How to Remodel Basement Steps
To keep basement steps looking as new as the rest of the remodeled basement, homeowners often leave the remodel of the steps until the end, so the stairs don't get messy during the construction. This is actually a very logical, highly recommended process, but make sure to take as much care to remodel the steps, as you did when working on the basement itself. Here are some tips to ensure a quick and easy remodel for your basement steps. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Carpet
- Wood glue
- Staples
- Trim nails
- Staple gun
- Nail gun
- Sander
- Tack strip (optional)
- Pad (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
First decide which method you will need to apply. There are two basic methods for remodeling basement steps: a water fall and tucked nose tread. The water fall only applies when the tread extends past the toe kick and is the most common and easiest to install. The only difference between the two types of install is that the tucked nose gets stapled to the bottom of the overhang before traveling down the toe kick.
-
2
Choose a carpet. A thinner, cheaper carpet is actually easier to install on a stairway, so keep this in mind when picking out a carpet for your basement stairs. Also, choose whether or not to install pad. Although pad allows for a more cushioned stairway, it also increases the chances of your carpet slipping during the install process.
-
-
3
Install your carpet. Oversize the width a little on each side of the steps and cut to fit as you go. Start at the top of the stairs, and secure the carpet by stapling to the back of each tread and the front of the overhang. You can use tack strip on the ends if you include pad underneath the carpet. This helps prevent the carpet from slipping. Repeat until all steps are covered.
-
4
Build some cleats if your stairs are not wall to wall. Be sure that the stairs will have at least a 34" carpet runner before using this method. Cap the side that is not enclosed by a wall with an oak or pine cleat. To save money, buy a single tread and cut it into 3-inch wide blocks. Lightly sand the corner off the side to be exposed, or router to dress it up. A round overbit will do. Use wood glue and trim nails to install the cleats to the tread and toe kick.
-
1
