How to Cover Bare Stairs

Stair Runners

• 1

  Measure the width of the stairs. Subtract the width of the runner from the width of the stairs and divide by two. Mark the stairs with a pencil. Measure from both edges of the stair with the number you found.

• 2

  Subtract 2 inches from the width of the runner and cut strips of carpet pad for each stair. Center the pads and staple them into place on the stairs.

• 3

  Install the stair runner beginning at the bottom of the stairs. Use eight to ten staples to secure the bottom edge to the bottom of the stair. Pull the runner up and run another line of staples on the protruding edge of the stair.

• 4

  Stretch the carpet over the riser and up to the next stair using a carpet stretcher. Run a line of staples at the base of the stair and again under the lip. Repeat the steps above until all of the steps have been covered.

Painting

• 5

  Sweep the stairs to remove all of the dirt. Paint each step with primer to cover the wood or natural color.

• 6

  Select a latex porch and floor paint to paint your stairs. Tape off any walls or trim.

• 7

  Paint each stair using a roller and a paint brush. For example, paint stairs entirely white to give you home a beachy or cottage look.

• 8

  Tape off the stairs and paint them down the center to resemble a carpet runner. Measure the stair as if you were installing a runner. Leave a two inch border on both sides of the stair. Tape off a two inch strip of contrasting color and paint each stair. Allow the paint to dry overnight. Move the tape and paint the inside between each stripe.

• 9

  Paint only the fronts of each stair. Pencil in a design and paint a mural on each stair for more dimension.

Stain

• 10

  Sweep the stairs and make sure they are completely clean.

• 11

  Rub each stair with a damp sponge. Paint a thin layer of stain on each step. Allow the stain to dry for two to three hours or until it is no longer sticky to the touch.

• 12

  Apply three to four layers of stain. Use a wide brush and apply a single layer of polyurethane to protect the stain and to promote shine. Allow the stairs to dry overnight before using them.