Can you please provide instructions on how to convert carpeted stairs to wood?

Question

You should know I am a single mom with no carpentry experience. I just pulled out the carpet in my living and dining rooms and laid 3/4" oak wood on top of the red paper. I have so much left over and would love to attack my stairs that are now carpeted. The floors were my first project and I am so pleased with them. Am I being overly ambitious to take this project on - or can you provide me with some helpful tips?

Thank you ever so much!

Answer 1

Well, I'm very proud of you to say the least. I hope you used prefinished to keep the dust down. I know the paper you're speaking of, comes in green & tan as well. Its a softener as well as a windbreak.
As for the stairs, just take the cpt off, its tacked down also usually under the steps if opened, in the crevases if not and under the treads. Its a job and a pain, but looks like you've got the stamina and sticktoitiveness to prevail.
Once off apply like the floor with the exception of the bullnose. you'll need 4-6" for each tread and glue down in addition to nailing. Remember this is a highly traffic'd area not to mention the additional weight coming down upon the bullnose in front.
Work from the btm up, hiding the last tread nailing with the hangove of the riser(kinda makes me want to be there to show you) but I'm sure you'll do it.
once you go up the riser, hide the nails and keep the riser level with the tread, wrap the bullnose over the riser last and continue on...finish off with 3/4 -1/4 round or rip the oak to size for all your base molding. The base molding is expensive and if you have a lot left over, you may as well just rip it all lengh wise, 45 one edge and there you have your base moulding.

Answer 2

Did you pull up the carpet yet???

You have to do that first, then you’ll probably need to re-finish your stairs, you may need to call a professional for this, but shop around!

I think Home Depot and Leows does this, get prices! Or call a local wood-flooring company around your area. It’s a big job to do it yourself, especially if the wood under your carpet is damaged or not in good condition (patched, stained etc)

We did our stairs in our house along with new banisters and all. When we ripped up the carpet, the stairs were not finished, but just wood planks, we paid around $1200 to do this all, but it was well worth it!

maybe this doesn't quite answer your question, but good luck anyway!