OPINION: How should I finish an old wodden staircase in Rental

[Ramon Luna]

Hi all. I just pulled back the carpet on an old staircase in a rental property and I am wondering how I should refinish it. Its a wooden staircase with paint stains and scuff marks. I dont want to re-carpet. I can think of two options:

1. Have a contractor sand down and re-stain the entire thing. Ive been quoted $500 to complete this.

2. I can put laminate over the treads and have the contractor just paint the risers. I have not received a quote yet, but I'd have to buy the flooring and stair nose.

What would you do?

[Jaysen Medhurst]

@Ramon Luna, get it refinished. Laminate will look terrible on the treads. I also personally hate the way laminate feels underfoot--cheap. I can't believe materials and labor for laminate would be less than refinishing.