When we first purchased this house, the stairs leading to the bedrooms on the second floor were far from impressive. While the runner in the photo may appear passable, the reality was quite different. It was heavily stained, worn, and detracted from the overall aesthetic of the space. From the moment I laid eyes on it, I couldn’t wait to remove that unsightly piece!
The opportunity came on the day we had our upstairs carpets replaced. Watching the installers tear out the old wall-to-wall carpeting upstairs ignited a spark in me. Fueled by determination, I spontaneously decided to tackle the stair runner myself. By the time the new carpets were in place, I had already removed the runner and was knee-deep in the tedious task of pulling out what felt like an endless number of staples from the treads. It was painstaking work, but the satisfaction of saying goodbye to that grimy, outdated runner made every moment worthwhile.
Painting Spindles and Risers
Once the runner was gone, the staircase felt like a blank canvas. I began by painting the spindles and risers white, and the transformation was immediate. The fresh coat of paint brightened the entire stairwell, giving our home a cleaner, more modern feel. This small change made a surprisingly big difference, breathing new life into the space.
However, life is busy, and I had other priorities within the house. I took a break from the stairs to focus on painting the rest of the interior. While the staircase makeover was temporarily paused, the vision was always clear: I planned to stain the handrails a deep, rich color and refinish the treads to match the warm tones of our natural red oak floors.
A Lesson in Flexibility
As with many home improvement projects, things didn’t unfold exactly as planned. After spending countless hours stripping and sanding the treads, it became apparent that some of them were too damaged and worn to restore to their original beauty. This presented a dilemma: replace the treads entirely or explore an alternative solution. Ultimately, I embraced a dramatic and creative approach, leaning into the imperfections to achieve a unique and eye-catching finish.
This unexpected twist taught me an important lesson in adaptability. Sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, the alternative can turn out even better than the original idea. The contrast of the dark-stained handrails against the lighter, natural-toned treads created a striking effect that added depth and character to the staircase.
Stair Runner and Wall Treatments
Once the treads and rails were complete, I turned my attention to enhancing the overall look of the stairwell. I installed a seagrass stair runner, which not only added texture and warmth but also provided a practical element by making the stairs safer and more comfortable underfoot. The natural tones of the seagrass complemented the wood tones beautifully, tying the whole design together.
To further elevate the space, I added a board-and-batten-style wall treatment in the foyer and along the stairwell. This detail brought a timeless charm to the area, making it feel more polished and cohesive with the rest of the house. It’s incredible how small upgrades like these can make such a significant impact on the overall aesthetic.
Tackling the Tile Floor
While the staircase has undergone a remarkable transformation, there’s always another project waiting in the wings. One of the biggest tasks on our list is replacing the dated tile floor at the base of the stairs with hardwood. This change will create a seamless flow between the staircase and the adjoining rooms, further enhancing the sense of warmth and continuity throughout the house.
Home improvement is often a journey of incremental progress. Each project, whether large or small, brings us closer to creating a home that reflects our personal style and feels uniquely ours. Little by little, this house is becoming everything we dreamed it could be.
Reflections on the Process
Looking back on the refinishing process, I’m struck by how much the staircase has transformed—not just in appearance but in how it feels as part of our home. The combination of practical updates, like the stair runner, and aesthetic choices, such as the contrasting rail and tread colors, has turned what was once an eyesore into a feature we’re proud of.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Stripping, sanding, and refinishing stairs is labor-intensive and requires patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the fruits of your hard work every time you ascend or descend the stairs. Moreover, the lessons learned along the way—like the importance of flexibility and creativity—will undoubtedly influence future projects.
Refinishing hardwood stairs is a project that combines artistry and practicality. It’s an opportunity to breathe new life into an often-overlooked part of the home, turning it into a focal point that sets the tone for the entire space. Whether you’re removing an old runner, repainting spindles, or experimenting with stain colors, each step in the process brings you closer to creating a staircase that feels truly special.
As I stand back and admire the completed staircase, I’m reminded of why I love home improvement projects. They’re more than just a way to update a house—they’re a way to make it yours. Every brushstroke, every staple removed, every design decision reflects the love and care poured into making this house a home. And while there’s always more to do, the journey is part of the joy.
Here’s to transforming spaces, one project at a time!
