Tips on Finishing Basement Steps
- Carpeting is one of the most popular ways to finish basement steps, and it provides a safe surface, particularly if you have children. If the staircase has backings in between steps, it will be possible to simply use one long sheet of carpet to finish the stairs. If the steps are open, each stair will need to be covered individually with carpet. The latter solution will use slightly less material, but it is more labor-intensive.
- Painting or staining wooden stairs is a quick fix for finishing. Make sure that you use a paint that is rated for stairs, and consider using an oil paint for this project for longer wear. Latex, while it is easier to clean up, will chip and peel off over time, especially when it is used in a heavy-traffic area. Staining the wood and then applying a clear coat of lacquer is another solution that will typically wear much better than paint.
- Stair treads are essential on stairs, especially if you have small children. Even painted or stained basement steps can be slippery, and there is no traction. By applying stair treads to each step, you can reduce the risk of slipping and falling. These treads can be purchased at local home improvement stores and come in either prepasted versions that have backing that can be peeled off, or they can be screwed into the stairs.
- Safety should be the primary consideration when finishing basement steps. While painting is generally low-cost, without the addition of stair treads, it can give you a slippery surface. Other considerations include wear over time. While carpet is initially more expensive, it will generally wear a lot better than paint will over a similar period of time. Lastly, the experience of the installer should be considered. Laying carpet on steps is not a job to tackle if you do not have experience in laying carpet. In this instance, painting or staining and adding stair treads may be more cost-effective than hiring a professional to install carpet.
