Should I hardwood stairs going to basement or just redo stain

I think it would be easier restaining them.

They look like in pretty good shape. I would just stain and seal them.

I would just restain them,anything else will be very costly for a basement

if you like the look, it would certainly be a lot cheaper to just restain and seal the steps.

I too would definitely restain them. I have the same set-up. I wouldn't invest in hardwood, because when service people or trades come in to fix/replace/maintain the furnace, a/c, bathroom etc., they often scratch/nick the stairs, even when they remove their shoes and put tarps down. There is too much potential for damage. In my case, the wash and dryer and freezer are down there too. Moving stuff in and out, sometimes things are set down on the stairs by delivery people or even my family.

Either stain or paint them. Too expensive to hardwood stairs.

How about some stencils in just a bit lighter color then what's there ?

I agree....Stain......so much more economical and easier too :)

I love them!

Stain them and seal. If you want something quieter, consider a rug runner over the stained wood. They can be fastened with decorative bars at the junction joint between the step and the riser. Or just tacked down. The rug really lowered the noise up and down and keeps dirt to a minimum.

I agree with the restain and seal plan. If you're not planning on finishing the basement, that is. I would never hardwood the steps, but if you are going to be flooring the basement I would stain or paint them to compliment that flooring. If not, then I would recommend an area rug at the bottom of the stairs to trap any dirt. I wouldn't carpet all the way up, but tacking carpet treads on the first few bottom steps would also keep the rest of the stairs from getting dirty and messed up.

I would redo stain as I have done in the past. Lasts a long time an can have stain color when you like.

Spell check does not help all the time. Change colors of stain any time.

One takes work & patience the other a bit of money. You need to weigh the two out according to your time & budget. You could also buy a carpet runner which Lowes & Home Depot carry in the store.