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amy_kunkel57

Changing my dated staircase!

6 years ago

We are waiting on a quote for new flooring in our house and I want to change the shape of the stairs before getting the new flooring installed. Currently the stairs flare out at the bottom and I would like them to come down more straight to create more space in the entry way. I am thinking making them the length of the first step below the landing would look best. Obviously we would need a railing too.

How hard would this be as a DIY? Any advice on what’s needed? Has anyone done this before?

Comments (28)

  • 6 years ago

    I like them. I think if you take rug off will
    Make a big difference. Can we see the whole
    Entranceway? Seems there is some room there

  • 6 years ago

    The entry way isn’t very big, the second picture was taken from the doorway which you can see in the right corner of the first picture. There is a coat closet near the front door.

  • 6 years ago

    They are pretty large for the space. I think they could be embraced by removing the carpet and painting black or staining dark. If you want them gone because they seem too big or you just don't like them, now would be the time. You may find they are particle board when the carpet comes off. Is there a stairway to a basement below these? Even though it's straightforward, you may be surprised how much labor could be required. good luck

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    It depends on how experienced a DIYer you are. Intermediate-advanced or don't do it please.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks Joseph! I’m having trouble finding a contractor to do it, which made me think its probably over my skill set.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    It's not the stairs, it's the carpet. Remove the carpet and see what you're working with. They may be beautiful beneath the carpet.





    The foyer flooring is not very interesting. If you don't want to replace it, then consider going over it with floor stickers.





  • 6 years ago

    I think I would keep them also. Better than the usual boring straight up/down stairs.

    Take off rug and see what's under there.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I would NOT DIY a structural element like stairs for safety reasons unless you're an actual pro builder/carpenter. Get a quote for it, and if it's not going to work, find innovative ways to create space and storage and what you need in your entrance that's still aesthetically nice, as your entrance is the house's first impression. Wood surface stairs with a paint or accent tile on the risers would be ideal!

  • 6 years ago

    Based on some visual clues in the photos, I am guessing that your house may have been built about 30 or 40 years ago (maybe I am wrong). If that is the case, it is highly unlikely that you will have nice wood under the carpet. Most likely you have plywood that was intended to be covered with carpet. If that's the case, be prepared for a hefty bill to upgrade and replace with wood that can be stained and finished.

  • 6 years ago

    The house was built 20 years ago. Based on what is under the carpet in other areas it’s not going to be a good surprise. I want to change the shape of the stairs regardless of what’s under it. I think we are going to recruit some help!

  • 6 years ago

    Call a staircase company and hold onto your hat. To redo steps is a big deal, but it may be worth it to get a straight staircase if you need the floor space. It’s not a DIY project. Pull off the carpet to see if there’s anything worth saving underneath, but I doubt it.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Before I went into the sink replacement business full time, I used to do stair work. I quit bidding the jobs. People want their stairs changed, but are apparently unwilling to pay.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    The stair looks very "80's" even though your home was built later than that. I'm sure the wood underneath is not a good quality hardwood but if you are wanting to change the shape of the stair that matters little. Unless you are good at framing I wouldn't attempt a d.i.y. project. Better to hire a builder or carpenter who is familiar with code requirements. Good luck!

  • 6 years ago

    If you and your DH are very very experienced DIYers, it may be possible to do it yourselves. You will need to remove the carpeting and see what’s there. You will also need to put in all new flooring in the entry hall and refinish the surfaces of the stairway. The flare of the stairway is pretty but it does take up a lot of extra space. Reducing the flare will give a much better-proportioned entry. I would hire a professional stair-builder with good references. Your flooring contractor may know someone, but I would not expect his workers to be stair-builders.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I honestly don’t think it would be difficult..you have no baluster or spindles to remove..pull up the carpet and see what you have..you Would just remove those last 4 rounded steps that come from the upper landing...and reattach a set of 4 steps to landing. Look up some DIY videos you could do all the removal..and than hire someone to just add the 4 last steps needed...good luck...no question I would remove them before getting new flooring.

  • 5 years ago

    Wow, great job!

  • 5 years ago

    Beautiful! So glad you listened to your gut and did the changes.

  • 5 years ago

    It looks incredible!

  • 5 years ago

    much better!

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Wow......you did it! Looks great

  • 5 years ago

    Amazing transformation!

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Whoa! Would not believe those are the same stairs. Amazing

  • 5 years ago

    Good for you !

  • 5 years ago

    Wow. Looks beautiful and elegant.

  • 5 years ago

    Looks great !!

  • 5 years ago

    It looks much nicer. Did you paint the original wood that was underneath the carpet? Are you going to remove the upper carpeting?

  • 5 years ago

    Yes, we painted the wood that was underneath. A temporary fix I think. We will remove the upper carpet and I think put on risers and treads on all. I would like to keep them white and add a patterned grey or navy runner. I’m open to suggestions because the white shows every dog hair. We need a diy break for a few months though 😂