I'm about to redo my ridiculously squeeky stairs (it's been 6 long noisy years). Right now there is solid stair treads and I am going to install strip & plank treads and risers to match my new hardwood flooring. I want to remove the treads altogether and not just cut off the bullnose, but I am worried about what's underneath. If there is nothing but stringers below how do I deal with that? I would assume I will need to install an underlay of some sort and how thick. Will I use rosin paper on the stairs? I would die if I just end up with the same noisy stairs! Yikes.
Also the existing side stringers are ugly and they look like they have been painted about 100 times. The finish is not at all smooth or even. Can I rip them out also? Do I have to have them or can I do without. Are they just for asthetics?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated & thanks in advance.

stairs are comprised of 3 components.
the stringer, riser and tread..they all work in unison for the structure of the stair case.

you will need a brand new stair case for what you are seeking to do..

you can tighten the existing set up by cutting the wall open underneath them and doing the necessary screwing and bracing
where needed.

its not like you ca go to the store and buy a stringer...or a riser...you need t make them..
if going so far to rip everything out, then just replace..

cut the old set down the middle and rip it out from the sides..
measure from floor to top landings and have a local mill shop build them..

set them in place, level and plum...fasten to top landings and voila..


sounds simple dont it?

Yah if the stringers need to be replaced, gonna be a while. Don't forget to use some kind of construction adhesive under treads.