Not high gloss. Too slippery. I would go matte or satin.

Do you plan to get a runner for the stairs?

Any type of paint will be slippery when wet.

@loobab I don’t plan on getting a runner at this point. It’s not going to be paint it’s going to be a floor stain. Does that make a difference? Also, design wise what do you all think will look best finish wise? My style is definitely more on the modern side - will gloss or semi gloss look dramatic or dated? That’s what I’m stuck on… I’ve attached a picture of the way the staircase is split - it’s not long and steep so I’m less concerned about slipping as long as I’m not choosing a super slippery finish.

a glossy urethane finish on wood will be slippery if you're wearing socks. do a matte or satin finish.

couldn't your builder just replace the treads w/white oak? I don't understand what the big deal is.

Unless, your stairs are mostly wood like this one? (in that case, I'd nix the all blackk)

are you doing a staircase similar to these (or will your rails be wood too?)

even if it's like this, only the treads are 'wood'. everything else is painted. the bannister is wood but you could still do that in black. I would press for the white oak, natural treads

@Beth H thank you for the detailed response! Unfortunately he already installed the red oak treads so instead of just charging me an upgrade fee from red oak to white he’ll be charging at least a few thousand dollars - the full cost of the wood. It would be cheaper for me to replace myself after I close on the house then do with him at that price point. We purchased the house from him so we do have to “deal” with him at some points. This is one of them! I don’t even think he would be willing to replace them without a big fight and not so sure I want to go there at this point, especially with the extra expense. My rails are all wood and I would probably replace with iron down the line, and maybe do the stair treads at that point as well! Most similar to the first photo you posted. Just trying to work with the situation at this point…

Your work looks so beautiful and your response is so helpful! Totally on the cranky builder that pretty much sums up the situation!! The red oak and white oak definitely wont match if he does it for me bc I can’t imagine his “flooring guy” will be putting in that effort. I’m hesitant to wait until we move in and bring in a new flooring guy bc of the added expense on top of all the items we will need to be purchasing when we move in. I happen to like the black steps contrast with the light floor that I will have - I would definitely rather the natural but I think it can be a pretty contrast. I do want it to be a true black color - do you think Duraseal True black will give me that effect if he does the standard staining job on it? And why would you recommend painting over staining? The reason I would like the stain is to see the wood grain.. any reason I should stay away from stain?

I did e-mail asking if there’s any way we can switch the stair treads to white oak but I’m expecting either a no or a ridiculous quote. I’m just frustrated I didn’t realize this before it was too late:(

IMO black treads just show every speck of dust is that what you are ready for ? At least make them matte that will help a bit

Will the matte finish look very dull on the black? I’m leaning towards satin for that reason. In terms of dust I think I’ll be able to keep up with it

Matte looks more modern. From this pic, looks like Farrow & Ball paint was used after priming.

I think you misread my sentence. I said I wanted the grain to show which is why I didn't use black paint.

I'm not familiar w/duraseal ebony on red oak. why don't you ask for a quick sample on a spare oak piece and see how it looks? you're paying for it so don't let cranky builder bully you. ask for a sample by the floor guy.

I’ll do that, thank you so much for your advice!!

TF, Duraseal True Black appears to be a lot 'blacker' than some of the other stains. I think it may work and look very nice.

This one they did w/a type of Ceruse finish using Bona white over the black. it enhances the grain. but somehow I dont' think your flooring guy is up for this!

I think I’m going to go with this option! It looks really beautiful and hopefully will work out well. I chose a satin finish bc I am worried the matte with be dull looking on the black. thanks again for your help!

Hello. I wanted to ask since you painted the stairs black and i am thinking of doing mine too how is it in everyday use? Dust foot prints etc . Thank you

Note all of the in-the-wall lighting for the black stairs in one of the photos above. Really good, almost necessary idea for navigating black stairs at night.

I would do almost anything to avoid black stairs. The safety factor as noted. Plus everything is going to show...dust, dander, pet hair... Would be a royal PITA to keep looking nice, IMO.

And there isn't much point in going to the expense of hardwood stair treads if you intend to color them black.

Hi! We haven’t yet stained our stairs so I can’t answer on maintenance. I do have little kids so everything gets cleaned pretty frequently anyways so I’m not overly worried about dust build up. It could be I will be singing a different tune in a few months! For me this made the most sense as the color difference with the white oak floors and red oak stairs would drive me crazy…

We are doing this all in a new build so they should be staining shortly and hopefully moving in within the next two months. Everything has been taking forever!

I know this is an old thread, but it's been bothering me... You mention a few times that the stairs will have a landing and that the steps aren't too steep so you're not concerned how slippery they are. A fall down even just a few slippery steps is dangerous!

TF thank for your reply. I can really sympathise. I started renovations at the beginning of the year sure that in 4 months i would be finished . Now months later and I still have another month until we can move. Hang in there

When I said that about the stairs I meant that the stairs are less steep and easier to walk down because of the landing. Obviously with any staircase there is a risk of slipping. I went with a satin finish on my treads so the stairs wouldn’t be too glossy and slippery as that was recommended to me.