How to refinish floating wood stairs?
by
Marissa
+3
I just bought a house with floating stairs built in the 80s. We recently ripped up the carpet and found some solid wood underneath. It’s in pretty good shape besides a few staples we already removed the treads but we can’t seem to get some thicker staples out of the back of the stairs. Any suggestions on what tool I can use? Also I already bought a gray gel stain but I’m not sure exactly what grit to use for sanding. I will be painting the trim white.
Try pliers. Pry up one side if can, with a flat head screw driver then grab with pliers and pull out . Make sure you use oil based poleurethan as a top coat to your gel stain. Can't use for 24 hours.
Pry up the staples with a flat head screwdriver. Grip the staples with locking pliers (vise grips) upside down and use them as a pry bar against the step. Since your using gel stain you only need to lightly sand to smooth the wood. 100 to 150 grit should work. Whether I stain or paint I always put on three coats of a water based polyurethane. Oil based has a yellow tinge and does yellow over time. Water based does not yellow, dries fast, Can put down three coats in about three hours.
I would be careful that finish is not slippery ,As you may fly down your floating stairs .
Open staircases can be more hazardous, due to the potential for someone falling and entangling their leg between the treads. Make sure your surfaces are non skid, and give serious consideration to dual handrails, if not already installed