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Red Oak Unfinished Traditional Right Return Stair Tread 48 in

SKU
STRRUNFI-48
main product photo
-8%
Special Price $39.30 ea was $42.64 ea
Red Oak Unfinished Traditional Right Return Stair Tread 48 in
Lead time is approximately 0 -2 weeks
Expected shipment date : 07/25/2026 to 07/31/2026

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: Right 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.

This 48-inch Red Oak Unfinished Traditional Right Return tread is built for wider staircases- typically found in larger single-family homes, open-plan layouts, and custom builds. The right return end is factory-shaped and smooth- the left end is square-cut for stringer or wall placement.

At 1 inch thick and 11.5 inches deep, this traditional profile replaces existing steps or installs on new stair carriages. Red Oak is North America's most abundant hardwood and the most widely installed floor species- making unfinished Red Oak the easiest path to a perfect on-site color match.

SPECS

  • Thickness- 1 inch (traditional)
  • Width- 11-1/2 inch | Length- 48 inches
  • End profile- Right return- right side rounded and factory-finished
  • Finish- Unfinished- sand and finish on-site
  • Species- Red Oak | Janka hardness- 1,290

INSTALLATION NOTE

Sand to 120-grit. Stain and apply 2–3 coats of polyurethane. Allow 48 hours to cure. Apply Loctite PL Premium adhesive across the full 48-inch back, and use the brad nailer at 6-inch intervals. Allow 24 hours before foot traffic.

ColorUnfinished
Unit Of Measureea
Width11-1/2 in
Color CodeUNFI
Length48 in
PrefinishedNo
ProfileTraditional Right Return Stair Tread
Thickness1 in
Wood SpeciesRed Oak
Quickship ItemNo
Stain ColorRed Oak - Unfinished
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Product FAQs (12)
Product Questions and Answers
  1. Q:What product do I use to attach step to frame.
    A:Traditional treads are typically attached to stringers with nails or screws and PL Premium: https://woodstairco.com/moulding-and-accessories/tools/loctite-pl-premium-polyurethane-construction-adhesive.html

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  2. Q:I need to do some notching for the riser. Can the return be left unassembled on my unfinished treads?
    A:Yes - we can leave the return unattached. To do this, place your order and then contact us with your order number and number of treads you like to leave unattached. Alternatively, you can place the order over the phone by calling (866) 283-4224

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  3. 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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  4. 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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  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: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.

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  7. Q:What is a right return and how do I know if I need left or right?
    A:A right return has a finished nosing on the right end when facing the stairs going up. To determine: stand at the bottom facing up. Right side open = right return. Left side open = left return. Both sides open = double return. Both sides meeting a wall = closed (box). When unsure, photograph both tread ends for comparison.

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  8. 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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  9. Q:Who typically needs a 48-inch stair tread?
    A:48-inch treads fit wider residential staircases found in larger single-family homes, colonial homes, and open-concept modern builds. Always measure the width of your existing tread or stair carriage before ordering. If between 45–48 inches, a 48-inch tread can be trimmed from the square (non-return) end.

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  10. Q:Can I cut down a 48-inch tread to fit a narrower staircase?
    A:Yes- the square (non-return) end can be trimmed with a miter saw. Never cut the return end, as that is the factory-finished exposed side. Take equal amounts from each end if possible to maintain symmetry.

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  11. Q:What is the difference between a 42-inch and a 48-inch right return tread?
    A:Only the length differs- both are 1 inch thick, 11.5 inches deep, and have the same right return end profile. Choose the length that matches your staircase width. Always measure before ordering.

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  12. Q:How many coats of finish does a Red Oak unfinished tread need?
    A:Apply a minimum of 2 coats of polyurethane- 3 coats for high-traffic stairs. Sand lightly with 220-grit between coats. Allow full cure (48 hours) before installation and 72 hours before heavy foot traffic.

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