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Red Oak Unfinished Traditional Left Return Stair Tread 42 in

SKU
STLRUNFI-42
main product photo
-8%
Special Price $38.91 ea was $42.18 ea
Red Oak Unfinished Traditional Left Return Stair Tread 42 in
Lead time is approximately 0 -2 weeks
Expected shipment date : 07/23/2026 to 07/29/2026

Unfinished products are considered commodities and will require some degree of additional minor prep-work before they can be considered complete, or "finished". Some degree of sanding / puttying is to be expected before finishing. Alternatively, consider ordering prefinished products.

Categories: Traditional 1" Stair Treads, Left Return Traditional Treads, Oak Stair Treads, In Stock Stair Treads and Risers
UV Finish
We're one of the only stair companies utilizing a 100% solids UV-cured finish on our products. This finishing method offers the most durable finish on the market today!
Experience
We've been providing prefinished treads online to do-it-yourself, contractors, and building supply stores for over 15 years.
Complete Solutions
Besides stair treads, we can source and finish flooring, handrail, newel posts, and other wood products to make your project a complete success!
First-Grade Product
Quality is at the front of all our wood products.

The most affordable left return option in the WoodStairCo range — and the most flexible. At $46.80, this unfinished Red Oak traditional left return stair tread finishes the open left end of your 42-inch staircase and accepts any stain color you choose — the exact stain on your existing floors included.

The lowest price entry point for an open-sided traditional staircase. Right for budget-conscious full staircase renovations, rental properties, and new construction projects where on-site staining is already in the plan.

SPECS:

Thickness: 1 inch | Width: 11-1/2 inch | Length: 42 inches

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

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

Finish: Unfinished | Species: Red Oak | Janka: 1,290

Also available: 48 in ($52.11)

INSTALLATION NOTE:

Remove existing tread. Loctite PL Premium adhesive + screws from below. Stain and finish after installation or pre-finish on sawhorses. Sand to 120-grit before staining.

STAIN / FINISH TIP:

The lowest-cost left return tread at WoodStairCo. Upgrade to prefinished — Red Oak Natural ($64.28), Gunstock ($87.08), or Saddle ($87.08) — if you want zero finishing work after installation. Order the Red Oak Stain Colors Sample Pack ($19.95) to confirm your stain match before applying to the full staircase.

ColorUnfinished
Unit Of Measureea
Width11-1/2 in
Color CodeUNFI
Length42 in
PrefinishedNo
ProfileTraditional Left Return Stair Tread
Thickness1 in
Wood SpeciesRed Oak
Quickship ItemNo
Stain ColorRed Oak - Unfinished
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Product FAQs (7)
Product Questions and Answers
  1. Q:what is the difference between retro and traditional stair treads?
    A:The main difference between Retro Treads and Traditional Treads is the thickness. Retro Treads are 3/4" thick with a 1" thick bullnose. Traditional Treads are 1" thick and have a 1" thick bullnose. The link below will tell you more about the difference between the two. Replacement (Retro) Treads: http://woodstairco.com/resources/what-are-replacement-treads.html More on Retro Treads: http://woodstairco.com/resources/replacement-stair-tread-information.html Stair Tread Dimensions: http://woodstairco.com/stair-tread-dimensions If you still have questions, you can call and speak with a friendly team member by calling 866-283-4224

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  2. 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.

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  3. Q:Can I stain this tread any color I want?
    A:Yes. Unfinished hardwood treads accept any oil-based or water-based stain. Sand lightly with 120-grit, apply chosen stain, allow to dry, then apply 2–3 coats of polyurethane. For floor matching: bring a floor sample to a paint store to identify the correct stain. We also offer a Red Oak Stain Colors Sample Pack for testing before committing to full treads.

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  4. Q:Is 42 inches the most common residential stair width?
    A:42" is the most frequently ordered tread size in the US — typical for single-family homes built between the 1970s and 1990s. If you live in a standard residential home and are unsure of your stair width, 42" is a reasonable starting assumption. Always measure — but if your measurement falls between 40"–44", a 42" tread with minor trimming is usually the cleanest solution.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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.

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  7. 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.

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