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White Oak Unfinished Traditional Right Return Stair Tread 42 in

SKU
STREUNFI-42
main product photo
-8%
Special Price $58.48 ea was $63.39 ea
White Oak Unfinished Traditional Right Return Stair Tread 42 in
Lead time is approximately 0 -2 weeks
Expected shipment date : 07/24/2026 to 07/30/2026

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, White 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 42-inch White Oak Unfinished Traditional Right Return tread is the premium choice for contemporary and transitional staircases with one open side. The right return end is factory-shaped and smooth- the opposite end sits flush against the wall or stringer.

White Oak has become the dominant hardwood of modern American home design since 2018- its tight grain, natural grey-green undertones, and versatility with grey, natural, wire-brushed, and dark finishes make it the exact-match tread for any White Oak floored home. If you have White Oak floors, this is the tread.

SPECS

 

  • Thickness- 1 inch (traditional)
  • Width- 11-1/2 inch | Length- 42 inches
  • End profile- Right return- right side rounded and factory-finished
  • Finish- Unfinished- sand and finish on-site
  • Species- White Oak | Janka hardness- 1,360

INSTALLATION NOTE

Sand to 120-grit. Apply stain or finish of choice. Allow full cure (48 hours). Apply Loctite PL Premium adhesive + brad nailer at 6-inch intervals. Allow 24 hours before foot traffic.

ColorUnfinished
Unit Of Measureea
Width11-1/2 in
Color CodeWHOK
Length42 in
PrefinishedNo
ProfileTraditional Right Return Stair Tread
Thickness1 in
Wood SpeciesWhite Oak
Quickship ItemNo
Stain ColorRed Oak - Unfinished
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Product FAQs (11)
Product Questions and Answers
  1. Q:hi just wanted to know if these treads are solid or veneer
    A:All of our stair treads and risers are solid. We do not carry any veneer products.

    Josh McGrath

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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:Why is White Oak the premium choice for modern staircase designs?
    A:White Oak has become the dominant hardwood flooring choice in new construction since 2018, driven by the popularity of wire-brushed and greige finishes. WoodStairCo unfinished White Oak treads are milled from the same species as premium flooring, making stain matching precise and predictable.

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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: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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  6. 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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  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:Can I wire-brush or ceruse a White Oak traditional tread?
    A:Yes- White Oak is the ideal species for wire-brushed and cerused finishes due to its open ray structure. Use a wire cup brush attachment before staining for a textured, contemporary look. This finish is not achievable on Red Oak, making White Oak the unique choice for modern staircase design.

    Josh McGrath

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  9. Q:Why choose White Oak over Red Oak for an unfinished right return tread?
    A:White Oak has a tighter, more uniform grain and natural grey-green undertones that respond better to modern grey, natural, and wire-brushed finishes. If you have White Oak floors or want a contemporary look, White Oak treads are the natural match. Red Oak is better for warm amber and honey-tone finishes.

    Josh McGrath

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  10. Q:What sealer or finish works best on White Oak unfinished treads?
    A:For high-traffic stairs, apply a water-based or oil-based polyurethane (minimum 2 coats). For a natural look, Rubio Monocoat or Bona Hardwax Oil provides excellent protection with a subtle sheen. Avoid oil-based amber finishes- they fight White Oak's cool grey-green undertones.

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  11. Q:What is the difference between the 42-inch and 54-inch White Oak right return tread?
    A:Only the length differs- both are 1 inch thick, 11.5 inches deep, unfinished White Oak, with the same right return end profile. Choose the length that matches your staircase opening width. Always measure before ordering.

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