Hello,

We are currently having the carpet on stairs replaced with single oak treads/risers. When the contractor pulled up the carpet and cut the existing mortised nosing off, it left a round hole on each side of the stringer. With the new tread and risers installed, and quarter round trim (I know this should be avoided, but most wood steps I've seen have this) beneath the front lip of treads, you can still see the holes. They are anywhere from .5 to 1. inch diameter. What is the best way to cover/fill up these holes? I will be painting over white and touching up. Caulk, putty, etc? Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

Spackle and Bondo are commonly used.