What to do!!!! Help me decide how to redo the stairs in my Queen Anne

11 years ago

So, I finally can call the house I have admired since I was a little girl MINE! ! I have so many projects started and many more to come. Over the years, previous owners have changed everything, and not always of quality or respect for this house's history or style. As for the stairs, they've been painted, carpeted, then carpeted again. They have a black sticky foam like material on them, paint, plaster, and many staple and nail holes. I don't need them to look flawless, my house is OLD, I am trying to bring it back to life, and reflect it's beauty and rarity. I would LOVE to keep the wood that's here, being it's old and most likely original. But I don't know of that is possible. please help.....

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Comments (5)

PRO
Patti Smith, PS Designs
11 years ago
Hi Kristee!
If you have no intention of replacing the mismatched floors at the top and bottom of the stairs, it really wouldn't make sense to strip and refinish the stairs. You always want the fewest "floor surface" transitions in your home as possible. Anything that you can do to make your area of flooring feel continuous is desirable, and adding yet another wood floor surface to the equation won't help. Carpeting would be the best on the budget, and will make the transition of the two mismatched woods easier on the eyes.
Good luck!
Kristee Canipe
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks Patti! The floor at the top of the steps and the floor at the bottom actually do match. I think the difference in lighting makes it look so different.
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jhmarie
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
The first thing is to get the black sticky stuff off - after you have pulled all the staples out. Could it be adhesive? There are some floor adhesive removers out there. You might just need to seriously scrape. Once that is off, start sanding with a belt sander. There are several tutorials online. Do you know what type of wood it is? Where a mask - some strange stuff in old house construction.

This recent thread might give you some direction. My stairs are on there - it is not my thread. My second post on this thread gave some basics of what I did, but feel free to ask questions:)
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/am-i-nuts-dsvw-vd~1366038
Kristee Canipe thanked jhmarie
jhmarie
11 years ago
I realized after reading your opening dilemma again that you have paint on your stairs. In a house that old it is possible it has lead in it. So, rather than sanding, use stripper - I like the orange citrus one. Sanding will send paint particles everywhere and you don't want to do that. You can sand for smoothness once the paint is gone. Take precautions, definitely wear a good mask - don't do it if your pregnant or have small kiddies in the house - get it done professionally then.
Kristee Canipe thanked jhmarie
stellarceline
4 years ago
Please be careful, the paint is almost certainly lead. Consult a professional or carpet over them again.