What should I do with these wooden floors?

Question

Hello Biggerpocket Folks!I am going to be putting luxury vinyl planking in the entire downstairs (kitchen, living room, etc.) However, what can I do with these stairs? I dont think the wood can be salvaged, nor will it match with the floor?Should I paint the backdrop white and put vinyl planking, or will this cost too much money? I heard vinyl planking on stairs is very expensive.Should I do carpet? Thanks everyone!

Greg Scott · Answer

Have you talked with a flooring refinisher?  It would be a travesty to put LVT over hardwood, if the hardwood can just be sanded and finished.  They can give you a read on whether or not the stairs can be salvaged too.

I've seen vinyl plank on stairs.  It shouldn't be that expensive, but you will need a bullnose metal edge which probably won't look attractive in a classic house like this.

Here are before / after of hardwood on a flip I did 15 years ago

Scott Mac · Answer

Have you thought about matching the brown wood around the windows and also have a stunning carpet to walk on.

Not sure why the white caulk is visible on the edge of the treads; maybe someones effort at stopping stair squeaks?

Also, anticipate your stair carpet to wear through in places and need replacement faster than the main flooring (sometimes).

That is because a lot of foot traffic is concentrated there and it takes it's toll.

Kenneth Woodruff · Answer

Hardwood is magic, I would never cover those.  They are dark so you will be stuck with staying dark but that will still offer a better value than covering them.  All of the risers and steps can be replaced on the stairs and the money you will save keeping the hardwood will easily offset that.  Keep the hardwood!!!! LOL. Good luck with your journey.

Jacob Sloop · Answer

@Benjamin Furney

Is this going to be a rental?  If so that depends on your budget and clientele..

Those are pretty far gone, some stains will likely remain after sanding.  And this is the floors guys least favorite part of the job I can tell you ..  must be done by hand , labor intensive ..

That being said I’m like the others and love hardwood and try to preserve them when possible but if it’s too expensive then carpet

Joseph Beilke · Answer

I agree 100% with @Greg Scott, do not put LVT over those amazing wood steps.  If you're going to DIY the job, paint the back the of steps and take your time and sanding and stain the the tread.  Taking your time doing this will be so worth it in the long run.

Benjamin Furney · Answer

Thanks for all the replies, I am going to see if I can finish the floors. One contractor said that it was too thin, warped and damage. So I may have to just lay LVP.

Carlton B. · Answer

If there is hardwood stick with the hardwood. If you find a good refinisher they can fix or replace just about anything. Hardwood is a big selling point in my market, and all my flips have hardwood.

Eliott Elias · Answer

Sand and refinish. Not as cheap as carpet though.

What should I do with these wooden floors?

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