Capatread Laminate Vinyl Stair Renewal System User Manual (+ PDF)

Contents hide

1 CAPATREAD Laminate Vinyl Stair Renewal System User Manual

2 Update carpeted or worn-out stairs

3 Required Tools and Materials

4 Basic Installation Instructions

5 PREPARE

6 FINISHING / ACABADO

7 FAQ’s

8 Installation Links

9 Related Posts

CAPATREAD Laminate Vinyl Stair Renewal System User Manual

Update carpeted or worn-out stairs

An easy-to-install, durable stair covering with a pre-attached nosing for updating treads and risers
Coordinate to your staircase to a laminate or vinyl flooring purchase
Easy glue-down installation
A cost-effective way to add value to your home

Required Tools and Materials

Cap-A-Tread Dimensions

The flat non-nosing portion of Cap A Tread is 8mm (5/16”) thick
Works with treads up to 1″ thick
The flat non-nosing portion of Cap A Tread is 8mm (5/16″) thick
Works with treads between 1-1/8″ to 1-3/4″ Thick
Tread can either cap the existing tread (for treads 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″ thick) or butt flush to the front of the existing tread face (for treads 1-9/16″ to 1-3/4″ thick)
MAX PROTRUSION IS 11/16″ OVERHANG. Anything more than that and the riser must be built out using 1″x 6″ boards before Cap A Tread riser is installed

Basic Installation Instructions

NOTE: Cap-A-Tread should be installed from bottom stair to top with treads and risers being installed in the alternating order.

PREPARE

Gather all of the tools listed.
Start by removing any existing carpet, pad and staples from your existing staircase.
Vacuum the staircase and make sure it’s free of debris.
Measure each stair tread (step). Be sure to measure twice and from both sides of the tread AS WELL AS use a T-Bevel or Angle Gauge since they may not be the same size and might not be square.
Cut down the width of the Cap A Tread with a sliding compound miter saw.
Use a table saw (or circular saw with a guide) to make any alterations to the depth of the Cap A Tread that run along the entire length of the product.
Check the cut of the Cap A Tread for accuracy by dry-fitting it onto the stair for which you measured.
Use Heavy Duty Liquid Nail or any All Urethane Construction Adhesive. Apply about a 1/4″ thick bead around the perimeter and then throughout the middle in a zig-zag shape on the back of the tread as seen below and adhere the new Cap A Tread to the existing tread. No need to use a trowel or full spread the adhesive.
IMPORTANT. TO KEEP TREADS IN PLACE WHILE INSTALLING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, YOU CAN ALSO SECURE WITH 3-4 BRAD NAILS ACROSS THE WIDTH OF THE TREAD, BUT NOT MORE THAN 1/4″ FROM THE CURRENT RISER. YOU WANT THE CAP A TREAD RISER TO COVER UP ANY BRAD NAILS INSTALLED.
Measure for risers only after the tread has been installed.
Cut down the width of risers with a sliding compound miter saw.
Use a table saw (or circular saw with a guide) to make any alterations to the height of the riser that runs along the entire length of the product.
As in step #6, use Heavy Duty Liquid Nail or any construction urethane adhesive. Apply about a 1/4″ thick bead around the perimeter and then throughout the middle in a zig-zag shape on the back of the riser as previously shown and adhere the Cap A Tread to the existing tread.

FINISHING / ACABADO

Caulk Cap A Tread around the perimeter of the stair treads/risers and wipe clean for a nice finished look with no gaps.

FAQ’s

RIP OFF AT MINIMUM 4″ FROM NOSING

Why does the return not come pre-mitered?

Since most walls are not square, pre-mitering the return could mean it may not properly fit properly onto the side profile of the tread. Use a T-Bevel or Angle Gauge to properly determine the angle needed to cut the return.

How do I install the return?

Secure with 3-4 brad nails and a small amount of glue.

How do I finish off the return on the side or side of a riser?

Miter a cut-off piece of return to fit into place and secure with brad nails/glue.

RIP OFF AT MINIMUM 4″ FROM NOSING

Specs for Landing and Top Stairs
Be sure to only use Zamma coordinating Stairnose molding at the top stair. There are 2 different options to use for the top stair or landing.

For landings, you can use coordinating Stairnose molding. OR
Use Cap A Tread. Rip at the same width but no less than 4″ as your flooring plank from bullnose and join to flooring on landing with T-Molding or Multi-Purpose Reducer. Some notching may be required depending upon your staircase.
If a bullnose exists on landing, ONLY Cap A Tread with adjoining threshold should be used. Any existing bullnose should not be ripped off.

Do I Remove Existing Spindles / Install New Spindles Pre-Attached to Treads?

Staircases can both have / not have spindles and the spindles may or may not be pre-attached to existing stair treads.
If spindles are pre-attached to existing stair treads, these need to be removed prior to installation of Cap A Tread and re-installed after the Cap A Tread installation is complete.
DO NOT CUT AROUND EXISTING SPINDLES TO INSTALL CAP A OR TREAD!

Landings that turn a corner

For landings that turn a corner, use a piece from the length of a tread already ripped off and glue it underneath so no gap is exposed.
Dog ears are necessary when the standard Cap A Tread with a return, has too much of a pre-existing miter to use.
Miter the tread to the necessary depth/angle yourself.
Miter a piece already cut off the tread to finish off the installation.
Yes, a gap can exist with waterfall stairs as when you walk up a staircase, your feet do not apply diagonal pressure.

Risers Over 8-1/4″ Tall

If your riser is over 8-1/4″ tall, the standard Cap A Tread coordinating risers likely not tall enough to cover up the existing riser once the Cap A Tread on top is installed and you will need to proceed one of two ways.
Coordinating Risers: An extra Cap A Tread should be ordered. Once received, rip off the nosing, cut down to size and use as a riser.
White Risers: Purchase a piece of 12″ x 48″ white melamine to cut down and use as a riser.