How do I upgrade construction grade stringers?
by
Sheila
+11
Our house was built in the 1970s and had carpet on the stairs and stringers. When I removed the carpet, I found everything underneath was construction grade. Until I could figure things out, I temporarily placed laminate on the stairs and risers and sanded and painted out the stringers. Now I know that I am going to put in stained red oak treads and white pine risers. But I have no idea what I need to do to make the stringers work too. They look HORRIBLE! Help please.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/82120393184898489/
If you want to feature the stringers, then paint them a contrasting color (first picture) to the walls and treads. Another idea is to install above the existing trim additional molding/baseboard trim that is wider, more decorative and bevelled.(second and third pictures)
If you want to downplay the stringers, featuring the tread covering more, then paint them the same color as the walls so they blend in more. (fourth picture)
If your plan is to remove the treads and risers and replace with new ones. Once you remove them you can use 1/4" underlayment plywood to cover the stringers. Any imperfect cuts would be covered by the threads and risers on the sides.
https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=stairs
Usually carpet is not put on stringers. Just on treads and risers. What you can do is sand as smooth as you can. Fill in areas with wood putty and sand some more. Otherwise use my first response in using thin plywood to cover the stringers once the treads and risers are removed.
Where I live, carpet on the stringers is considered 'builder grade', and I see it all the time, even on new construction. Interesting how customs can vary sometimes depending on where you live.
This tutorial may help: https://do-daddy.com/how-to-replace-carpet-stairs-with-wood/
Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://do-daddy.com