Creative Problem Solving For A Leftover Project
When The Funds Run Out, Creativity Kicks In
Hello creative friends,
When we moved into this historic house three years ago, there was so much that needed to be done, and by the time we got to the back stairs, we had run out of steam and funds!
The carpet on the stairs had to be removed before we moved in (due to the previous owners cats) and we intended on resurfacing them.
They lead to a room over our garage and because they are not the main stairs in the house, they weren’t a high priority. There were so many other areas that needed immediate attention. Big things like the kitchen overhaul, new floors and wall construction.
So, for a year and a half, they stayed unfinished, patiently waiting for that spark of motivation, energy, and inspiration.
They were an eyesore and a daily reminder of a laborious project that needed to be started.
Well, the time finally came!
Once we were settled and able to breathe I started researching our options. I quickly found that going a more traditional route of having all of the wood replace by a craftsman, would be beyond our budget.
The stairs are not a standard size and have extra wide treads. Great for walking but not so great for buying premade planks.
I knew that I would have to find another way. Leaving them as is was not an option and having someone else do the work was also off the table.
Somewhere between doing nothing and skills beyond my ken would be the sweet spot.
Our Solution
After hours of surfing for inspiration and sparks of ideas, I decided on paint for the tops and some kind of decoration for the fronts. You can see the stairs head on from our kitchen and I wanted them to be pretty. A perfect blank canvas.
I had previously been intrigued by stair stickers. Like wallpaper but made for the front of your steps.
They come in hundreds of designs and can be ordered on sites like Etsy and Amazon. I was initially drawn to ones that looked like rows of old books but decided to investigate a little further.
I searched for days until I found the perfect fit for my personal aesthetic. A kind of nod to William Morris patterns, in muted colors I like. A little craftsman, slightly dramatic, very classic.
The Process
We started the process by removing leftover carpet staples…SO MANY STAPLES, sanding everything down, and giving it a thorough cleaning.
I primed everything with a thick, self-leveling, water-based bonding primer, which helped smooth out the old wood. Then we painted it all black and let it dry and cure.
The stair stickers com on a long roll. I measured, cut and applied. Our steps were wider than the width of the stickers but I just left the exposed edges as a border.
I was careful to smooth out any bubbles using a soft cloth and was sure to keep the sheets in the right order. My design has a specific layout that continues, so it was important to work in the direction of the pattern. I trimmed any excess with a sharp blade.
Pretty much that’s it! Peel and stick.
Worth The Wait
I absolutely LOVE how they came out. So much better than plain new wood.
They have been in use for about a year and a half now and are still in great condition. Some small wear on the black paint but in a manner that fits the overall look.
They make me happy every time I see them.
Do you have any projects around your home that have been waiting for the right moment to tackle? What’s been holding you back?
Until next time,
Pam