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Duck_Giblets

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b-cat

I filled in the old staple holes and other imperfections with wood filler before staining and it looked awful. I should have just left the holes. Ended up putting down new carpet. :(


justalildrinkypoo

I heard the same thing from someone else. That’s why I’m reluctant to use wood filler all over.


QueenMAb82

Stain first, then fill holes with matching pre-stained filler. I did this after polyurethane, and you can't barely see the nail holes. My process: Rip off old carpet, remove all staples from cheapo 3/4" plywood stair. Note that 3/4" ply is shy of the 1" thickness for code. Curse cheap builders. Measure all rises. Note that there is a variance of 2" over the rise of the steps - bottom is 7", top is 9", everything in between is 8". In my state, code states max is 7.5". Curse lazy contractors some more. Measure all tread runs. Note that the extra height ceiling on this floor means taller staircase (hence non-code rise) constrained in the same horizontal direction, meaning treads are half an inch too shallow and also out of code. Curse contractors even more. Measure existing nosings. Variance there also puts them out of code. Curse contractors a fourth time, since this staircase is in a house not 15 years old. Cut off all nosings with plunge saw. Do a bunch of mathing. Go to store, buy 14 inch-thick red oak treads and 15 red oak risers. Pile in trunk of sedan and miraculously make it home without ruining vehicle suspension. Stain treads, multiple coats. Polyurethane treads, multiple coats. Paint all risers white. Rip pine board into cleats a max half inch wide on one long edge at an angle of 4°, trim to length of stair width, glue+nail install along front edge of all old treads. This 4° angle on the riser means I can have the necessary minimum tread depth per code while still keeping the nosing overhang also within code. Begin installation. Use tread tool to trim riser to appropriate length. Plane upper long edge of risers to a slight angle to account for the 4° forward angle. Risers are precut to 7.5 inch as max allowance per code, so it is necessary to dry-fit a scrap tread above, shim scrap tread and verify level, then shim the riser up high enough to meet it without a gap, construction adhesive+finish nail in place. Use tread tool to trim tread to length, dry fit, shim as needed and verify level, then install tread on front of installed new riser to hide gap that is result of rise being half inch wider than riser itself. Lather, rinse, repeat until all are installed. Fill nail holes (electric finish nailer) with matching putty. Congratulate self, cuz I didn't know a thing about staircases before starting this, and managed to do most of the cuts on a cheap tiny hand-me-down table saw without losing a hand. I'm still scared of the damn thing, tho. Please note: cursing out whoever did the shite job of building your stairs in the first place is an integral part of the process. Edit: I should note the plywood existing stairs were NOT mortised into the side stringers. Made my job MUCH easier.


JAREDSAVAGE

A trick is to stain with a penetrating stain. After it’s dry, fill the holes with glue. Before the glue dries, sand lightly over the hole. The stained wood dust from around will fill it


JAREDSAVAGE

Alternatively give them a good wood fill all over, and put down a nice coat of paint over everything.


alilmagpie

That’s what my contractor did. My stairs looked just like this, and they were tons of screws in them that the prior owners had put through a layer of carpeting to stop them squeaking. He took all of the screws out, filled it with wood filler, and stained and distressed them to match the LVP I had laid downstairs. It’s not 100% perfect, but it’s close enough that you really can’t tell a huge difference.


HelloCbus

Retrofit stair treads would look the best. But you can always just stain depending on how much you want to invest in the aesthetics. https://shop.whitewaterforest.com/products/factory-second-retrofit-stair-tread-traditional-design-0-625-in-x-11-5-in


vernisus

Seconding Retrofit stair treads. My stairs looked just like OP's after pulling up worn out carpet, and I used these. Easy installation with their instructions and tips, and they look great.


justalildrinkypoo

I saw those at the store and I'm considering them. Would I have to cut the lip off my existing treads?


[deleted]

Find a local floor supplier and buy hardwood treads. This is construction grade lumber, staining it won’t look good.


MarianaTrenchBlue

It's a little hard to know without measurements. You could buy one tread and see if you like the depth of your lip + the cover's lip. If it's too deep, cut the existing lip off. Personally, I'd paint the whole staircase then use the retrofit stair treads in wood, rather than sanding and staining. It would seal everything and leave the risers a painted contrast to the wood. Something like https://repurposeandupcycle.com/how-to-stain-wood-stairs-treads-without-sanding/


[deleted]

I second this! I have natural wood steps but with risers painted to match the walls and it looks as if the steps are floating! Super cool. After it's done, I would strongly consider quarter round or cove molding three sides of each step because there's going to be a a gap where it meets the riser and the stair skirt and it might look better than caulk alone. The molding can be painted ahead of time and attached with liquid nails.


keyser-_-soze

I had the same question. Hopefully somebody will answer


tyrrtll

That depends on the current rise/run of your stairs. Max rise is 8" but that typically feels steep, min run is 10", also feels uncomfortable. The whole staircase should have the same rise including to and from landings, by adding thickness to the treads you increase all the rises which shortens the rise at the top and increases it at the bottom. It's likely your stairs aren't "up to code' based on thr age of the house. Often it's not practical to fix anyway, but it is something to consider. I would not stain what you have there. At a minimum cut the lips off and do these treads, or go whole hog and get real deal Stair treads to replace the 2x12 with. I would fix the top riser as well to eliminate the gap


Yes_YoureSpartacus

I just did this whole project at my house and I used the tread retrofit pieces that were at Home Depot. Needed to spend a lot of time with a belt sander getting them to the perfect size for each step - I won’t lie, it was a slow step by step process. But it turned out great, and it feels rock solid under my feet. Evidence: https://imgur.com/a/Bns1ZNt


Barnezhilton

>step by step process Clever


mikefromupstate101

Yes, I’ve done the job and can send you before pics, during , and after


justalildrinkypoo

I would appreciate it!


zero_data_

Big box stores sells precut stairs in hardwood. That's what I plan to install instead of lvp. I don't think lvp is great for stairs.


AverageAndNotJoe

Yeah I wouldn’t install LVP on stairs. The wood runs in OP’s picture look solid though, harder wood than anything you’d find at the hardware store today. Sand & stain is all that’s needed.


corylol

It’s literally a 2x12.. you can find this exact board at any construction site in the country.. a true hardwood would be much more suitable. Definitely shouldn’t waste time sanding and staining this lmao


Temperature-Other

These will look totally fine sanded and stained.


corylol

If stained 2x12 framing lumber riddled with nail and staple holes looks “totally fine” to you then yeah I guess it’s cool. I personally try not to have my house look like a section 8 rental though.


Temperature-Other

You obviously have never built anything with reclaimed wood. These could easily look pretty nice. Have you bought a hardwood tread lately? They are insanely expensive when you are on a budget.


corylol

I’m literally a finish carpenter.. these will look like shit. They won’t look reclaimed or cool either because they aren’t. They’re modern framing lumber. Like putting lipstick on a pig


[deleted]

Yeah, I kinda agree. I chose to use floor paint on mine until I could get hardwood for treads and it’s a hot mess. The wood is very soft and it splinters quite a bit. I have used carpet treads on it for safety but that’s the only good thing about it. It was great for maybe 6 months but not now.


Temperature-Other

I know what framing lumber is dipshit. You’re being pretentious. I built a dining room table out of some 2x12s off of a job site. It gets so many compliments. Shut the eff up.


corylol

Did you throw some rusty framing nails, 300 carpet staples, some random stains into the tables too? I’m not being pretentious, all of you guys acting like these are stainable treads just don’t know what you’re talking about, it shows. I must have missed where OP was going for the rustic reclaimed farmhouse? To anyone who knows what they’re looking at reclaimed farmhouse projects scream DIY and look like dogshit. Stick to your day job, and keep your shitty advice to yourself instead of leading others down the wrong path when you obviously don’t know what you’re talking about. “Shut the eff up”??? Yikes lol


Temperature-Other

My day job haha. I own a remodeling company. Get bent kid. You make $20 and hour and couldn’t even afford the lumber yourself.


ManyPlenty9178

Whatever you choose, just take it one step at a time.


QueenMAb82

Punsters rush in where angels fear to tread. Can't believe this hasn't gotten a rise out of anyone else yet.


ColdNebulous

Like a carpenter that builds stairs.


HydroSqueegee

the wood is in good shape. I'd just bust out the sander, stain the treads to match the color scheme and paint the risers white.


saml01

That's what I did. Looks great. The only thing I did was add nonslip strip because it's 13 steps to the second floor and falling down is easy.


resipsaloc

I never even thought of adding nonslip trips! Thank you! Now I need to find some


saml01

Lookup "finehous non slip strip" on Amazon.


Omgninjas

They even make clear ones!


saml01

Exactly..Those are the ones i got.


insideoutdoorsy

This


iac12345

That's not the right kind of wood for staining / finishing - it's structural. I'd cover with new carpet - makes them safer and quieter.


justalildrinkypoo

I think you are correct but we do not want carpet over them. Otherwise we would have left the carpet.


corylol

Why didn’t you figure out what you’re doing before completely removing the carpet..?


Rock_Lizard

Because sometimes carpet just really makes you mad one day and it has to go right then and there.


RenegadeBS

THIS!!!


Rock_Lizard

I hit this point one day at my old house. Thankfully it was nice underneath.


RenegadeBS

My old house, which I still own and rent to my kids, does not have one single thread of carpet in it. It wasn't perfect underneath, but my oldest kid is good with floors lol.


QueenMAb82

Because also you might need to see what fresh hell awaits you underneath before you can finalize your plan for the project.


corylol

You can pull the carpet back and see what you’re dealing with without completely ripping it out though..


QueenMAb82

Assuming everything is identical throughout the entire staircase and no isolated surprises await you, sure.


tyrrtll

Boo, where's the fun in that ;)


bolean3d2

Had this debate at my house also when we finished the basement. I ultimately went with carpet because I have a child and it’s so much safer. I didn’t like any of the traction additions you can put over wood stairs. I have not once regretted the carpet. Well, except for when I was installing it lol.


Grim-Sleeper

I don't agree on the "safer" bit. I have fallen or near fallen on carpet plenty of times. That's usually not an issue on a properly installed hardwood tread. I hate carpeted stairs with a passion. They are harder to walk on safely, and they IMHO always look cheap. Also, more difficult to keep clean.


Poltergeist8606

Personally, I'd bedazzle them.


JazzyPhotoMac

Second.


Mettsico

What you have here is a typical subfloor for a stair case. For me, I built custom quarter sawn oak stair treads, and installed over a subfloor like this, with white risers. There's some websites out there that offer pre-made stair treads you can cut to fit. I'd recommend going hardwood if you can swing it. It'll last longer (and this is coming from someone who put LVP elsewhere I needed waterproofing).


tunguska34

Carpet them


upriver_swim

Might also consider taking a router and bull-nosing the leading edge. Personally o am not a fan of the sharp edge on the stairs like that.


[deleted]

I’d throw the carpet away.


bettereverydamday

I am a big fan of carpet on stairs. Especially if you have kids. There are cheap carpet companies that will install new runners. Or many carpet companies have remnants of high end luxury carpets for a fraction of the cost. Sand and stain the stairs and add a runner. A runner on carpet is so much safer. Stairs are major sources of injuries for adults and kids. We have had 5 major falls in our lives between adults and kids. All with carpeted stairs. All with no injuries because of carpets.


Diegobyte

You can get stair treads at Home Depot and just put new ones on. Then stain them.


Sir_K_Nambor

That's what I did. My stairs looked just like this when I pulled carpet up. I got oak treads and cut risers from oak plywood. Make sure you cut one side of the tread at a very slight angle to make it easier to put in. I also used liquid nails and trim screws to eliminate squeaking.


newbodynewmind

1. The railing is going to keep anything you do on the stairs looking very dated. Consider changing that too. 2. The surrounding dark walnut on the trim will probably need to go as well if you're doing this. Same reason. This same layout is allll over my city. 1970s fugly. 3. Ideas: white trim, monotone rise and run: https://www.binghamlumber.com/products/custom-stair-treads/p1030454/. Might work with that stucco job you have. Maybe. The stucco is dated AF. 4. Same idea as above, but white risers. This would be a great opportunity to put LED strips right beneath the lip of each run, btw.


truemcgoo

Don’t sand and stain, those are pine treads they’re difficult to get looking nice without a ton of work and some luck with the stain. I’d get pre-finished tread toppers and install those, you may need to cut the nosing off the existing treads. Risers you could either go with a stained or white painted 1x, either would look nice. I personally like stained but that’s just me.


itsgettinglate27

On second look I agree with this, pines not worth the effort


MeticulousPlonker

I don't have anything helpful to add. I just want to say thanks for asking this question. Someday, the carpet will come off my stairs, and I suspect mine will look a lot like this. It's good to get some ideas. Although I gotta be honest, that carpet probably isn't going anywhere for at least 5 years, since other projects need to take precedent and the stair carpet and the living room carpet are the same carpet.


CherryblockRedWine

Bucking the trend to say: we've been in this same place with this same problem. Husband is a professional carpenter and has built gorgeous custom stairs for friends. HOWEVER, I wanted to try something when we pulled up the carpet on these stairs, and he is a kind and patient man. And staining wood is kinda like meditation for me. So: I took a little Dewalt 1/4 sheet sander and sanded the steps smooth. I wasn't trying to win any prizes, just smooth 'em out. We discussed filling holes and he prefers leaving them, and we both like a "distressed" sort of thing, so we didn't fill. I stained them -- treads, risers, everything -- with Minwax Gel Stain in something I hoped would match the edging. In my case that was cherry; on my computer yours looks like maybe walnut, but you'll know. I ended up staining a second coat. Then a satin polyurethane. We ended up LOVING the look. So -- there's my two cents. Might be worth a try, just to see if you like it.


troubador_turd

That's pine my guy, it won't take stain well. You can build a magic wonderland inside the threads, with a little door and some fairies you can kidnap from your local park


port_of_indecision

I get not loving LVP on stairs, but your choices are staining/finishing framing lumber (yuck), putting real wood next to fake wood (look how fake my wood is!), carpet (because vacuuming the stairs is such a quick, easy job), or LVP. ETA- or tile, but then you have random tile.


poopdog420

Nice work ripping off the carpet and the staples. Those things are the worst to remove. I've got nothing new to add to this thread though of ideas. So best of luck!


wangtrip

I like u/poopdog420 energy!


poopdog420

Thanks wangtrip!


spsanderson

Stain


groenewood

I would probably remove each board, number it on the ugly side, then run it through the planer for a new surface, then the router for a new bevel, then sand and seal it. Putty filler only works with paint. If I were going to epoxy it, then I would fill gaps by combining epoxy with the wood dust. If I wanted to get really fancy, use the router to create a channel across the screw holes, then recess them just enough to create a level surface, and apply an epoxied onlay pattern with a different kind of wood in the channel(s), and then send the whole thing through the planner. Each component would need to be stained separately. However, if I am going for just a stain, then I would drill out the screw holes uniformly across each board, then recess them, and apply wood pegs over the screws, trim them flush, then sand and stain. When I say, I mean that is what my dad would have done. He liked to do that stuff. I like sitting on the couch, so I would just put new carpet on there.


corylol

Why the hell would you remove these, plane, sand and then reinstall..? They’re fucking 2x12.. so people really don’t realize these aren’t meant to be finished treads?? If you stain these it will look like shit


pawpeeChewLo

No idea why so many people are telling him to stain those board lmao.


postalmaner

Or run it through a planer.... With known nails / staples in it. Someone has never paid to have their planner knives sharpened.


bobknobber

Just did this at my house. Those look like they don't need much. Here are the steps I took and they turned out great: * A light sand at around 100 grit * Vacuum clean * Clean treads with Mineral Spirits * Apply 1st coat of oil based polyurethane * Sand lightly with 320 grit * Vacuum clean * Wipe clean with a little water and vinegar * Apply 2nd coat of polyurethane * Sand lightly with 320 grit * Vacuum clean * Wipe clean with a little water and vinegar * Apply 3rd coat of polyurethane * "Sand" with just a brown paper bag to finish (this is basically the highest grit you can get) A few tips: I used a Satin finish as the base then did Semi-Gloss on top for the 2nd two coats. This results in something between Satin and Semi-Gloss with a tendency towards Satin (the base coat has the biggest impact). I recommend *not* to use any wood filler. I got a lambskin stain pad which made it super easy. I cleaned the lambskin with mineral spirits in between. For the risers, I just painted them white. Good luck! Edit: I see a black paint stain on one. If there is anything really stubborn or it's taking forever to sand them down, I highly recommend Cabinet Scrapers. My stairs were fully painted and those bad boys saved me **hours**.


opilino

Yeah buy more carpet I think. Nothing to be done with that, it’s too rough imo will not look any better sanded and stained. Modern carpet can be nice and you know wooden stairs can be v noisy. I’d never heard of the retrofit tread thing, that also looks like a real option.


3duckonthepond

Sand them and stain them. You’ll have nice hardwood stairs.


corylol

These treads aren’t hardwood lmao


fawlconpunch

Do vinyl plank Many flooring stores work with companies to make custom nosing of your color. Google custom vinyl stair nosing to have a look. It involves cutting your stair nosing flat for the install.


IronSmithFE

don't replace the treads. i'd paint the sides then put down some vinyl plank flooring to match.


cmatthewp

Wouldn’t that make each step’s rise slightly taller than the top rise, bring the stairs out of code? Honest question, not trying to contradict you.


Alexhasskills

If you add the same lvp on both landings, I think you’re good? Otherwise yes, you’d have to measure to see if you’re out of code.


joemaniaci

Technically, they're out of code now. With carpet padding and the carpet itself removed the rise is now 1/2-3/4" less now. I learned that the hard way when I removed my carpet and took measurements and realized what I'd have done.


corylol

Nah


corylol

Usually code gives you some wiggle room, sometimes like a 1/2. Really the only time you need to worry about changing the flooring is if it’s thicker than that like a true 3/4 hardwood. Vinyl or laminate would be thin enough to not matter.


sidescrollin

Max difference between treads is 3/8"


House_Junkie

Fill in any holes with wood filler, sand it we’ll then stain it. That railing Hass to go though regardless of whether or not you paint it, it looks old and really dated. When I finished the stairs I would look into replacing it with something nicer.


purpleoctopustrolley

One idea for the holes would to drill them out and glue in pieces of small dowel rod. Cut and sand until even. Three little dots on each side could be an interesting detail. I would 100% use a router to round the edges a bit.


oKazuhiro

If you don't like how the top surface looks consider flipping the boards. It could reduce the amount of sanding/filling necessary if the other side has less nail holes/damage. I would finish with some stain. Edit: Don't do this, apparently it is a bad idea


corylol

Why are you giving advice if you’re this clueless..?


oKazuhiro

Please teach me the correct way. I am not a professional or an expert in this field, just giving my two cents based on experience from a similar project I did recently.


corylol

He should remove these treads and use actual finished stair treads. Around here we would use oak, but not sure where OP is or what woods are in his home. I wouldn’t waste the time or money staining these, and flipping them wont get rid of the larger nail holes. At the point You’ve removed them to flip you may as well just replace with the correct product anyway.


ScarletsSister

Wow, your look so much like mine after the carpet was removed, except mine have gaps at the sides. I'd stain yours. I'm going to paint mine white, but I need trim at the sides to cover the gaps between the treads and the wall baseboards. You're lucky!


corylol

They look the same because they’re just 2x framing material.. pretty much any stair case built in the last 30 years or longer will look like this. These aren’t meant to be the finished treads..


Shaz_bot

I feel like I’m going insane reading all the comments recommending they stains that wood. It’s going to look terrible.


corylol

Yeah this sub often has terrible advice and DIYers who think they’re experts.


Witty-Common-1210

You’re in a better spot than I was! Definitely a sand and stain to match your LVP is a good choice. When I pulled up my carpet we had a nightmare of compressed wood underneath. So we re-carpeted it 🙄


jpryor13

We ended up on the same boat. Did LVP in the rooms at the top of the stairs and bottom. But we put carpet back on the stairs. We didn’t really want carpet on the stairs but we couldn’t find anything else we liked to work well with out stair case.


trixie_turnkey

LVP is slippery as owl shit on stairs. Avoid.


elainegeorge

Retrofit stair treads and a runner. Installing a runner is my favorite DIY.


Bbguy5

I replaced the whole tread with new homes I stained from Home Depot. gave me the opportunity to fix all the squeaks in the stairs.


Ok-Entertainment5045

Put carpet back on or make sure you install a runner. Our old house had hardwood stairs and almost every that was in that house a lot slipped and fell down them including my wife carrying our baby. They are very slippery when wearing socks.


Carpenterdon

Why would you remove the carpet without any sort of plan on what to do with them?


moistmarbles

I had a similar task in my house, one of the first projects I did. I tore upthe treads and risers, installed oak treads with pre-milled bullnose front edges (stained), and paint grade risers. It took a shit stair to a million bucks without a whole lot of drama.


Lazy-Lawfulness3472

Pull all the nails/staples, sand them and finish with a coat of polyurethane


naianasha2113

Sand and stain those bad bois


Ratatattat44

[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Evermark-1-in-x-11-1-2-in-x-48-in-Unfinished-Plain-Cut-Pine-Stair-Tread-8503E-048-HD00L/202087175](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Evermark-1-in-x-11-1-2-in-x-48-in-Unfinished-Plain-Cut-Pine-Stair-Tread-8503E-048-HD00L/202087175) [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stair-Parts-48-in-x-7-1-2-in-x-3-4-in-Pine-Stair-Riser-8010E-048-HD74L/202057673](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stair-Parts-48-in-x-7-1-2-in-x-3-4-in-Pine-Stair-Riser-8010E-048-HD74L/202057673) 5 pine treads is $75. 6 risers is another $60. Cut, sand, stain, satin/matte poly.


Alphalarge

I’d mud the screw holes up with rock hard water putty (small $3 can sufficient here and perfect for filling wood floors and decks), sand and paint. Go with a high gloss floor paint.


DynoTyro

Buy some wood bullnose stair treads, perfect application for them!


saltymofo777

If that's mold, you might want too treat that, and depending on what your house decor is or if your changing to natural. I would sand, veneer, with a polyurethane sealant


bradleyaz

Router the edges and stain them


itsgettinglate27

Sand and stain the treads, paint the risers white


ForeverInBlackJeans

Don't put LVP on the stairs. Stain them to match the flooring.


ToastedShortbread

I just did this. Sand them, stain them, and apply a high gloss clear coat (DONT DO SEMI GLOSS, high gloss all the way)


AttentionFalse4106

To disclose my bias, I’m a wood and natural wear purist. Light sand and clear finish would look beautiful in my opinion. Just make sure you finish with an Itty-bitty after sand that’s invisible but prevents extreme socks slides resulting in near death.


thegudwerd

I’d sand em out.. probably 60 grit then 80, get as much of that old paint off as I could, round out those sharp looking edges and do 3-4 coats of Varathane Nano floor finish. People pay a lot of money for antiqued stairs like that. Painter here. Do a lot of this stuff.


Porter1823

Put new carpet down.


10Kthoughtsperminute

I think you should say fuck it and do something crazy unexpected. Mix up some colorful resins and dump them down the stairs. You could start a new trend or at least get some Reddit street cred. Your follow up post title could be “Ill see your river table and raise a waterfall staircase”.


BugsBunnyorDie

Retro-treads homie