Interior Stairs Resurfacing Techniques?

This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to refinish stair treads, which are the top part of stairs that you step on. Refinishing is a cost-effective way to update an older staircase, as it allows you to transform the stairs by painting the risers the same color as the floor. To refinish wood stairs, you will need a durable sander, sandpaper of various grits, and an interior/exterior sander.

To refinish wooden stairs, use a putty knife to fill holes with wood filler and wait for it to dry. Sand the treads with 60 grit sand paper with an orbital sander, taking the wood down to the raw finish. Sand the treads with 120 grit, then 150 grit, and continue sanding with 120 grit, then 150 grit.

The stair tread refinishing process involves using a floor buffer with a special abrasive screen or pad to gently abrade the top layer of the stairs. Carefully remove carpet, nails, and old finishes from stairs with a pry bar and hammer, thoroughly clean stairs, and sand with an electric sander.

After removing carpet, it is important to decide what to do with your stairs after removing carpet if the wood is in bad shape or in good condition. This post provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to refinish wooden stairs and create a focal point for your home.

What kind of stain do you use on interior stairs?

Staining stairs is a crucial aspect of any home renovation project, as they face significant friction from various factors such as pets, kids, and daily climbers. Painting stairs can help protect against tear and wear, exposing scratches before they become costly to fix. Both staining and painting stairs can enhance the welcoming atmosphere of your home and increase its value, making it a desirable feature for potential buyers.

While both staining and painting stairs can produce exceptional results, understanding the key differences between the two can help you decide which is best suited for your next renovation project. Gel stain is the best option for DIY projects, while wood stain should be sealed with wood varnish after application. Both staining and painting stairs can be a cost-effective and visually appealing way to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.

Can I sand my stairs myself?

To sand the treads, start with 80-grit sandpaper on a random-orbital sander to remove old finish and surface imperfections. Use a scraper to remove built-up finish in corners and hard-to-reach areas. Sand 120-grit sandpaper for a smoother surface. Hand-sand around balusters and tight corners. Avoid using a belt sander as it is too aggressive. Thorough cleaning between steps is essential for a smooth final result.

How can I make my old wooden stairs look better?

To update stairs cheaply, paint them with paint, ensuring a sound surface for paint to adhere. Prep the treads and risers before painting, and use stencils or wallpaper for a unique finish. Paint alone is the cheapest way to decorate stairs, but requires DIY effort. If you’re not a DIYer, hiring someone to prep and paint your stairs may be more expensive than a cheap replacement carpet. If your stairs are already painted, a fresh coat of paint is a simpler DIY project.

Modernize an old staircase by adding bold or bright colors to the walls or decor, such as a neon edging stair runner or carpet. If your staircase has character or period charm, emphasize its features and make a focal point.

How do you upgrade indoor stairs?

The process of modernizing an old staircase typically entails the introduction of bold or bright colors into the design scheme, such as the incorporation of neon edging on stair runners or carpets. In the event that the staircase is imbued with a distinctive character or evinces a period charm, it would be prudent to accentuate its defining features, thereby establishing a focal point. This can be accomplished by incorporating vibrant hues through paint, utilizing a striking stair runner, or incorporating a stair carpet.

What is the best material for indoor stairs?

This guide provides information on selecting the ideal flooring for stairs and landings, which are high-traffic areas in a home. It addresses questions like which types of flooring are best for stairs and landings, safety considerations, and how different flooring options impact acoustics. Wood and Beyond offers an extensive selection of hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) to cater to various needs and aesthetics. The guide covers how to choose the right material for stairs, safety considerations, cost comparison, maintenance requirements, acoustic impact, and installation challenges.

The guide emphasizes the importance of considering safety considerations, the cost of stair flooring, maintenance requirements, and the impact of different flooring options on acoustics. Wood and Beyond recognizes that every home is as individual as the people who inhabit it, and offers a carefully curated selection to cater to a variety of needs and aesthetics.

Should you oil or varnish stairs?

Oil for wood stairs is a more natural and easy-to-clean alternative to varnish, as it penetrates the wood instead of covering it, preserving its natural properties. This method is ideal for homeowners who want to see the wood itself without the sheen and reflective surface created by varnish. Oiled stairs require only one initial sanding job in their lifetime, making them ideal for easy maintenance. However, it is crucial to use the correct cleaner, a pH neutral cleaner, as regular household cleaners may contain degreaser agents that can attack the oil in the stairs.

How can I update my stairs cheaply?

To update your staircase, consider replacing the current style with new risers and treads. These can be cost-effective and don’t require removing existing stairs as they can sit on top of the new treads. If you prefer the softness of carpet underfoot, consider covering the treads with a new carpet. This can be done by replacing an existing carpet or covering the wooden treads. A modern runner carpet can be used to lay down the center of the staircase and finish the visible wooden sections to your taste either side of the carpet.

Can you refinish stairs without sanding?

Refinishing stair treads without sanding represents a cost-effective and straightforward method for revitalizing oak hardwood stairs. The use of a deglosser or chemical abrasion allows for the achievement of aesthetically pleasing results with minimal effort, provided that the treads are in a satisfactory condition. This method is suitable for the updating of old stair treads or for a quick refresh.

Do you need to sand wood stairs before painting?

To clean stairs, follow the wood’s grain and use heavy-duty sandpaper or a mechanical sander to remove old paint or varnish. If the stairs are painted, use medium-to-fine sandpaper with a 120 grit grit. If not, use coarse sandpaper with an 80-grit grit. Mechanical sanders are often recommended for quicker cleaning. Tradespeople suggest using belt or random orbit sanders for broad stair components, and a detail sander for narrower parts.

Sanders can release dust and debris, so wear a dust mask and safety goggles. Having a dust extractor attached to the sander or using a vacuum cleaner can also help reduce dust. Remember to wear safety goggles and dust masks when using sanders.

What is the best finish for interior stairs?

Varnish is frequently the optimal selection for stair treads, given its aesthetic appeal and durability. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is the most effective sealer for wooden stair treads, offering unparalleled protection against scratches, moisture, and wear.