Paint Your Stairs and Install a Stair Runner - DIY Tutorial - Thrift Diving

Visit Arrow Fastener for more info on the products used in this stair runner installation: bit.ly/2Gbjuxj #ad
We've had this slippery, dangerous, (and ugly!) golden oak staircase in our house since moving in nearly 10 years ago. Installing a stair runner is something I always wanted to do but never had time. All it takes it one slip, though....! I decided to find some inexpensive, yet cute modern stair runners to install. I also painted the stairs white for a fresh look! I absolutely love it! I'm still not sure about how (or IF!) I want to paint the balusters. What do YOU think? Paint them or leave them natural?
A big thanks to Arrow Fastener for sponsoring this project! Be sure to check out their awesome tools and tell them Thrift Diving sent you!
BLOG POST:
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TOOLS and MATERIALS
Arrow Fastener PT50 pneumatic stapler: arrowfastener.com/tool/pt50/
Arrow Fastener T50 heavy duty stapler: arrowfastener.com/tool/t50/
Navy and Cream Stair Runners: amzn.to/2wziHoo (Amazon affiliate link)
Portable Air Compressor (Light and quiet): amzn.to/2xa4pdT
Water-based primer
White semi-gloss latex paint
Rug pad: Annie Selke - annieselke.com/Rugs/Rug-Pads/...
Check out my Project Gallery:
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Serena Appiah
P.O. Box 463
Spencerville, MD 20858

[@ThriftDiving]

Visit Arrow Fastener for more info on the products used in this stair runner installation: bit.ly/2Gbjuxj

[@shatorresmatos]

Do you think paint the bluster blue, is to much? Or maybe a tint of a darker color of wood? Love it.... in Puerto Rico everything is in concrete and is not that easy to install anything, even to hang a picture on the wall we need a lot of things... God Bless...

[@30arminda]

@thriftdiving where did you get the rug pad from? I am sorry I did not see it in the list in the description.

[@mirandamused]

My dad painted himself into our badement before lol he painted down the basement stairs instead of ground up lol

[@Edu_Kate]

I saw where someone painted every other stair tread so they could get out of their basement. Of course she finished all the treads.

[@MultiLisa10]

Awe, it happens!

[@poppyshoessp]

You're a woman after my own heart. Don't buy me flowers, give me a gift card to the hardware store. LOVE IT!💜

[@kgrean8587]

I hated that you painted over the oak flooring. It turned out so so nice. I love the finished product . You did a really good job❣👏💖

[@ThriftDiving]

I'm okay with painting over the oak because it was the wrong color and so outdated. It's just paint, though! And it livens up the foyer! :) Glad you like it, though!

[@kgrean8587]

@@ThriftDiving I was ok with you painting the oak too after I saw the finished product. It made it look so bright and new.

[@sylviaseri4235]

The stairs just needed refinishing. Although the reno looks nice, I prefer the wood to the paint.

[@rhondaweber5638]

Me too. I can't believe people that paint over nice wood.

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, believe it! As much as I love and appreciate wood, I do know that sometimes a nice coat over it changes the whole entire thing. That's what I was going for. Don't worry, I have a bunch of other projects where I didn't paint over the wood! Hopefully you'll keep watching and subscribe if you're not already a subscriber!! :)

[@ThriftDiving]

This color of wood is very outdated, though. And to change the color of the wood when my house has this same golden oak wouldn't have matched well. So the best option was to paint it. Thanks for watching, though! I appreciate it!

[@sylviaseri4235]

Thrift Diving. Yes I have been a subscriber for years now! I love most everything else you have done too! I will keep watching!

[@barbarat5729]

Me too. And I'd stain them dark. But I have painted PLENTY of wood, and stairs are probably about the only place I would go dark. I also would have painted the entire stair for the next homeowner.

[@AC-qi9wo]

I really like what you did so much. Everyone has their own opinion on your renovation, but it's your home and you need to enjoy it. A few year's ago we installed a ironing board into our bedroom wall, because our house is a 1925 craftsman, those are details that were in those types of houses, well our realtor, told us we need to paint the wood, or remove it because Oak colored wood is out dated, well I'm going to leave it for the new owners to decide I hope they leave it and appreciate the hard work we have done to make this craftsman house, what it is with all the mission styles and built ins.

[@soliloquys]

The fact that the entire stair isn't painted freaks out my OCD.

[@MultiLisa10]

Oh no, I suffer a little with that as well everything has to be in line cans, towels, bottles everything else can be a mess but if I see cans facing every which way no matter if im at home or in someine elses home I need to fix it, lol!

[@vilmareynoso7343]

Lol

[@michellepaiano9030]

Nice job! Bannisters would look great in black 😊

[@moumoun7]

Thank you for this, Serena! I fell in my staircase recently, unfortunately head first so loss of consciousness upon impact after 15 steps, brain bleed, traumatic brain injury and 3 days in the Intensive Care Unit. My staircase looks very similar to your 'before' one. Need to install a stair runner asap. So thanks for the great tutorial. Guys, be careful out there on slippery stairs... It's no joke.

[@ThriftDiving]

OMG, I'm sorry to hear that you hurt yourself so badly! I'm glad that you shared this with us because it really is a dangerous thing having a set of bare stairs with no traction. Even if people just put tread runners on there, it helps with keeping your footing. I hope you're okay after the TBI!! Hopefully no headaches or memory loss!

[@califdad4]

get a decent machine made wool stair runner , use the rods to attach the rug, you need about 24 feet of runner for 13 stairs

[@califdad4]

@Lucas G McLiberal a real stair runner looks really good, much better than stair treads

[@califdad4]

@Lucas G McLiberal I don't know, a karastan stair runner would be beautiful , pricey but beautiful

[@juliemanarin4127]

OMG! Hope you're ok!

[@Gertrude-Intrudes]

Superwoman back at it again.

[@sylwienzik]

Looks so good! Well done! I really wanted to do something like this in my house but I have two sets of stairs and they both are windy so I had to hire professionals to do it for us. I painted the stairs myself but they installed the carpet runner. It cost £1000 (UK) so very expensive but I love how it looks and as you say it's safe, no one slipping on the stairs.

[@Hale-xs3gz]

Thank so so much for this video I love how you explain everything step by step for beginners like me

[@amandavincett7409]

This looks amazing, really stylish 💖

[@jewelofwisdom8279]

Very innovative; crisp, clean and modern! Love it!!!

[@gigireddick3239]

Excellent job I love the stair runners you selected. I was thrilled at the price!! Looks so good!! Thanks, Gigi

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

What a terrific-looking and effective fix to your stairs situation. Well done!

[@vilmareynoso7343]

You are amazing, Serena! Everything you do is so beautiful! So inspirational!

[@jodirauth8847]

So beautiful, it really looks wonderful.

[@amberpreston2533]

OMG I LOVE THIS! I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO GIRL! JUST BEAUTIFUL & FUN!

[@craigmaddison8254]

Just discovered the channel, you're my new favourite crafty D.I.Y person! Love the content.

[@SunnysideUpstairs]

Looks, great, Serena! Stair remodel may be in my near future, so it is inspiring to see how you've tackled it!

[@mzdiamondlover]

I love it!! I would 100% paint the hand rail white too though. It sticks out like a sore thumb! Otherwise, great job!

[@darniataylor7749]

Turned out beautifully! Great job. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you, Darnia!

[@lindalove7193]

I pulled mauve shag carpeting off of my stairs and underneath was beautiful (worn and nail holes) wood. I filled holes, sanded and refreshed the wood stain. I also didn't have the time or expertise to install a runner, so we hired a professional to install a beautiful runner and it turned out incredible. Our home is a craftsman-style and the wood throughout the house is part of what a craftsman is. Your stair work is an improvement and I agree, those stairs looked dangerous.

[@QueenNanaEva]

What a beautiful project! Loved seeing it and praying I’ve learned a thing or two.

[@onintzaregil1641]

Just in time! Thank you for your great video...you are so inspiring! This is on my list to do now.

[@diybeautyonpurpose]

So helpful!! I have to do this to our basement stairs, so thanks!! 😘

[@homethatilove4595]

This is a terrific-looking & nicely recorded project Serena!! I love you showing us the Prep work: sanding & filling gaps, and esp. Changing the ugly, old stair brackets to nice, Sturdy new ones❣️ I would like to see the balusters painted white - it will look finished then

[@tiarrab.8267]

You did such a great job! Love it!!

[@joeszozda4897]

I LOVE how that turned out. Awesome video and tips.

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks so much!

[@rxlo1062]

Looks great 👍

[@jeniwatkins3297]

That gorgeous natural oak is so stunning. How can you paint such beautiful surfaces? My heart break when you started to paint it white 😥😥😥

[@funkypunkypine]

I was wondering how many comments I'd have to scroll through to find a wood purist. I love wood but I don't love that 80s oak and think her update is beautiful.

[@ThriftDiving]

I'm with punkypine on this one! The wonderful thing is that it's just paint. In a few years if I ever decide I want to stain them, stripping off the paint and sanding them down would be an option. But I doubt I would go that route. They were worn and not beautiful and I like the fresh look. I did feel the balusters were beautiful and in good condition so that is what was stopping me from painting those.

[@jeniwatkins3297]

@@ThriftDivingYou're choice obviously. Lol. I'm just old school and hate seeing wood painted generally. I would ha e refinished it and maybe add a runner still. But not paint 😉✌

[@jeniwatkins3297]

@@funkypunkypine she did a beautiful job on it and it looks nice... considering 👍

[@ThriftDiving]

@@jeniwatkins3297 Yep, I considered refinishing them, too. But I honestly didn't want to spend my time doing that. I had painted the basement stairs and it held up nicely and I liked the look of it. So that's why this one got the painted treatment. I appreciate "good wood", too, which is why I didn't paint the balusters. They looked to be in solid condition and didn't need covering up. But I can also appreciate the power of paint. :) Thanks for watching, though!

[@lexxxi2121]

Look so good ! Love the rug !! You should paint the railing white too it would look even cleaner !

[@kellylaher7512]

Soo beautiful! You gave me such good ideas on how to do this! You saved me a ton of money!

[@me20111101]

WOW! That's is really great DIY educational demonstration. Where can I find Someone Like You to renovate my little house in England?!

[@MappingAmy]

I'd renovate! Don't have a channel but always diying and decorating!

[@graytart]

Thank you for this! I am definitely using these tips to fix up the stairs to the second storey of my house.

[@tabithah198]

Our stairs have good ol' 70's shag carpet on them. LOL It's a project. To get done eventually. One room at a time and we will get this old house there.. People keep telling me (like in the comments here) what about the next homeowner? I don't really care, honestly. I want to make my family safe and comfortable, and if this 115 year old home lasts past us, then the next people can worry about it. lol Thanks for the idea and the how-to.. now to pitch it to hubby.

[@mariam.a941]

It’s looks way much better!! I love it😍😍👌❤️

[@ladypinkylee]

Amazing job! That rug looks so good!

[@redrider2503]

You’re hired!!! Love how u do everything the right way and take no shortcuts. It shows great work hun :)

[@trutherasitis2109]

Looks fabulous and chic 👍

[@sandraleishman878]

What a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing!!!!! Love it!

[@carolinnilson896]

It looks awesome! You did a great job!!

[@momskc102]

Looking great!!!! I wanted to paint our steps and then on the riser put words like, Live, Love, Laugh, etc. But didn't before we moved.

[@guzman9011]

Looks so much better! I’m going to do the same thanks

[@jackiewalker6076]

You did a beautiful job on the stairs. The color was great. Everything look so nice and clean.

[@tammyjohnson7401]

Very helpful. And informative. Beautiful outcome. Thanks

[@OdysseyOf]

One thing I think you left out is how much quieter I bet this is now ! Growing up my parents would always have something to say about us running up and down the stairs !

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, I did forget to mention that!!! The stairs were very squeaky beforehand but now they're virtually SILENT. There is one stair that, when we step on it, it cracks and goes "POP!" But all the others are quiet. It is really nice! LOL at your parents. I am sure it drove them crazy. :)

[@country928]

@@ThriftDiving go up under and put a bead of glue with a hot glue gun and when it drys it want pop anymore. OR you can sometimes get by with just driving a 16 penny nail in between the stair and joist.

[@Mackienze-R-Matuasilva]

Very beautiful, you have done a great job

[@molldogone8250]

I like the stairs. You did a wonderful job. I also like the railing natural wood because it gives depth and separation to you staircase. Nice job!

[@karenalefounder4083]

Stunning! What a difference and cheap too.

[@amandamendoza4181]

Beautiful!! Love that rug!

[@cjhan47]

A thing I learned about caulking is to push the caulk rather then pull it it you will have less filling to do.

[@ThriftDiving]

Yep, I do try to push it inside and then smooth while pushing it in. It does work!

[@yagirlkat2092]

Omg I wanted to this to my staircase too but didn't know how to go about it or where to find runners. Thanks Serena your video helps a lot and your staircase looks amazing!❤

[@califdad4]

research it online and get wool stair runner, machine made is best because its thinner , if you have 13 Steps its 24 feet of stair runner

[@LadyBugParkHD]

Wonderful tutorial! I now have the courage to try my hand at tackling my stairs!

[@TheTerminator1919]

Looks fantastic!

[@hamidullaha.saahir9144]

Great job, and keep the videos coming.

[@thecreatedvoid117]

LOVE those runners!

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you! So glad you like them!

[@CarrieSmithOriginal]

This turned out so nice! Great tutorial. We are getting ready to tackle this on Friday and I’m so excited. We have the saaaaame stairs. Lol. Our house is very traditional with lots of wood. Although I don’t plan to paint the stairs, we also have 8 foot runners coming so how you joined them at the seam was so helpful. Thank you! It looks fantastic!

[@AnissaLHester]

Beautiful!!

[@carolinalina13]

This looks beautiful! Great job, love from Sydney, Australia Xxo

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

Wow that looks amazing! I've been wondering what to do with my stairs as my hubby and I ripped the old carpet up years ago, but never replaced it! I may give this a try sometime because it looks so awesome!

[@billiemonster14]

Looks awesome!

[@lindarosenthal6835]

Great job. Love this.

[@artladybluntzer4112]

makes me almost wish i had a 2 story house! God bless

[@Mary-momof8]

Super job!! Very nice!!

[@funsahw]

looks amazing!! great job as always!!

[@cyndimcl1985]

Looks beautiful!!!

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!!!

[@k.lemons5802]

This looks awesome!

[@calibri4843]

I absolutely agree with the painting white! and the colour of the wood of the stairs didnt fit the colour of the wood of the railing a little bit! and now i think its perfect!!! 👍👍👍

[@kellyworsleigh5774]

This was great Serena!!!! You've been MIA so I'm glad to see you still on the "grind"...literally!!😄

[@ummi3165]

Looove the rugs x

[@ros4395]

Thank you, it's lovely, must do that soon to my stairs.

[@chantaleg5744]

This looks so good! A very informative video, thank you!

[@LadyLuvGemStones]

👍🏻👍🏻 SAFE & SOUND 💖💖💖💖💖 JOB WELL DONE ! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@yvonnep.2586]

I love the look! 👍👍👍

[@sunavanbekkum]

Just discovered your channel and I loooooove it! This renovation is truly beautiful. I have curved stairs so I have to skip this one but loved seeing the process. Cheers from The Netherlands!

[@angelacarmenmadernobremach2117]

Great job. It´s looking wonderful. I would also paint the banister.

[@maryelizabethgonzales]

I think you did a great job. I see a lot of comments being like "why would u paint the would" and people dont realize they can do what they want in the comfort of their own home so if youre more comfortable with painted stairs instead of keeping the wood in YOUR OWN HOME then great.

[@reonnaadams2365]

I love it!!

[@MsMaria503]

That looks so good! Good job!

[@jo-annobrien7422]

Flawless! Excellent DIY.

[@camillep2634]

Okay the last couple of projects are the same projects I have to do to my house. I have stairs going to basement that previous owners also pulled carpet up. Daughter suggested I paint and do a runner but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to and had the same questions as you. You just gave me the confidence to go ahead and do it. Also I already have the same stapler so I’m gonna put it back to work. Love the rug choice!

[@parkashmasani2352]

You doing a great work keep on doing it.

[@38kimpossible]

That is gorgeous!!! 100% improvement!!! Love it!!! Paint the ballasted.. IMO..

[@38kimpossible]

Ballaster

[@kathisease9924]

Looks fabulous! You did a super job:)

[@kimadams446]

It looks wonderful!!

[@lisapieper3598]

Look beautiful!

[@toriladybird511]

I love the way it looks now. I like the wooden contrast. I have decided as we have old dirty NASTY carpet it's all coming UP the stairs will be painted then I will use stair pads but instead of going up the risers I will only do the treads. But WHITE gloss will be the base.. Because it looks so clean and fresh! Our bannister rail is original

[@ThriftDiving]

YAY, glad to hear that! I worried that the banisters would look odd, but I think you're right--better to have kept them. Thanks, Tori!

[@karenthackray1173]

Good job, looks professional. 👍

[@rawanmamkagh985]

Amazing transformation ❤️

[@sheilamontoya5546]

Great job👏

[@LeendaRella]

Wow, what a difference❤️

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Very, very cool. This was an awesome project & as always you killed it. Hoping all is well, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@serenabusch9161]

This came out amazing 🥰

[@jemmaj2919]

Damn that looks stunning!!

[@nolabrown3034]

Wow! Terrific job!

[@Tacos907]

Looks great 😀❤️

[@loveart4007]

What a wonderful job! Love it!! Don't Listen to any trolls or haters!!

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Man, you are soo very good at what you do. Love watching you. Thank you so much for sharing your great gift.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖🙂🙂🙂

[@ThriftDiving]

Awww, thanks so much!!