How to Install Decorative Stair Brackets

Stair brackets, also called tread brackets, are a terrific approach to decorating the treads on your staircase. They can be found in all styles of historic homes and are a popular option for decorating new homes, as well. Stair brackets are decorative details that are easily installed, adding beauty and elegance to your entry way for a lifetime.

Stair brackets are an easy and affordable way to add a touch of class with little effort. They can change the look of an unadorned and plain staircase into one that is gorgeous and elegant. Add a touch of architectural elegance to your steps with a set of stair brackets.

Stair brackets are molded from a high density furniture grade of polyurethane. They are beautifully detailed from hand-crafted molds, which ensures a consistent quality product time after time. The precision and quality that goes into the crafting of these exquisite decorative accents provides the best results for application, appearance and longevity. Stair brackets are delivered pre-primed and ready for you to finish in your unique style.

Stair brackets can also be used to complement the existing trim in your home. They resemble the look of the hand-carved accents often found in older homes scattered throughout America. They honor the timeless style, texture and ornate detail from earlier decorative eras. Decorative stair brackets will transform even the look of the most ordinary and simple staircase to one of elegance.

Installation Tips

When you order your stair brackets, make sure to specify whether you require left or right stair brackets. One way to remember is that right brackets will point to the right while left brackets point to the left.

Tools to assemble for your project include: a sponge or clean cloth, caulking gun, circular saw or a hand saw and elastomeric adhesive caulk. You may also wish to have the following items on hand: putty knife, hammer, 6d or 8d finishing nails able to penetrate to a minimum of ½ to ¾ inches, and extra fine sandpaper.

Before beginning your installation, we recommend that you finish your product, either by painting it or decorating it with a faux finish. This is because of the small size and the intricate details of the stair brackets. You can touch up any smaller areas as needed after installation.

After you have painted your brackets, it is time to consider surface preparation. Make sure that all surfaces are free of dirt and any loose particles with a clean cloth. Allow the surface to dry completely before installation of your stair brackets. For the best results installing the product, remove the quarter round or half round molding on both the vertical and horizontal edges of the stair riser, as the bracket should butt up to the edges of the riser. Hold the bracket up to the stair to determine if the ends of the bracket require cutting. For correct placement, the stair bracket should span both the vertical and horizontal lengths of the riser. If it does not, you may want to consider adding quarter or half round molding to the stair length.

Now that you have planned and prepared your space and the surface, we will take a look at general installation instructions. Follow these steps to add architectural elegance and style to your stairway:

1. Trim the brackets to a size that matches the tread depth and/or height, as necessary.

2. Laying the bracket face down on a soft surface, so as not to mar the finish, apply a ½ inch continuous bead of adhesive or caulking along the back edge.

3. Gently press the bracket into place. Apply any caulk around the edges as necessary, smoothing the caulk with your finger or a putty knife. This will help to give the appearance that the stair bracket is a part of the wall. Wipe any excess adhesive with a damp cloth.

4. Another option is to secure larger brackets into place using finishing nails, which can be removed after the adhesive dries. If you want to remove the nails, make sure that you leave ½ of the nail exposed for easy removal.

5. Fill in the nail holes with caulking, again smoothing the surface. Once the caulk is dry (approx. 2-3 hours), you can lightly sand any rough spots with extra fine sandpaper, if needed.

6. Touch up your stair brackets as needed.

Remember these safety tips when undertaking any decorative project on your own. When you are using any power tools, adhesives or finishing materials, such as paint or stain, be sure that you are following the manufacturer's instructions. Always wear safety goggles if you will be using any power tools or hammers. And always use the right tool or equipment for the job.

You can add a touch of class with easy and affordable stair brackets that does not require a lot of effort. Transform your simple staircase into a look of wonder and elegance that will leave your home standing out in every visitor's memory. Stair brackets will certainly add a special finishing touch to your staircase for a refined and sophisticated appearance.