DIY Stairs Makeover for Under $200 with Full Cost Breakdown!!

[@shelley9047]

I am a 55 year old female diy’er and over the years and sales at store have bought and have all these tools and am not rich. What I have saved using these tools my own self allows me to get more! I actually just did my own stairs after watching this, so thanks and well done!

[@verucasalt2391]

Love that! I’m going to do our stairs myself, I’ll die of old age if I waited for my husband to do it. 😆

[@wasimmohammeduk]

🤣@@verucasalt2391

[@straighttalk4988]

BLESSINGS BEAUTIFUL LADIES 💐💐

[@tamarabradshaw4799]

This is much better than videos of people tearing up their carpet and staining pine treads thinking they won’t dent like crazy. Thank you for showing us how to do it the right way. They look beautiful.

[@KomarProject]

Thank you so much Tamara

[@123Goldhunter11]

Carpenters are really smart engineers that like to work with their hands. Much respect.

[@RedBeard20842]

One of the nicest things about this job is how few tools you need. A track saw orbital sander and a brad nailer is all you need. And any home oner should have that stuff anyways. Love this.

[@simonc5685]

Better to use a pin nailer me thinks

[@1966dj]

I just finished mine by using the method in the video. Worked fine and looks good. I spent a little more than in the video since I had more stairs and a landing. Luckily I had a neighbor who had a table saw and router and other friends with the tools I needed. Looks good and happy with the results. Glad I came across this video.

[@KomarProject]

That’s so awesome to hear Bubba!!! Borrow tools when you can lol

[@bruceross102]

Furloughed airline Captain here - might be a while before I fly again. BUT, this inspired me among my many other projects I want to do at home. THANKS. VERY HELPFUL.

[@KomarProject]

Thanks Bruce. Good luck with the project

[@PlayscBricks]

Awesome I was just talking to my wife about utilizing this exact technique for our basement stairs a few months ago. Thanks for the proof of concept. Just proves great minds think alike.

[@KomarProject]

That’s right. Tell your wife you can fatally figure it out lol. You got this

[@mitsuda]

I used spackle to fill some gaps on my stairs when I laid down hardwood and with time because of natural expansion and contraction and people stepping on the steps, the spackle began to form cracks. I recommend using paintable caulk or wood filler/putty instead. It’s able to flex more easily with the wood and wall.

[@brianschmitt1357]

I just did this to my son’s home. They turned out amazing. Looks like we spent thousands, not a couple hundred. Great video.

[@debbiesitarz8762]

Excellent video and a very good job - you make it look really easy. I'm prepping to do our basement stairs myself, hence watching these videos for tips and tricks. One small tid-bit to point out (so as to not confuse other DIYers): what you call stringers are actually side skirts. In the case of your stairs, you can't see the stringers as they are beneath the treads and risers and are the 2" X 10" (in most cases ??) zig-zag/tooth shaped parts that hold up the entire weight of a set of stairs. You did an excellent job mixing the stain colours in order to match your existing flooring. I've actually used a bit of basic cheap acrylic paint to tint wood stain in order to achieve the desired colour I needed for wood working projects providing you mix the acrylic paint into water based wood stain. It works really well. Your stairs turned out very well and for a fraction of what it would cost to buy solid hard wood planks. Hopefully mine turn out as nicely as yours did. Great work.

[@clickster1883]

Dude! This is *exactly* the tutorial I need right now! Impeccable timing. Thanks for posting.

[@KomarProject]

Your very welcome. Glad it works for you. Good luck with the stairs brother. Let me know how they turn out.

[@adz6973]

How to make stairs look awesome for less that 200 bucks, all you need is a couple of grands worth of equipment to do it 😂

[@josepedraza1437]

U can hand saw it all if u like its optional

[@Firelord360]

You can also rent tools but like most tools usually a one time buy and it’s not like you are buying them for every project

[@buddtwin2]

Your actually wrong. You don’t need that stuff he used. You can borrow like he did, you can have your big hardware store cut it for you, or buy a cheap circular saw one of the many guild systems like the kreg jig or take a ruler and clamp it down and use it as a straight edge. Shit buy a cheap hand saw, Or buy a cheap miter saw and table saw and you’ll have them for ever so essentially lowering that initial cost for equipment every time you use them. See stupid comments like this just keeps people from doing a project around house from doing them. Learn to Be resourceful, think outside the box, and get off your ass’s and go build something.

[@adz6973]

@@buddtwin2 people have their own minds they don't need to listen to me, I'm just stating the obvious.

[@careyannrudolph3286]

Right I was thinking the same thing.

[@KoJo-qh9od]

I would suggest using a notched trowel to spread the glue for the 1/4 inch plywood. That will eliminate voids under the plywood and make a stronger tread.

[@ronlaverdiere]

A trowel for construction adhesive? No. It will bond fine. A couple brad nails to hold the tread or riser in place is enough until the adhesive sets. Should be tapping the treads with a rubber mallet and walking on them right away though. No need to wait for it to cure.

[@sammyelliott5554]

Did this for a customer 20 years ago and charged $125.00 per step. Included removal of old step tread. Stain and poly treads, paint skirts and risers. The most difficult thing was cutting the step treads. They were not all square from back to front. To get a perfect measurement, a center line for the step must be established on the staircase framingFrom the back of the step to the skirt board, then from the front of the step to the skirt board on both sides of the step treads.Those skirt boards follow the contour of the drywall and framing behind the drywall. Excellent video. Thanks

[@KomarProject]

Thank you Sammy

[@edmcgee3512]

I used 1/4 inch white PVC sheets for my risers. No need to paint them, but they are paintable if they get beat up over the years. Very easy to work with too.

[@KomarProject]

That’s a great idea !!! Never used that method but I have see others and they love it

[@wecanmakeit2388]

Sounds awesome

[@SusanSaroka]

Amazing!! I have stairs that looked like yours and was told I could never have oak stairs. You proved them all wrong!! Thank you!!

[@KomarProject]

That’s awesome Susan. Not sure why someone would tell you that you can’t have something. Next time ask someone else lol. Good luck with your stairs and never settle

[@briscain]

The big problem is when you go to sell your house the rise on your stairs may not meet code depending on where you live .This may cost you thousands to have the problem fixed.

[@melissamorley7249]

@@briscain good point!

[@jordanoneill1575]

Thanks for this. Very helpful I followed your directions with a slight modification. If using hardboard don't use brush-on 1-2-3 primer (I know you used the rattle can) as the hardboard can soak it up and swell. Instead I'd suggest the use of 1/4" plywood flooring.

[@cclarry]

The stairs look great. I did mine too by making a jig and heating up vinyl plank flooring to form the bullnose and placed it over the existing bullnose. It was glued down with PL glue and then I used hardboard on the risers just like you did. They turned out awesome and matched exactly with the flooring that was installed in the basement. Love vinyl.

[@ceciled.7481]

Thank God there is KZbin and guys like you to dedramatize how to do works like this renovation !! THANK YOU so much. Now I have a better idea of how to cover my bare concrete stair case and I'm not annoyed anymore to start the project. Thanks :)

[@KomarProject]

You are so welcome Cecile. I love hearing stuff like that

[@VitalityUni]

I love the the way you are showing the details, the shopping list , that’s so perfect to a lady or beginner, thank you so much 🎉

[@slinton592]

Them stairs look amazing OMG❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@andyjame6703]

Such a gorgeous book - each shed is unique and inspiring, and I love all the tiny details Kotite features to help readers imagine how to create their own She Sheds kzbin.infoUgkxe9yi0sulKgsp0VJJCIrLWWkvVqcU7LFR . The feature on Dinah's Rustic Retreat is like something from a fairy tale. It's really inspiring to see how creative all these ordinary people are in making beautiful and useful spaces on a modest scale.

[@joshgore8256]

People commenting on the tool cost, if you do not have some types of the tools they're using then you should not be working on your house anyways, you can rent them but you dont need all the tools they're using, use your own imagination and use other trim that is available, they're your stairs, do what you want, this video here will save me a whole lot of work, thanks guys for the idea

[@KomarProject]

Very well said. Thank you

[@BIGFISH0759]

I used old pieces of flooring that way for my risers on my last house but used the oak treads back when they were cheap. Now they are over 30 bucks a tread. I will definitely be using this method.

[@jean-davidmerette7999]

Dude.... You are a wizard! this is INSANE wow!

[@KomarProject]

Thank you so much

[@edwinpino3384]

Man! You just saved me so much time and money. I have had my basement stairs as a project and avoided it due to other projects and money. Was going to rip out old 1950’s wood and start from scratch with oak. I’m going to do your idea on it. Thank you. Great job

[@KomarProject]

Awesome. So happy to hear it helps.

[@dorisperez5059]

WOW, for that budget it look like a million bulk. the dog is so cute great job

[@KomarProject]

Thanks Doris !! Ya the pup is kinda cute

[@jonjohnson102]

Pitbulls are ugly af

[@manuelnunes8415]

Hi, i watched this a long time ago, great project. I was wondering how the stairs are doing now? Did the ply holdup nicely?

[@vanessap2814]

Oh my Gosh! you're the man....hahaha I like seeing a guy who can fix the home LOL Thank you for your video.

[@KomarProject]

You’re very welcome Venessa

[@terrim.602]

Wow. They look great. I'm not a bright white fan but that's only one opinion, but the stairs look amazing!! I had no idea 2 different colors of stain could be applied on the same spot.

[@volvosweden]

I will need to spend my whole 3 weeks of vacation to do this.

[@hotdog4698]

Came to a point in my renovations where I needed to come up with an idea for my stairs. Stumbled on your video and fell in love with the idea! Thank you very much!

[@antonybaby1173]

I just followed your instruction and my stairs came out amazing. Thank you for your tips .

[@KomarProject]

Very welcome

[@nedraford5461]

I wish I had your video 4 yrs ago. After watching this video, I know how to do this the right way.

[@MrWebcamvids]

Thanks so much! , my dad and I just finished this project on my home thanks to your video.The stairs look great and had a good time building them with the old man.

[@ddramos7997]

Nice! They came out great! I so admire creative and talented people like you who can do all kinds of work at home and not have to pay someone else to do it!

[@Braddy_Daddy]

I was looking to redo my stairs and this video nailed it.

[@KomarProject]

Awesome. Good luck

[@Crazycro905]

I did this to my basement stairs 10 years ago and they still look great!

[@KomarProject]

Awesome to hear that

[@MssTibbs]

Finally the video I've been looking for!

[@justinbrown4389]

I need to redo my carpeted stairs and veneering the steps like this never crossed my mind. Brilliant, thank you so much for this video!

[@KomarProject]

Very welcome Justin

[@DebtFreeDIY]

Great job! While we did our stairs with oak treads, we ended up doing our stair landings like this with 3/4 oak ply. Just ripped it into 6 inch strips and alternated the board grain so it wasn't obvious it was plywood on such a big space. That's been 4 years ago and nothing has worn through yet! 🤞 Keep up the good work!

[@KomarProject]

That is awesome to hear!! A lot of people are wondering how well it holds up after time and this is a great answer. Many thanks

[@Spacecarboy]

Great Tutorial. My wife and I have gained some confidence "tackling" a stairs project now. Thank you, Tony

[@KomarProject]

That’s awesome. Good luck

[@darkfirefox]

I just bought my house and removed the carpet and underneath was the raw stairs . I knew i was going to need to do something so i really appreciate this video!

[@cindyolivia100]

Nice to see a man do real work

[@commonsense5077]

Wow. Wow. Wow. It’s absolutely stunning and beautiful.

[@traciebarrass6612]

Brilliant you have given me an inexpensive way of completing my stairs, thank you, yours looks great 👍🏽

[@KomarProject]

Your very welcome Tracie. Good luck

[@wallace49]

Looks pretty good. I know you were going for a budget build on basement stairs, but here's a couple of tips for a more finished look. The existing stringers can be covered with MDF and molding to eliminate all the sanding and filling.The rough treads should be cut back flush with the rough risers so the finished risers sit plumb. A tread jig can be easily be made to get the exact length of each tread and you won't have so much caulk between the finish tread and the stringer. One last thing. Do not use plywood for treads. It will not hold up to years of use. Again, your results look satisfactory but I'd go with higher quality materials especially in a high traffic area. Just a couple of tips from a lifetime finish carpenter, stair and handrail specialist.

[@barrykennedy8507]

How do you think that nosing detail would hold up over time? Seems like asking an awful lot of some wood glue and pin nails.

[@wallace49]

@@barrykennedy8507 Using plywood for treads is a big mistake, and asking the nosing to hold on to it is going to fail. Solid wood treads with the front edge routed round is the way to go.

[@letlive8014]

Great job, you have confidence and it shows! Only critique, I would have painted the calk brown to blend in with the tread. Otherwise, with time it would accentuate every stray bit of dirt.

[@teresascott1648]

Love Thor! What a good helper.

[@KomarProject]

He is the best helper ever. Moral support lol

[@addminusDIY]

Now time change my old stairs . Good job!

[@matthewwindisch9449]

Thank you so much for making this video. I basically have the same exact project. I’ve been debating how to go about it. You just did the hard part for me. Scheduled for this winter... 😊

[@KomarProject]

That’s awesome KW. Hope it goes well. Just set aside a weekend and knock it out. Good luck.

[@cherylmckelvey9816]

Me too! Exact same project over the winter. Thank you so much, your video was perfect.

[@yunkie12]

Oh wow. aside from the mention of the plan, this is by far the best diy I have seen on this topic. I will definitely come back for details when I get ready to do mine.

[@KomarProject]

Awesome. Good luck with your project !!

[@flyingcat2054]

Gorgeous! I can only dream of having these stairs. I can’t imagine getting through this DIY job

[@KomarProject]

It’s a little bit of work but it’s totally doable

[@LauryDepp]

Lol ! I love your dog. " Helping" ... Hahah

[@markortiz1506]

Exactly the video I have been looking for. Redoing my basement after 20 years. Perfect upgrade. Thanks!! Off to the hardware store!

[@artackerman2744]

When I cut my treads I used a template. They fit perfectly against the Stringers so no caulk

[@KomarProject]

That is a great 💡 idea

[@dezbigguns1072]

They make a stair tool for the risers and treads so you don’t have to caulk anything

[@desirrehidalgofernandez407]

Thank you for this video!!! we've been trying to tackle our floors but it just seems so overwhelming, your video makes it seem a lot easier than the build up we are creating in our heads.

[@KomarProject]

So welcome. Good luck with your project

[@kmilton8546]

@@KomarProject what color was the grey looking stain?

[@footnotedrummer]

They turned out very nice. The only question/concern that I'd have, is the fact that the front bull nose runs a high risk of shearing off if you were to dolly a large appliance down them. Since there is no grain structure holding the bull nose on... the only thing preventing it from shearing with the vertical load, are a few brads. It would take a little bit longer, but it might make more sense to cut the oak a bit thicker and cut a rabbit joint down the back side of the oak. This way the oak is overlapping the top side of the tread and providing a little more shear strength.

[@diamondbracelette]

Good suggestion, although with enough glue and enough pressure from the brads, the glued joint should now be as strong as the grain, no? I'm picturing that the "clamping" pressure via the brads may be the variable there...

[@LivItUp615]

Omg just what I needed!!! I took up my carpet a year ago. I bought pine treads but the treads that’s on now are too hard to pull up so its been sitting there. Thank you! Going to Lowes tomorrow.

[@KomarProject]

Awesome. Good luck with the project

[@alexgrimes4478]

I'm not an expert by any means, but I've been planning to redo my stairs. After my "studying" I learned a little bit, and I "think" that the boards on the side you called "stringers" are actually the skirt boards. The stringers, I believe, are what supports the treads and risers. You can't see them once the treads and risers are on. I could be wrong, and it could be that those are some special type of stringer that I don't know about. Just thought I'd shoot that out there! :)

[@wandakowalski7063]

This is a REALLY helpful video. My stairs going down to the basement are a mess and estimates to upgrade them left me breathless. This is a project that I can do. Thanks for your easy to understand and detailed video. BTW: you really DEEESERVED that "if looks could make you turn into stone" your partner levelled at you ... thanks again!

[@KomarProject]

Wanda Kowalski your very welcome Wanda. Good luck with the project

[@southeastoriginal5668]

Who else just paid someone thousands and seen the title and immediately felt like you were ripped off until you seen all the labor hahaha

[@skyborne1772]

It wasn't the cost of materials. It was the cost of labor 😂

[@anthonytrapani5853]

Lol typical millennials

[@danielakerman8241]

That’s exactly why you pay professionals for any service.

[@thepoorbillgates6674]

You paid somebody to do it correctly, unlike this video

[@tomg1066]

@@thepoorbillgates6674 Provided that you're actually Bill Gates; I now understand why my father who once thought highly of you has begun to despise you (Not Because of Wealth)..... I would think the same way if I had ZERO worries of $$$$$. Would you like to pay to have a "professional" redo my stairs....?

[@donr7145]

Great job. I was quoted $35 a step. I have 12 steps and 2 breaks in between the steps (I know that not the correct term,lol). I did my stairs 14 years ago and they still look great. They’re from my livingroom up to the second floor to the bedrooms. There was no tutorials existing then. I did similar steps as you and it cost me then $75. Not bad for a 2day job

[@KomarProject]

Not bad at all. Thing you did it right

[@rasicule]

Great stairs. Match up the railing with the stairs and it is perfect.

[@andresvargas594]

Looks great 👍🏾 thank you for cheering

[@KomarProject]

Your very welcome Andres !

[@frankcoldwell4424]

Boom, first. Great video as always, great work as well. I wish I had 10% of your skills.

[@KomarProject]

I have no skills. Just a pit bull like determination to figure shit out

[@wumpascott]

Great job! You taught me a bunch about woodworking. I know this was a low cost reno and paint cost can eat a budget, but consider Pro Classic instead of Pro Mar 200, also by Sherwin Williams. It will last longer and shine brighter. Also, Top Gun Flex (Dulux/PPG) or Big Stretch caulking may last longer on stairs, since bodyweight will inevitably cause the wood to flex and the Alex fast dry stuff isn't as durable. Cheers.

[@KomarProject]

Great point

[@huejanus5505]

The Alex Dynaflex is much, much better than the cheapo Alex caulking. You get what you pay for.

[@pulhey67]

Expertise worth a grand though.

[@OBOYZ4alife]

All FACTS!

[@blakejordan4364]

Seeing the end product was very satisfying

[@KomarProject]

Thank you

[@brettbarager9101]

I recently bought a house and the previous owner only did a rough in for the stairs from the main floor to the upstairs. I have been thinking about what I can do . . . And now I know! Thanks.

[@DianeWilliams]

This was just what I needed! Thanks. Now also know how to put those dumbbells to use.

[@KomarProject]

Hahaha ya that’s they only use they get from me lol

[@dasweetestmc]

Incredibly done! So glad I saw this. This is much cheaper than buying vinyl treads. Much love to you guys!

[@KomarProject]

Thank you so much

[@cardy0324]

I'm always thinking one step ahead like a carpenter who builds stairs.

[@user-qc6nt8vy7f]

I'm doing this. It's great. I'll buy or rent watever, itll be fine. Great presentation.

[@KomarProject]

Thank you so much J

[@carolinafox6665]

The dog 🐶 was one of the Best part of this video ❤

[@brucemontgomery6853]

i’ve done a lot in carpentry- not quite sure how if you added 1/4 “ oak veneer plywood to steps and then oak bullnose, how you could have had ? showing from underneath

[@austinleonard4776]

Who else is watching this but never plans on renovating their stairs

[@jimmyb1356]

Just put it in your mental notes

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

Not me. I have a renovation that has bare stairs right now and I love this. I just need to get a router or whatever so I can do the bull nose. I need that and a proper table saw to achieve all my DIY dreams.

[@traciebarrass6612]

Austin Leonard I started doing my sometime ago, but got a little unsure of what or how I wanted to complete it. But after watching this it has given me some ideas.

[@alexf800]

Useless if you have no tools.

[@austinleonard4776]

setite ok boomer

[@experienceprecision5406]

*need $600.00 tools first lol. I'm going to do this exact and thing to my steps, looks great!

[@bcshay]

true. he does have some nice tools minus the TS he borrowed

[@normiewho]

Are you only buying the table saw?

[@wojtekkarek7329]

Where are you getting all of these tools for 600 and how can I also get that kind of deal

[@williamharley7452]

wojtek karek harbor freight

[@jeffshackleford3152]

@@williamharley7452 as long as you return them after you are done... I do it all the time

[@panaproducts3988]

Bro...Those turned out nice! I was considering vinyl stair flooring but I think your oak set up is easier! Thanks!

[@evangelineking3930]

You did a fantastic job. I wouldn't have thought of the cawk.

[@KomarProject]

Thanks so much Lisa !!!

[@davecpgh]

7:50 with the circular saw, it does cut a smooth line as the table saw. It depends on the sharpness of the blade and the tooth count. But with a circular saw you put the visible side on the bottom. That way the saw blade is cutting into the wood and not away from it, the same direction as a table saw blade.

[@AngelaCoffman]

Thank you for posting this! We pulled carpet off our basement stairs and want to finish them out, but are on a tight budget. Great ideas here.

[@MsSoberanes]

My husband and I have really enjoyed your videos and inspired us with some home projects. Could you show us how to build a PERGOLA ? I hope this could be one of your next upcoming videos 👏😊😊👍 Thank you and looking forward to more projects.

[@KomarProject]

Ohh my dear a pergola won’t bee for a while. Maybe two summers from now. Lol. Just have so many diy projects coming with the new house.

[@Sherinthomas791]

We need pergola we need pergola we need pergola 😂

[@Sherinthomas791]

We need pergola we need pergola we need pergola 😂

[@Lanie911]

So what is the material you used for the risers? Did you say hard board?

[@CynthiaHalle]

This is great! Thanks for full cost breakdown.

[@TheAPZOR]

good job , but i would highly suggest a riving knife attached to table saw....

[@williamtaylor1175]

A lot of the savings in the treads, not sure how long they'll hold up. Your craftsmanship is 2nd to none, great job

[@KomarProject]

Thanks William. Ya I’m hoping they will hold up great.

[@nolaa6490]

I like your energy. It's encouraging! Thank you! We need more of that in this 🌎!💆🏽‍♀️👏🏽😘

[@KomarProject]

Thank you so much. Means the world to me !!

[@taffytv7339]

Looks so good!

[@KomarProject]

Thanks so much

[@shumerdobramble7588]

Thanks sharing... Looking to do ours over the summer

[@KomarProject]

That’s awesome !! Go for it

[@sinergy9837]

saw a good amount of pinholes you didnt putty in. Now what are you going to do about the caulk shrinking on the sides. Caulk will naturally shrink so you are going to end up with gaps on the side.

[@keithupton86ku]

Can always just add more caulk- the stuff he used is very common and sold everywhere.

[@Russ-od2yy]

Ah Komar my favorite DIY youtuber again :) Been looking at doing this myself instead of vinyl treads on my stairs so think I may do this now :) Can't wait for the next video!

[@KomarProject]

Russel thanks so much brother. Ya this project was a good and inexpensive way to make the stairs look good.

[@buddyholly4672]

I'm curious how long it took you to complete this project? Looks really good. My parents have wedge shaped stairs so its hard to find those stair covers on a budget.

[@phatzdomino5343]

This is one of the best DIY redo staircase videos out, I always come back to it, thank you again. All the other videos are to long for me. Keep it up.

[@hennagal7360]

@ 3:56 🤣🤣 and always when you are really tired ! Great video thanks 👍🏻

[@KomarProject]

Thank you so much Hanna

[@sully2018]

People commenting on tool cost. TF kinda tools did you think you were going to attempt a construction project with, your teeth?

[@KomarProject]

Duct tape lol

[@MrJwomick]

Zip ties and gorilla glue

[@caffeinepowered3957]

I don't even know what people are on about, everything done here could absolutely be done with hand tools, and he even borrowed the table saw.

[@ruffxm]

@@caffeinepowered3957 Yeah, I'm sure ripping those treads with a hand saw would come out just as smooth and straight with a table saw.

[@WiseOwl_1408]

Basic ones usually. Routers are far less common to have. U gay?

[@kjnava]

"Like they do on the discover channel" haha haven't heard Bloodhound Gang in forever

[@KomarProject]

Hahaha now it’s stuck in my head again lol

[@chrissy212e]

OMG who has all those tools indoors lol great job the makeover was real nice.

[@KomarProject]

Thank you !!

[@jhred5910]

lol.. was thinking the same thing.. i’ve got an old panel saw, a circular saw that only takes imperial size disks so i can’t get them anymore and a hand operated staple gun...

[@datoalavista581]

Spectacular .. I need to learn how to use the tools to get that kind of quality .. Thank you so much for sharing ..

[@darthmal]

OMG! Love the dog!

[@KomarProject]

Lol he is an OG