DIY Staircase Makeover From Blue Carpet to Stunning!

Believe it or not, we were in need of another DIY staircase makeover. We didn't share the behind the scenes the first time so we thought we better do it this time around.

Were we really in need of a DIY staircase makeover?

All I remember from our walk-through of this home was the cozy feel. I remember thinking that this home was loved and very well taken care of.

The blue carpet, however, needed to be replaced because of its wear. A few years later we ripped up the carpet for laminate flooring, but never got around to the stairs.

This is what we have been living with for the last year and a half? I honestly don't even remember, it just became so normal. Do you know those areas in your home that you just stop seeing? This was one of them.

Step 1: Sand, Patch and Paint the Stringer

There was a little prep work to do because our stairs were previously carpeted. We had to scrape off the glue residue, patch some imperfections and sand.

After the stringer was prepped for paint we used Benjamin Moore Cloud White in a semi-gloss finish. This is the same paint I used on our salvaged doors.

Step 2: Adding Panelling to DIY Staircase Makeover

When we completed the basement stairs we were able to use leftover panelling from the front hall. Keeping things consistent we chose to use the same beadboard panelling in this staircase makeover as well.

There were some tricky angles that needed to be cut this time around so we opted to cut the panelling with a utility knife.

Step 3: Adding strapping to risers

I think this step was what caused us not to share our experience the first time. We discovered in this process that there are hundreds of different ways to refinish stair treads. The product you used for the stair treads will decide how you refinish the risers.

We chose laminate flooring, and with this particular product, the risers need to be almost flush with the lip of the tread. This is the reasoning for the strapping.

After the strapping is applied the beadboard panelling can be fastened with a nail gun.

And there you have it! We don't have a lot of stairs in this home, but it sure did take a very long time to finish them all.

Another DIY Staircase Makeover you might remember

It was last March when we tackled this DIY staircase makeover. It's been so nice not having to shut the door to this eyesore. We used the same method above to complete this makeover as well. You can see the full makeover here.

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