Adding stair treads to a stairway can have a dramatic visual impact that adds value to your home.  While we have not had the chance to speak with all of our many customers who choose this option, those that we have heard from have raved about the results.  The few we’ve talked to who did this to help sell their home have been unanimous in their belief that this either helped to sell their home faster or that they were able to ask for more than they would have otherwise.  Basically, the stair treads more than paid for themselves.  This same sentiment is true on most of the home flipping shows on television.  Old and outdated stairs are always addressed through some renovation and stair treads is one of the best and easiest.

Adding stair treads and a little paint can totally transform your stairs.

This is because the stair treads offer a large area to upgrade and that the difference is dramatic.  Even the most luxurious carpet is no match for the beautiful natural texture and patterns of the wood grain in solid oak stair treads.  Also, while installing stair treads does require the balustrade to be removed and reinstalled, the components are reused.  So, you don’t have to spend the additional money on handrails, newel posts, balusters, etc.  The installation is also far easier than it was, to begin with, because everything is already cut to length, the layouts have been done and you only have to remove those balustrades on the stairs themselves, not the overlooking balconies.  You might want to consider just adding a bullnose stair tread also called a starting step to the bottom step.

False tread caps and balustrade upgrade

Or, if your stairs are fully carpeted you can also choose to add false tread caps to the sides of the stair, creating a carpet runner effect.  This is a less expensive option that still gives the additional beauty of wood to the system.

In addition to the stair treads, you might use this opportunity to upgrade some of the other components, such as wood to wrought iron balusters, etc.  Still, the tread addition is often enough to make a huge difference without the expense of replacing the entire system.