase going up. Required when the left side of the staircase is open to the room (visible). Instead of an exposed raw cut end, the left return wraps the nosing for a finished appearance.
  6. Q:What does Gunstock stain look like on Red Oak?
    A:Gunstock is a warm, medium-amber stain — rich golden-brown, reminiscent of rifle stock wood. On Red Oak it produces a warm tone with visible grain. One of the most popular stain colors for Red Oak floors and treads, closely matching many pre-2005 Red Oak floor finishes. Works best in traditional, transitional, and craftsman interiors.
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