Floating stairs makeover

by Roshan malik

+11

Answered

I am looking for some advice on what to do with the floating steps I have. I would like to maintain the same look but my first and second floor have wood and would like to do something similar with the treads. Doing wood on the top of the treads is possible but I wasn't sure on what to do with the sides and bottom of the treads. This used to be covered with carpet before. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Roshan

8 answers

Marion Nesbitt on Feb 23, 2015
When you mention sides of the treads, do you mean the stringers? From the pic, the treads look like they could be stripped and stained - top and bottom. Keeping the risers painted looks nice as it matches your spindles. I would also leave the bars under the steps painted as well.

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- Roshan malik on Feb 23, 2015
  @Marion Nesbitt I did think of this option - If I decide to stain the treads will the stain fade out very quickly and does it have to re stained every 2 years or so ?
  
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- Marion Nesbitt on Feb 23, 2015
  @Roshan malik No, you don't. After you stain, apply a few coats of poly which will protect the stain. There is a really fine grit you can get at the hardware to mix in with the last coat of poly so the steps aren't slippery. I use oil-based stain with oil-based poly. If you're unsure of how consistent the stain will take on the treads, you can apply a sealer/wood conditioner before staining. Did my steps (didn't have to use sealer/wood conditioner) and they're as good as when I first did them. If you sand down/strip, wipe the treads down really well with some paint thinner to get rid of any dust, etc.
  
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Hope Williams on Feb 23, 2015
You can put wood flooring on the treads and paint the rest to match your spindles. I'm in agreement with Marion.

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Ann Beach on Feb 23, 2015
You can purchase wood tread covers to match flooring.

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- Roshan malik on Feb 23, 2015
  @Ann Beach I did look into that - I was not sure how the back and bottom would get covered. i could paint the bottom white and maybe use a molding at the back of the step.
  
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- Ann Beach on Feb 23, 2015
  @Roshan malik It may take some finessing but you could use 2 tread covers top and bottom in opposing direction. The original tread would no longer be visible. It's a good look for a focal point in your home.
  
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Sherry Fram on Feb 23, 2015
If you have some of the flooring material left (or can get some more) use it on the treads and trim out the edges. I would paint the stringers and the bars under the treads the same as the spindles.

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Marion Nesbitt on Feb 23, 2015
Think things in general are cheaper in the States than here. The ready made tread covers are over $35 each up here.

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Sally Garrity on Feb 24, 2015
Paint the stairs and stack books under the stairs for an interesting library :)

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Deirdre Sullivan on Feb 24, 2015
I know this may sound kooky but you can create a beautiful and durable surface using brown stained paper. This DIY shows how one blogger used this technique to makeover her stair treads. http://goo.gl/osptKU

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- Roshan malik on Feb 25, 2015
  @Deirdre Sullivan This looks very interesting. Thanks
  
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Ilona Elliott on Feb 25, 2015
I am looking at the stairs and the risers, the vertical part above each step, look like they could be a tricky trip hazard as they are usually solid or completely open. Do they work well? That is a pretty nice staircase and you could just paint the stair treads white like the spindles.

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- Roshan malik on Feb 25, 2015
  @Ilona Elliott So far I have never had any trips.
  
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