Need advise on landing steps

Question

I am going to paint the stairs into black satin after sanding the construction wood but having trouble with the wood on the landing steps.  The woods on the landing steps aren't in good condition or smooth look if I paint them. See pictures.

Carol T · Answer

I would try getting some thin plywood and cover the damaged treads.

Bink · Answer

I would be careful with painting your steps black.   I would not be able to see where the next step is and I am only 60.  Still have great vision.

Gale · Answer

Painting steps black could cause a fall or at least a misstep. A thin plywood called luan wood work well on them and then just stain or varnish them after replaces them. Another idea would be to sand the steps and you might be able to save them and repaint them. Good luck.

Johnchip · Answer

They manufacture step over-lay installs. I would look to a good home store for a product that will solve the issue. I see plywood at the landing, so you problem is more than just a couple rough spots on some steps if you want a finished stairway. I am not so sure the back satin would not work if there is some ambient lighting.

Melly · Answer

Is the wood on the angled steps a different type of material? It appears to be. I doubt that you will be able to get it to look the same if the wood is different. Also - I agree with previous posters as to the choice of black paint for several reasons. 1. Safety. 2. Black shows dust something awful (from my own experience). 3. Every little chip of the paint will be visible. Black balusters and hand rail would be sharp, but black treads would be a no-go for me or my clients. All this considered, if you are dead set on using black paint, perhaps you could paint a runner of black instead of the entire tread.

Suellen Hintz · Answer

Looks as if these stairs were originally covered in carpet, therefore the landings are done in a cheaper product than even the stair steps.  I don't think you'll ever get a good surface that is appropriate for paint.  Also, there are safety concerns in using black paint in this area.  Have you the budget to have hardwood installed in this area or reinstall carpet (less desirable).

Mcgypsy9 · Answer

Maybe you could do black chalkboard paint for now and write on them with chalk so there are no accidents!

William · Answer

Its all construction grade lumber the builder used because it would be covered with carpeting. For a budget and temporary fix. Remove all nails, staples. Fill all holes with wood putty. Sand all the wood as smooth as possible. You want black, paint the stairs black and the risers white. Many homes have this color combination. Then when your budge allows, you can do an upgrade.

Jennie Lee · Answer

If it would fit into your aesthetic at all, you could paint a row of tiny little designs along the edge of each step in a light or bright color. The white risers wouldn't save you, going down! Little dots, flowers, diamonds, whatever; maybe repeat a motif that's on something you have nearby.

Carol · Answer

The steps look like pine. Perhaps you could cover the plywood landing steps with a layer of pine. Painting the steps black will create a safety issue. Not only that, they will show every speck of dust. Let us know the outcome please!

TipTopHouse · Answer

Those are plywood landings. Nothing you can do will improve them unless you pull the plywood and replace with fresh wood. however what your trying to do will only be a cosmetic change, painting these steps will not come out quite frankly as you may hope they will. 
Also you do not want to cover just these steps as suggested changing heights on just a single step will make them a trip hazard. All steps must be same height to be safe. 
There are tread coverings that can be placed over the steps, but with corner treads such as these unless your a experienced wood worker the final results will not be as nice as you will want. '
I suggest you cover the steps again with a carpet or vinyl carpet cover.

Aly · Answer

By replacing the old plywood with nice wood sheet would be the best way. I saw this picture in Pinterest. Would love to do this but don't know how to do this. Probably too hard for me with no fancy tools and saws.

Keith.sooly.sewell-109519 · Answer

paint the stair stringers.i.e stair sides,and the stair risers,i.e the step ends or fronts,,mat black..then put a quality black linoleum, or black carpet tiles on the stair treads,,fixed with good quality adhesive,,not nails or tacks,,

Bink · Answer

I saw a beautiful stair redo and the stair riser was painted cream and each risked had a Proverb verse on each riser.  It was breathtaking.

Need advise on landing steps

Suggested Project Book

13 Brilliant Ways to Avoid Coat Clutter This Winter

Other

More

Need advise on landing steps

Suggested Project Book

Related Discussions