Installing carpet-stair-tread for two story homesSpecial carpet-stair-treads are available at any hardware store. They are usually a strong type of particle board, only rounded on the front side called a bull nose. When you put the actual tread and riser plates on, you can use either hardwood or tread material specially made for stairs. For carpeted stairs the stair construction plan will be the same using stringers, treads and risers to build the stairway. Carpeted stairways offer a few more conveniences that exposed stairs don't have. You don't have to make them look good because they are going to be covered up. Carpeted stairs are kind of going out of style. People are turning more to the natural look and feel of hardwood. I personally, like carpeted stairs no matter what. If the wood will be exposed, a quality hardwood is best because of the durability. If the stairs will be carpeted, you can buy tread material with the rounded nosing and it will hold up just fine.
It’s easier to put the riser plate on first, then the tread plate will lay flush against the riser plate without any gaps. The plates need to be screwed into place. In this case, nails just won’t do the job. Also, if the treads protrude any more than 1 ½ inch beyond the riser, it becomes a tripping hazard. There is also a material that you can put on to the striger before screwing or nailing the tread in place. This material prevents squeaky stairs after a few years of use. It's really cheap and very much worth the money. The best way to prevent squeaky stairs is to get a good, secure fit so the boards can't move around.
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