Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Stair Tread Replacement

I need some tips and advice. I'm planning on replacing our carpeted treads with a pre-manufactured 1 1/8 think red oak unfinished tread. I've read the thread regarding putting together treads from standard flooring planks, but I'd prefer to just order to the steps ready to install.

Q1 - With regular flooring I learned to leave a gap at the edge under the baseboard to allow for expansion and contraction... but with stairs everything I've read indicates you make the cut as close as possible to avoid using molding. Why the difference? Will wouldn't the stairs need room to expand?

Q2 - What is the best method to attach the tread to the stringer? Adhesive combined with screws or nails from underneath? Face nails and fill with a wood patch?

Thanks... NTAC

NTAC,

Q1) wood rarely expands very much at all lengthwise with the grain.

Q2) Use the adhesive to lessen possible squeaks. 2 1/2 inch deck screws will work fine. I've always suggested counterboring a hole, drive the screw about a 1/4 inch below the surface and glue in oak wood plugs. Sand over the plugs and finish.

fred

Thanks Fred. Can't wait to rip out the old stairs now.

Maybe I should send the wife away for the weekend.

NTAC.