Step 1 · Step 1: Prepare the Foundation

Let's begin by clearing the way for your beautiful new stairs. Carefully remove any old carpet, padding, or underlayment using a utility knife or carpet scraper. Once the old material is gone, use a putty knife or floor scraper to remove any stubborn adhesive residue. With the treads clear, it's time to sand. For your safety and the best results, start with a coarser 60-grit sandpaper to remove old finish and smooth out imperfections, then follow up with a 120-grit paper for a flawless surface. A thorough vacuum is essential to remove every bit of dust before moving on.