Finishing Basement Stairs

Costs
Durability
Maintenance
Pictures

Popular Basements Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References

If your home came equipped with a basement, and you plan on enjoying that basement, a safe set of stairs is essential. Even if a new staircase isn’t in the budget, there are ways to revamp what you already have. Here are the facts to get you started.

Costs

If you plan on simply painting or staining your existing set of stairs, your project could cost as little as $100, depending on materials used.

On the other hand, if you choose to rebuild your stairs, we recommend that you hire a licensed contractor. This part of the basement remodel is the most difficult in terms of carpentry. There are calculations of run and rise, stair gauges, millwork, design, and numerous building code requirements. This is not a job for the novice. Contracting the work could cost from $500 to $1,550 or more, depending on the size of the job, materials used and cost of labor.

Pictures

Finished Basement

Pros

Full Carpet: Warm and softens the look of wooden stairs. Quiet under the feet, and wears well with heavy foot traffic.

Carpet Runner: Nice and affordable way to dress up wooden stairs.

Vinyl: Not affected by moisture/mold at all, and comes in many textures, colors and styles.

Paint/Stain: Very inexpensive and wears well.

Cons

Full Carpet: Tends to absorb mold and mildew, can become problematic later on.

Carpet Runner: Must be thin enough to be stapled to each stair.

Vinyl: Prone to peeling.

Paint/Stain: Not as barefoot-friendly.

Durability

When it comes to fixing up your existing stairs, carpet or carpet runners can withstand heavy foot traffic. In time, however, they are likely to show stains. Painting and staining can also withstand foot traffic, although touch-ups may be needed periodically. For best results, use a latex-based porch and floor paint, and clean stairs thoroughly beforehand. Vinyl must have a metal corner strip on the front edge of each tread to hold it securely and keep it from peeling.

Maintenance

All refinishing materials require regular floor maintenance. Carpet should be vacuumed and any spilled liquids cleaned up immediately to avoid mold and mildew. Vinyl can be cleaned with any non-abrasive floor cleaner.

Common Questions and Answers

How difficult is it to stain your own basement stairs?

Moderately easy and inexpensive as well. You’ll need a quart of urethane and a pint of stain. Clean and sand the stairs, then apply two coats of stain and 3-4 coats of urethane to seal it in.