Options for Stairs?

We have 17 steps that lead up to our house on the 2nd floor from the front door.

Right now, it's covered with carpet, and underneath the carpet is plywood stairs, which were then covered with these ugly red laminate.

I'm severely allergic to carpet and dust, and I'd like to look into options that won't cost me too much. We're really overbudget (by 100%) and I'd like to get rid of the carpet completely.

I've heard the following options available:
- take out the carpet and replace it with laminate (How much does this cost)?
- take out the carpet, take out the old laminate and paint the plywood stairs
- take out the carpet and laminate, and install these wood pieces that are placed on top of your existing floor (I believe they're planks?)

Thanks in advance!

Re: Options for Stairs?

i would go with replacing the laminate. my parents had plywood under their carpet and needed to get rid of it bc of the dogs. I dont remember how much it was but I dont think it was very expensive.

Re: Options for Stairs?

I would try to put new treads on the stairs. Plywood doesn't look pretty, and it often splinters easily, especially at the edges. Not a good combo for stairs.

Home Depot has treads, but they are pretty expensive. You might be able to shop around to find something cheaper. Most of the HD treads were at least $65 per tread. Many were 2x that price.



ETA: They do have red oak unfinished treads that come out to about $20 each.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100530808/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Message edited 11/6/2009 7:34:44 AM.

Re: Options for Stairs?

Re: Options for Stairs?