What do these old garage stairs say to you?
Something like:
- I’m ugly,
- Worn out,
- And completely neglected?
It’s no surprise! When stairs look as rough as these did, they practically scream for help.
But times have changed, and now these once-drab stairs leading to our quirky little mudroom are singing a much happier tune.
I decided to refresh them with a floor treatment that would not only make the wooden steps and landing more visually appealing but also easy to clean and durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear from a busy household of five—including one very large, very active dog. The solution? Deck paint.
Prepping for the Makeover
Before getting started with painting, I primed both the steps and the landing using Kilz, ensuring a good base for the paint to adhere to. While the primer dried, my kids and dog enthusiastically contributed their own artistic touch—muddy little footprints stamped across the pristine white surface. It didn’t take long for me to realize that in order to protect my sanity, I would need to choose a paint color that could camouflage dirt.
Choosing Colors for Style & Practicality
To make these stairs both functional and stylish, I opted for a painted runner. This allowed me to incorporate a practical dirt-toned color for the high-traffic center while still adding a complementary, visually appealing hue on the sides.
Given that this is just the garage (not a high-end living space), I made the executive decision not to fill all the nail holes. My main goal was simply to improve the area’s appearance without getting overly meticulous and driving myself crazy.
Painting Process
Once the primer had dried completely, I took the first step in creating my design:
- I used regular white latex paint to brush a stripe along both sides of the steps.
- After letting that dry, I measured and taped off about an inch of the white edge to keep a clean border.
- For the side portions, I chose Benjamin Moore’s “Fantasy Blue,” a lovely shade I had previously used in the master bath of our last home.
- The center section was painted “Mesa Verde Tan” using Benjamin Moore’s deck stain. The second photo below captures the true shade of this color better than the first one.
Adding a Fun Touch
While I loved the clean look of the painted runner, I wanted to add something playful to the risers. Since this is the main entrance for neighborhood kids and friends, I thought a whimsical touch would be perfect. I experimented with various fonts and ultimately freehanded the letters to create a cheerful “Welcome” message.
I won’t lie—the rest of the garage is still a work in progress! I’m tackling it one section at a time. But every time I pull into the garage, I’m greeted by these fresh, bright, and inviting stairs instead of the grimy, sad state they were in before. It’s such a small change, yet it makes such a huge difference in how I feel about the space.
These stairs are bound to get scuffed and worn over time, but I actually think I’ll love them even more as they develop a naturally weathered look. And if I ever get tired of the “Welcome” lettering (which, let’s be honest, is entirely possible),
it’ll be a breeze to paint right over it with some leftover deck paint and switch things up.
If you’re thinking about giving your garage stairs a makeover, I highly recommend it. It’s a low-cost, high-impact project that can completely change the feel of a space. Sometimes, it’s the little areas that benefit the most from a bit of attention.
Update!
Want to see another stair painting project? I tackled a different set of stairs recently, and you can check it out here: another version of these painted stairs. It follows the same approach—durable paint, simple design, and a touch of creativity.
Thanks for stopping by—I hope you’re inspired to give your own garage or mudroom stairs a fresh, stylish new look! Wishing you a fantastic weekend!
