A box stair tread is a stair tread with a wall on both sides of the staircase and thus has no mitered returns. This is by far, the most common style stair tread and the Retro style means that this stair tread is designed to be installed over an existing stair
Hint: Use the box on the left to narrow your selection by wood species, length, and color
With the Retro Replacement stair tread, you can replace your stairs without removing your existing stair treads!
Prefinished Retro stair treads offer you the ability to install beautiful solid hardwood on each of your steps without the traditional mess and expense associated with site-finished stair treads and now you no longer have to remove the existing stair tread. Simply cut the existing stair tread bullnose square, open the retro tread box, trim each tread to fit and you're ready to install; no messy stain or polyurethane is needed.
We also offer our retro stair tread unfinished - meaning that there is no stain or finish on the stair treads. Use unfinished treads to apply your own stain and polyurethane on site - some degree of sanding and minor prep-work should be expected.
Solid retro stair treads are 3/4" thick with a full 1" bullnose and 11 1/2" deep. The "closed" style means that this tread has no mitered returns. Sometimes this is also referred to as a box tread.
Our solid stair treads are guaranteed to never separate between the wood staves and are available in many different species.
Retro Stair Treads- Closed (Box) End | Install Over Existing Steps
Upgrade your staircase this weekend without removing a single existing tread. Retro (retrofit) stair treads from WoodStairCo are 3/4 inch thick and install directly over your current steps using construction adhesive and a brad nailer- no demolition, no subfloor work, no contractor required. Available in Red Oak, White Oak, Hickory, Maple, Walnut, and more, in 10+ prefinished stain colors or unfinished for custom staining to match any hardwood floor.
Closed (box) end treads are the standard style for staircases that run wall to wall- both ends of the tread are hidden against a wall or stringer. If one side of your staircase is open to the room, see our Retro Left Return or Retro Right Return treads.
Why Choose Retro Stair Treads?
No demolition required- installs over existing tread in 30–45 minutes
DIY friendly- adhesive + brad nailer, no carpentry skills needed
10+ stain colors- prefinished and ready to install, or unfinished for custom staining
All standard sizes- 36", 42", 48", 54", 60", 72", 84", 96" available
Species variety- Red Oak, White Oak, Hickory, Maple, Walnut, Brazilian Cherry, and more
In stock and ships fast- no special order wait times on standard sizes
Prefinished Stain Colors- Red Oak Retro Treads
All prefinished treads are factory-stained and polyurethane-coated- ready to install immediately—no sanding, staining, or finishing required.
Retro Stair Treads- Closed (Box) End | Install Over Existing Steps
Upgrade your staircase this weekend without removing a single existing tread. Retro (retrofit) stair treads from WoodStairCo are 3/4 inch thick and install directly over your current steps using construction adhesive and a brad nailer- no demolition, no subfloor work, no contractor required. Available in Red Oak, White Oak, Hickory, Maple, Walnut, and more, in 10+ prefinished stain colors or unfinished for custom staining to match any hardwood floor.
Closed (box) end treads are the standard style for staircases that run wall to wall- both ends of the tread are hidden against a wall or stringer. If one side of your staircase is open to the room, see our Retro Left Return or Retro Right Return treads.
Why Choose Retro Stair Treads?
No demolition required- installs over existing tread in 30–45 minutes
DIY friendly- adhesive + brad nailer, no carpentry skills needed
10+ stain colors- prefinished and ready to install, or unfinished for custom staining
All standard sizes- 36", 42", 48", 54", 60", 72", 84", 96" available
Species variety- Red Oak, White Oak, Hickory, Maple, Walnut, Brazilian Cherry, and more
In stock and ships fast- no special order wait times on standard sizes
Prefinished Stain Colors- Red Oak Retro Treads
All prefinished treads are factory-stained and polyurethane-coated- ready to install immediately—no sanding, staining, or finishing required.
If your existing treads are structurally sound but worn, scratched, or outdated, retro treads are the fastest upgrade path. Install in 30–45 min per step using Loctite PL Premium adhesive ($8.99) and a brad nailer: no demo, no contractor, no mess.
Matching Existing Hardwood Floors
Most US homes have Red Oak hardwood floors. Our unfinished Red Oak retro treads accept any stain- apply the same stain as your floors for a near-seamless match. Not sure which stain? Order our $19.95 sample pack first- test all 10 colors before buying.
Contemporary Two-Tone Staircase (The Most Popular Look)
The most requested staircase design: dark- or medium-stained treads with white-painted risers. Pair any of our prefinished retro treads with White Pre-Primed Retro Risers ($14.77–$24.59) for a clean, modern two-tone result.
Budget-Conscious Renovation
At $29.87–$157 per tread, retro treads are the highest-value staircase upgrade available. A full 13-step makeover with treads, risers, and cove moulding costs approximately $800–$1,000 in materials- compared to $3,000–$8,000+ for full staircase replacement.
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