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I want to replace carpeted stairs with hardwood Is that possible?

6 years ago

I have puppy worn carpet on the stairs of my center hall colonial home. The are a focal point when you walk into the home. I would rather replace the carpet with wood stairs and a runner - but I'm wondering if that would be worth the expense. I have seen kits in the diy sections of hardware stores... Is that an easy job for a beginner? Or should I just find a nice carpet and stick with that?

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User

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

The wood under my carpet was not paintable. I cut the overhang off; faced the risers with painted pine boards, topped the steps with oak treads that I stained, and covered the OSB on the landing with oak flooring stained to match the treads. The difference in height of each step due to the added tread was not a problem.

ETA: I was definitely a beginner!

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Comments (8)

PRO
JudyG Designs
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Under your carpet there is something wood…Paint it and then add your runner.
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Thanks for the replies! Here's another example of the before/after of what I'm trying to do - although my staircase is open on the entire side where the "kneewall" needs to be cut down (like the first link above) versus just 5 stairs. http://www.mitrecontracting.com/stairway-remodel.html. I did find out that they do plan to just cut down the kneewall and put the new treads over the "newly exposed stringer" (from estimate). The estimate is just about half of what the full replacement quotes. One of the other estimates says: "Remove existing stair & rail systems, stair back. Cut access hole to get under lower section if needed and cut down existing rake wall and install new [list of new stair info, including stringers, treads, risers, etc.]. Here is a link that might be useful: Before/After Example
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IMO stairs should match the main floor flooring and I would also do the landing at the top of the stairs the same. You then have a cohesive look with the bedrooms as private space can be much different than the main living space.
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"I just measured and we are good with code once the steps are squared off." Yes, but adding on top of the existing treads and in front of the risers "may" take the rise and run out of code. Production builders build the least expensive way they can and the stairs may be pushing the limit already.
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maire_cate
6 years ago
Well done Delilah.

We had our contractor do the same to our staircase after we removed the carpeting. We had installed hardwood throughout the first floor and wanted to continue it up the staircase, landing and upper staircase.

The runner will go down next week after the painters finish.
ratherbesewing
6 years ago
Delilah:. You rock!
arcy_gw
6 years ago
Yes you can. What's your budget?
lascatx
6 years ago
I have a friend who did their stairs with her DH. From what I hear, it sounded like they did it in stages because of the finish they used. I have seen the treads at HD, Lowe's and a flooring store. We also considered doing a similar treatment in my sister's marital home which she is selling post-divorce. We were told the going rate for replacing risers, treads, painting and staining plus staining the handrail to match was $200-250 per step. DIY cost varies with the type of materials used, but I would think less than half of that would cover most.
PRO
Anglophilia
6 years ago
In most houses built 40 or more years ago, there would be a wood staircase under the carpet. It may or may not be finished, it may have been stained on the sides, but not the center - just about anything may be found. But it can be restored. My SIL did this with a small "mouse" sander, and then re-stained and polyurethaned the steps prior to a sisal runner being professionally installed. It still looks great 19 years later!
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
3/8” is the rule. If you create a height difference of more than 3/8” between risers, you’ve just create a trip hazard that is out of code. That makes you liable for any trip and fall lawsuit, not your insurance company.

Most of the after market slip covers will end up doing that. To do the job properly, you really need to remove the existing treads and replace them with new treads. May be DIYable. May not be. Not a beginning DIY job, and you need a good array of tools.

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