
Fixing Steep Basement Stairs
- Increase Tread Depth. Make the tread on your steps longer. You'll get a little more surface area when you put your foot...
- Remove A Section Of The Floor. The removed flooring will provide additional square footage for the basement stairs.
- Reduce The Stair Riser. When the step is too high you'll have to lift your foot higher, making it...
How to replace basement stairs?
Step Two: Mark and Cut the Wood
- The most accurate way to measure your stringer is to attach brass stair gauges to a framing square at the points of your riser and tread measurements.
- Check the lumber to make sure it's straight.
- Lay the framing square on to the uncut stringer and mark the riser height and treadrun with a pencil.
What to do with unfinished basement stairs?
We can help you with all phases of finishing a basement, including:
- Framing the space. If the space is not already properly framed for support/stability and to accommodate regular walls and electrical systems, you’ll need to start here.
- Running the electrical. ...
- Plumbing. ...
- Drywall. ...
- Trim, doorways, and flooring. ...
- Lighting. ...
- Carpet tiles. ...
- Polishing or painting pipes. ...
- Stair remodels. ...
How to finish basement stairs with carpet?
How to Install Carpet Runner
- Lay the Tackless Strip for the Runner. Start by subtracting the width of the runner from the width of the basement stairs and then divide the results by two.
- Add the Carpet Pad. Cut the pads into the same size as the tackless strips and then butt them on the front edge of the strip and then staple them ...
- Install the Carpet Runner. ...
How to cover basement stairs?
- Safety first: Assess how deep the water is before getting in. ...
- Locate the leak. Next, you need to identify the source of the leak. ...
- Call a pro. ...
- Call your insurance company. ...
- Pump out the water. ...
- Dehumidify the area. ...
- Remove all porous materials. ...
- Throw away contaminated items. ...
- Wash any walls or floors that were flooded. ...
- Repair any broken pipes or foundation. ...

How do I refurbish my basement stairs?
0:5310:20DIY Stairs Makeover for Under $200 with Full Cost Breakdown!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I start off by eliminating the connection between the drywall and stairs by adding a 1-inch pieceMoreSo I start off by eliminating the connection between the drywall and stairs by adding a 1-inch piece of trim to the top of the stringer.
How do you repair damaged stairs?
1:223:48How to Repair a Broken Stair Tread | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCrack. I want to work the broken piece so the glue settles all the way down to the bottom of theMoreCrack. I want to work the broken piece so the glue settles all the way down to the bottom of the crack. Now i'm ready to glue the dowel. I'll put a generous amount on the dowel. Too work that around.
How do you redo steep basement stairs?
Basement Stairs Too Steep: How To Fix ItIncrease the tread depth.Remove a section of the floor from the top landing to increase headroom.Reduce the stair riser.Extend the stairs into the basement.
How do you repair old concrete steps?
1:177:34Cement Step Repair in One Day -- by Home Repair Tutor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen apply concrete bonding adhesive to the step using a paintbrush. And just a cup now I'm applyingMoreThen apply concrete bonding adhesive to the step using a paintbrush. And just a cup now I'm applying it liberally all over the step so that the new concrete will properly bond to the old concrete.
How do you fix broken concrete steps?
2:173:08How to Repair Broken Concrete Steps with QUIKRETE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlthough any standing water should be removed quick-setting cement should be built up in layersMoreAlthough any standing water should be removed quick-setting cement should be built up in layers using a margin trowel. The first layer should be pressed into the repair area using firm trowel.
How do you fix steep interior stairs?
Can You Fix Stairs that are Too Steep? Yes, you can move your staircase back. To do that, you'll have to remove the existing steps, adjust and remove some of the floor framing on the upper part of the steps, and install a new shallower staircase that is code-compliant.
How much does it cost to fix steep stairs?
Replacing your interior stairs will cost between $900 and $4,000, including installation. Higher quality materials and challenging projects could raise the price up to $10,000. If you don't need a full-blown installation, repairing stairs or railings costs $310 to $1,000.
How do you redesign steep stairs?
3:406:07How To Redesign Angled Landing Steps And Steep Stairway For SafetyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you need wider steps you want to have maybe 11 inch steps. Simply add another step to the bottomMoreIf you need wider steps you want to have maybe 11 inch steps. Simply add another step to the bottom here so instead of having two now we would have three up to a landing.
How can I strengthen my old stairs?
3:389:04How To Strengthen Weak Basement Steps – Stair Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's go ahead and take a look at you're basically just going to be building a wall with a 2x4 toMoreLet's go ahead and take a look at you're basically just going to be building a wall with a 2x4 to support the tread.
How do you replace stair treads on an old house?
3:5611:50How to Update Oak Stair Treads and Risers | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut take the same board and i bring it over here again square on this end i bring it in i put itMoreCut take the same board and i bring it over here again square on this end i bring it in i put it tight to the riser.
How do you fix gouges on wood stairs?
STEP 1: Sand and clean the wood surface in need of repair. ... STEP 2: Use a preconditioner on the damaged area to prevent color discoloration. ... STEP 3: Apply the wood filler using a putty knife. ... STEP 4: Allow the wood filler to dry completely.More items...•
How do you install stair treads over existing stairs?
0:576:07How To Install Prefinished RetroFit Stair Treads from Stair-Treads.comYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd lock the depth guard in place remove any overhang of the existing sub tread by plunging theMoreAnd lock the depth guard in place remove any overhang of the existing sub tread by plunging the circular saw into the cut line and following it along the length of the old. Tread.
How much does it cost to repair a basement stairs?
Generally, if individual steps are broken or rotten, then it’s okay to repair it. On average, stair repair costs around $50-$300 or $5-$8 per square foot. This does not include add-ons such as railings or finishes.
Why are basement stairs so disreputed?
Basement stairs are more likely than others to fall into disrepute because they are often out of sight of the main part of the home. This guide will discuss the process of upgrading your basement stairs, focusing on replacing, finishing, remodeling, and building.
How much does it cost to install carpet runners?
Professional carpet runner installation costs around $350 for an average staircase with 13 steps.
How far should a staircase be from the wall?
When sketching out your staircase, the tread (the horizontal steps) should be around 10 inches, and the risers (the vertical gaps between steps) should be around 7 inches. You can adjust these slightly to fit the 35-degree angle.
Why do you put carpet on stairs?
CARPET. Carpet has three main benefits on a set of stairs. First, they make the steps warmer and more inviting ( particularly if the original stairs are concrete or cement). Second, it helps to protect the staircase against the weight of people moving up and down all day. Third, it can make stairs safer.
Why is my basement dark?
Basements tend to be darker rooms than the remainder of the house. When it comes to stairs, this can be a problem due to the difficulty of seeing individual steps. Improving your basement space often involves adding additional lighting, and this can become part of a stair remodel.
How much does a premade staircase cost?
Pre-made staircases typically cost between $1,000-$2,000. This is before any finishing, additions such as railings, and installation. Disposal. If you do decide to replace your stairs, then you may need help with removing and disposing of the previous staircase.
Do basement stairs need to be replaced?
Just like any other part of your house—whether it’s your HVAC unit or roof — the stairs will eventually wear out and need to be replaced or refinished. This is especially true for the basement stairs. Since they’re more commonly exposed to moisture, they have a greater chance of developing rot, mold, and other serious issues that can affect your home’s value and even your health.
Do you have to cover up stairs in basement?
If you like the look of basement, you don’t have to cover up your stairs at all . Instead, try painting or staining or stain your existing stairs to give them a like-new appearance. First, though, it’s important to sand the stairs down and get them very clean. This helps with either product for a long-lasting finish.
Can you refinish stairs?
It’s okay if the treads of the stairs are getting soft or beginning to fail. What matters more is the framing underneath the treads. The stringers of the stairs are what support the steps. If they’re cracked or rotten, they must be replaced—and so must your entire staircase. If they’re in excellent shape, you can just refinish your stairs as long ...
Do you need to vacuum stairs?
After you take the time to refinish your stairs, it’s important to maintain them regularly. If you get carpet you need to vacuum it quite often and clean up any spills using a carpet shampooer before the stain has a chance to set in the fibers.
What can go wrong with stairs?
Many things can go wrong with your stairs. They can squeak or loosen between treads, and stairwells attached on only one side—known as open stairs —can even begin to separate from the wall. To diagnose problems, start with a visual inspection for gaps, and a walking test to feel out any movement (or give) and to identify the location of squeaks. The good news is that most problems are familiar to a competent carpenter. The bad news is that the plaster or paneling (or whatever else covers the underside of the stairs) must be removed in order to reach the problem. Frequently, the 2x4s at the sides that hold up the ceiling (the underneath part of the top stair) must also come off; save them for putting the ceiling back. Once the cover is removed and the stair’s innards are laid bare, repairs won’t seem so daunting. (Repairing the hole you’ve created usually isn’t too difficult, either).
Why do stairs have stringers?
This doesn’t happen very often on closed stairwells (stairs with walls on both sides), but open stairwells can experience stringer spread for a number of reasons: House settling, wall movement, inappropriate repairs, and poor original workmanship are all common culprits. The trick is to pull the stringers back together and keep them that way.
How to close gaps in stringer?
To close gaps caused by stringer spread, start by cleaning debris from the stringer housings (the dado or groove where they fit). Remove nails, wood splinters, paint chips, or glue from the lower and upper sides; finish with a blast of compressed air.
Can you remove the plaster from the underside of a stair?
The bad news is that the plaster or paneling (or whatever else covers the underside of the stairs) must be removed in order to reach the problem. Frequently, the 2x4s at the sides that hold up the ceiling (the underneath part of the top stair) must also come off; save them for putting the ceiling back.
How long does it take to repair a concrete step?
In an hour you can repair a step.
How to remove sand from a concrete slab?
Remove all loose gravel, sand, dirt, and cement with a clean, stiff wire brush. You can also tap lightly with a hammer or use a hammer and chisel. ...
How to keep cement moist?
12. Keep the cement moist. Use a spray bottle to moisten the new concrete patch 2 or 3 times a day for 3 days. Then moisten the patch twice daily for a week.
Can concrete steps break apart?
Concrete steps are exposed to the elements every day. After time, the steps can crack or begin to break apart. Cracked steps pose a potential safety risk to people entering or leaving your home and must be repaired. Use these instructions to repair concrete steps.
Can you use premixed cement to fill stucco?
Do not use pre-mixed vinyl cement repair because it shrinks and will not hold weight. These vinyl fillers are best used to fill holes in stucco walls where no one is walking over them. "Cement-all", that is $22 per bag, does not need a bonding agent, and can be driven over in 60 minutes with an automobile.
