I think that for the bottom step to be comfortable to step up to, that you need the thinnest tread available, in this case the 1/2 inch one. It should be the least expensive and I think you should inquire about why the thicker ones would even be considered. But given that wood flooring is usually not even 1/2 inch thick, I don't see why you'd want treads thicker than 1/2 inch. I hope the flooring experts will tell us what they think.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

I have gotten 3 quotes with 3 different opinions. I think the 3/4 might look the best as it will not look "thin", but I am not sure? Thanks for your input.

Yes,I will be interested in what the flooring experts say.

Hi Cwall89,

What do you currently have on the stairs? The reason I ask is that there are strict building codes regarding the height and variable of stair risers. Over the entire run, the height variable on all of the treads cannot be more than 3/8". (That applies to the overall, not each tread). So because of this your best choice would be to choose a tread thickness that complies with that.

Other than that, generally speaking the larger treads look more substantial, imo, especially if its an open tread design. Fwiw, I would guesstimate that the treads shown in this photo are around 1 1/4" thick.

Steve

I have carpet on my existing stairs pictured below. I would like the stair to look more substantial; however, if I choose a tread over 1/2" then I will have to raise the floor upstairs on the landing which can be done if needed. ( I am adding hardwood to the upstairs landing/hallway). Thank you for your suggestions.

Hi cwall89, thanks for the photo, you have a beautiful staircase and the hardwood will really show it off nicely. Now that I know what you have though, it does change my answer a little as I thought you meant a more typical spiral staircase like the one I posted.

The good news is that you can still have the thicker tread AND stay within the 1/'2" thickness you need to plane to the upper floor. To do this you'll need a tread with a nosing on it. The nosing is laminated at the front and is available in a few thicknesses, with the core still be around 1/2" to 3/4".

Here's an example where I used a 1" thick nosing, with the overall tread being 3/4" to match the flooring on each level.

And also a link to the type of tread I'm referring to.
http://www.stair-treads.com/red-oak-unfinished-landing-tread-36-in.html?gclid=COvR4OTxsbMCFUdxQgodwysAOQ



Steve

Thank you so much! We're located in the Phoenix Metro area in Arizona. Where are you?

Houston, Tx near intercontinental airport

Are you adding treads to the top of existing or replacing treads?

I have carpet at the top of my stairs so I am adding hardwood flooring.