Replacing Stair Treads - possible?

[PaulJR]

I have had a search, but can't find a definitive answer on this.

My wife wants to get rid of the carpet on our stairs, so I am faced with either some sort of laminate/veneer cover or replacing the treads with hardwood.

The stair is a standard softwood stair circa 1950 vintage, I assume its traditionally built with the treads & risers slotted in from underneath.
It has been painted up the sides in the past - so is past being able to stain/varnish.

My question is there a way of replacing the treads?

I suspect the answer is no, but I would rather replace the treads with a hardwood tread than overlay it with laminate.

If as I suspect it can't realistically be done, does anyone know of a supplier of a hardwood nosing I could fit and then use a laminate infill behind. I can't imagine laminate really wearing well on stair nosings.

 

[IJWS15]

You can get cappings which fit over the existing treads and risers

e.g. http://www.stepclad.com/page21.html

or http://www.tradestairs.com/acatalog/oak_stair_klad.html#aSCT_2d1000_2dO

Not cheap

 

[PaulJR]

Thanks - worth a look at least.

got to be cheaper than replacing the staircase.