Updating your stairs!
Many homes in Whatcom County have stairs; some are homes built in the 1970’s in the typical split-level style of the era, with the entry door at the mid-point of the stairs; some are homes built on hillsides with up to 3 floor levels, others are just multi-story homes.
Sooner or later, these stairs will need some upgrading. Many were completely covered with carpeting, meaning you don’t know what is underneath, but it probably is not a high-quality hardwood!
So, assuming the worst, but hoping for something better, you tear out the carpet, and then have it replaced with . . . what? Here are some ideas:
- Bamboo flooring.
- Hardwood treads; alder, birch, cherry, red oak and more.
- Paint: this can be done in patterns and contrasting colors.
- Carpet runner down the central portion of the treads.
- If you are lucky enough to have hardwood for your stair treads, they will need refinishing from time to time. They will need sanding and refinishing with a durable polyurethane.
- Tile: Stair treads can be tiled to add architectural interest.
- Cork tile
Here are a few photos of a Bellingham home remodel we did that included the stairs:
