Easy inexpensive stair repair

how was the carpet attached to the floor? Glue, tacks, staples?

Whats under the carpet? If its wood the easiest thing to do would be to paint it. If the steps and risers are decent and not really beat up you could stain them.

If the wood is in good shape when you take the padding off, you can paint it. The Riser and the Tread can be different colors. (Or Stain)... Stencils make beautiful designs. You can decoupage on them. Also, if they seem to be slick, you can add sand to your paint or stain to help give a "grip" surface.

Your lowest cost solution is to paint, once you've removed all the padding, staples etc. Sand and fill any staple holes, I would paint the risers white, and the treads either stain if their wood, or paint with porch paint in a dark color that you can add a gripper additive to make them less slick versus sand which is better for outside.

Wood looks to be pretty good. Better than what other Hometalkers had. Painting would be the cheapest. Go with Sharon's suggestion. It's the best.

What other Hometalkers did.

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=painting%20stairs

you can fill use a wood filler to the tack and staple holes, Waite for it to dry..some will shrink and need another layer. Some times it can get higher...but it’s sandable. Sand the treads smooth, then decide if a stain or paint would worK. Now then...my preference would be dark treads, light raisers.....it’s a hi contrast scheme but it can be safer for persons who have issues with eyesight. if you still have any energy left and want the stairs a bit more decorated, consider stenciling the raisers,

ps if you do paint the treads...paint every other one. Let it dry and then do rest....this gives you a way to use the stairs and not mess up the paint.

Hello,

How about Ceramic Floor Tiles, or Vinyl flooring with Nosing, or Paint or Hardwood?