I have ugly Hollywood style steps that I need to redo...ideas?

Kim
by Kim

Our steps are open concept that are wrapped in old 45 year old carpet. We have begun to peel it off. The stairs are cheaply done pine. Done in two pieces as per pictures. Ugh. I need to redo them in a very very tight $300 budget. How can I make them decent til I can afford something better?

  5 answers
  • Judy Judy on Aug 15, 2018

    Are these inside or out?

    I’m guessing inside.

    How about paint? It would cover the sins of the pine floor and be easier to clean.

    The 2 piece wood will give it character.

    Or you could stain it is the wood is in good condition.

    I think paint might be better. Design or no design on the risers. It’s up to you

  • Leeanne Leeanne on Aug 15, 2018

    Pull out the Staples, sand and I would paint them a satin black. It's neutral, looks classy and won't show dirt like white or other colors. You could add a carpet runner down the middle as a bonus!

  • Oberlinmom Oberlinmom on Aug 15, 2018

    Don't forget to patch before painting. You can use wood filler on the treads and plaster patch on the wall. Might even be able to use the plaster patch on the treads but it may crack with the movement. The patch material can fill in the gaps and holes. Then sand it all smooth. Then paint whatever color you choose. I'd look into something made for floors since it will be getting rough treatment. As Leeanne mentioned you could put a runner down the middle, even just a plastic type and wrap it around each tread.


    If your not into paint the newer fake wood flooring strips aren't that costly. One box would be more than enough for your stairs I would think. You'd have to come up with a way to cap the front edge. I bet they make something just for that purpose. It would mean glueing them down. That would make removal, if you want to keep the old treads, difficult but they would look nice.


    Just keep in mind you don't want something that might be slippery. Other wise anything goes.

    • Kim Kim on Aug 15, 2018

      These are kind of what I was thinking. Fill with plastic wood and sand and paint. Even a plastic tread glued to center. A neighbor blocked in each step with click lock and if have to go look at his.

  • Jeni Johnson Jeni Johnson on Sep 17, 2018

    I would sand and paint and do a wood grain glaze paint on them. I think that would great.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 20, 2021

    You can lightly sand them and paint with floor paint. My stairs to the attic are pine, painted, and have held up well with floor paint for over 15 years.