How to Refinish and Remodel Stairs

Wood Stairs

• 1

  Loosen the nails securing the runner or carpet to the stairs using a pry bar or claw hammer, exposing the unfinished surface. Start from the top of the stairway and work your way to the bottom.

• 2

  Sand the treads and risers with a sander fitted with a 600-grit sandpaper. Also sand the banister handrail and slats if you want to remove the existing finish.

• 3

  Soak a clean cloth in a bowl filled with mineral spirits. Wipe the banister, slats and staircase with the cloth to remove accumulated dust, debris and residue from the wood pores and open the wood’s grain.

• 4

  Paint the wood stairs with a roller for flat surfaces such as treads and risers and a paintbrush for hard-to-reach corners and edges. Alternatively, apply wood stain over the stairs with a rag. Allow the coat to dry thoroughly before applying another coat. Allow the coat to dry.

• 5

  Apply two coats of oil- or water-based polyurethane over the stairs with a paintbrush to cover the dried stain. Skip this step if you painted your stairs.

• 6

  Replace the runner, if you desire. Nail the runner to each tread with nails. Pull the carpeting taut over the nose of each tread and nail it in place. Also nail it to the riser to form a tight fit. Continue this process along the stairway to the last step.

Concrete Stairs

• 7

  Sweep the concrete stairs to remove broken or loose pieces of concrete and accumulated dirt and debris.

• 8

  Apply a bead of silicone latex caulk into cracks in the steps and smooth it with a putty knife. Use cement patch to fill larger holes. Allow the caulk or patch to dry for the time specified on the label’s directions.

• 9

  Apply a coat of epoxy primer over the treads and risers using a paint roller and paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly.

• 10

  Apply two to three coats of concrete stain or paint. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying another coat.