How should I redo carpeted open riser (riser-less) stairs in hardwood?

10 years ago

Is there a cost-effective way to replace these carpeted stairs with hardwood to make the house more marketable to sell? There are 12 captured (neither side showing) treads with open riser stairs. Treads are 33" x 11.5" x 2.5". There is a 5x7 carpeted landing. I can't tell how the treads are attached to the stringer, the carpet is too tight. I've already decided not to change the railing (thanks to this forum!)

Not doing them at all is ALSO an option but I need to know what I would do, and what that would cost, to show realtors so they can weigh in on priorities.

Questions so far:

- Can I use retro-fit tread? The ones I'm seeing would only seem to cover 1/4" of the 2.5" thickness of my existing (sub-?)treads, assuming most people use risers.

-Easier (and maybe more marketable) to just add hardwood risers to retrofits?

-Easier (or far better looking?) to replace subtreads with all new ready-to-install treads?

- Is there a code or safety issue if the top of the stairs (still carpet) is slightly lower than the last tread (by 1" or whatever the thickness of what I might add to the sub-tread)? I can build up landing with same thickness.

- Should I match the tread wood and/or color to the floor (mahogany-stained oak) or trim (tan stain on hemlock)?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

Norma LeBaron

9 years ago

Hey Dave,

I would be very interested to hear what you decide to
do. I have the same style of staircase
and am trying to figure out the best method to remodel the treads that does not
cost a fortune.

Thanks for posting.

Jon

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Comments (9)

Dave Wilt
Original Author
10 years ago
Ted, there are wood stairs with risers to a lower level then 4 carpeted steps with risers to basement.
Shelley Blue
10 years ago
Hi Dave with all the things you want need done to sell house I think you should talk to someone to get a cohesive plan with the least amount of outlay to you. you have few posts on here and want to sell but if you go about this willy nilly it won't be the best way to get best price when selling. need a pro to work out a plan for outside and inside. you will be happy you did in the long run. will be able to work with what is already there and make it better for resale.
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Dave Wilt
Original Author
10 years ago
Totally agree, Shelley. I have calls into landscape and interior designers as well as realtor. Meanwhile, with my few days off work I got some good validation and new ideas here (esp. on what not to do...)

Thanks for the sage advice!
User
10 years ago
If you touch the stairs, they will be required to be brought up to modern code. You would spend an unrecoupable fortune. You are grandfathered at the moment with the noncompliant stairs.
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
10 years ago
What Sophie is trying to say is: Leave it alone. It could be a Pandora's box of horrors that you are opening if you try to do this. The most expensive part of hardwood install = stairs. The most expensive hardwood stair install = floating (without risers) as yours are. You would add more expense by closing them in (adding risers).

This could take up thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars of your renovation money and not look any better (it would be another wood in a space with MULTIPLE types/colours of wood already).

If you are RECARPETING everything...now go ahead and change out the stairs/treads with new carpet. If the carpet is STAYING...then leave the treads...they work with the other stairs visible in the background.

If you have other fish to fry with your renovation budget, then go ahead and fry them. This cake has been baked and looks just fine.
PRO
ULTIMATE HARDWOOD LTD
10 years ago
Those types of stairs are definately on the hi-end of the price scale.Theres 4 sides to cover instead of 2 sides.
decoenthusiaste
10 years ago
Here's what I said in one of your other posts. "I think the carpeted stairs and catwalk are a turnoff to buyers -
intimidatingly hard to vacuum. I'd match them to the hardwood
throughout."
User
10 years ago
The only thing I'd suggest would be to find out what the substrate is to those carpeted steps. Even pitiful looking pine can look OK if stained really really dark. You can always experiment and save the carpet to go back over it if it looks horrible.