How can I redo stairs?

D,

You are going to have to put some sort of protective coating on the stairs treads be it paint, a varnish, or an oil stain.

The the risers can be finished off any any number of ways. I have seen everything from strips of distressed wood nailed on them (usually using stained and slight color on pallet wood), decorative tiles, etc.

I can tell you that stairs get scuffed badly. They are stunning when first finished, but after time, they look worn, particularly if you have pets and kids. So make sure whatever you do is durable. The distressed wood is a great idea since distressed shows less wear. BTW, in order to not "crowd" your space on the treads, a very thin wood like 1/4" plyboard would be most suitable. Cut it into strips and then work with it.

Here is a link to Home Depot that has "Peel and Stick" wood...you could then tack it on with finishing nails to make it more durable. This will serve as an idea of how this would look, but you could make your own coloring out of plywood and watered down paint in grey and brown.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Freestone-3-in-Peel-and-Stick-Wall-Applique-Panels-20-sq-ft-Box-263/303110797?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CHDH%7C59-35_WALL/DECOR%7CNA%7CNA%7CWall+Panels%7c71700000040262243%7c58700004329129858%7c92700036303253364%7caud-495306489266:pla-472129837618-61467357787&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkfriBRD1ARIsAASKsQJqyxq1Q7yIxR-aE0atYBPHiN4KUzciZfNKp1I8q-IznqTS5EfJDnwaAgWDEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

One thing about tile is you can use the lesser expensive plain tiles with a few of the more expensive accent pieces is very pretty. Keep in mind that you will want to keep your work for some time so choose something that will be timeless. In other words, do not tie yourself to one color.

Whatever you do, post photos! GOOD LUCK!

D,. Try a wood stain, you can purchase at the paint department at Home Depot or Lowe's. Aloha

Maybe these links will help:

https://www.amazon.com/Treads-Collection-Indoor-Resistant-Carpet/dp/B00W4D15U0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1549732486&sr=8-5&keywords=stair+treads

https://www.amazon.com/Sussexhome-Trellisville-Collection-Contemporary-Polypropylene/dp/B07MGZRDHW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549732486&sr=8-4&keywords=stair+treads

A good coat of paint will work wonders. Look in the "mistake" section of the paint department. You might find something suitable for just $5 a can. And to keep it safe, stair treads are very inexpensive. Carpet treads you can glue down or staple in place.

Without carpet or paint? There are tread covers you can buy but that can get pricey. We used porch-grade paint on ours and it is holding up well. We have found that when working on stairs, there is no quick and easy fix.