Avoided Waaay Too Long
What started as a small plaster repair turned into a complete basement stairway makeover that had been overdue for nearly two decades - maybe longer.
Some things are planned. We plan a meal, a vacation, careers, retirement and the list goes on. Thankfully, not everything is planned out, sometimes we deviate from the path (remember the movie The Adjustment Bureau?). Often, the unplanned things turn out to be fun, or blessings, or helpful and healthful. Okay, nothing like waxing philosophical over...the basement stairway! Fact is - I didn't plan on this project just now, but it was needed, and quite frankly it turned out well! Here's the story...
The Stairway Before
Let's see, we have inhabited 173 for some 18 years now, and we've done quite a bit of work. Really, the only room that hasn't been touched yet is the kitchen - don't get me started. But the basement stairway isn't exactly a room now is it? As a low-on-the-priority-list item, this project has been neglected - nay - avoided, since long before me! I've had this blog for some years now. You'd think I would have the whole - take a "Before pic" down, but somehow I often miss that step. After scouring the photo archives (both printed and digital) these are the best I could come up with for before:
Not a great shot, guess that's for a reason! It was dark, dirty, ragged (notice the peeling paint?) and just downright embarrassing!
Never mind the arrow, that pic was from a different post, told ya I had a hard time finding befores! So why now? Well, a couple recent posts told how this past winter the side door had been replaced. A few weeks ago I painted said door, then, as always happens when you own an old house, one thing lead to another. I started out by caulking the hell out of the inside of the door-frame, then noticed this,
One Small Repair
Yup, that little area of busted plaster lead to this whole thing. Now, you'd think that the old '40s or '50s green (a color I love by-the-way) and the horrible condition it was in would have been enough - but no, that little 4" by 4" spot did it! I removed that bit of plaster and it kept going, 'til it became this!
An Unexpected Wainscoting Opportunity
Then one morning I was at Lowe's when I found a package of wainscoting 50% off because it was missing a piece. Well, five packages later:
I even milled my own chair rail (very simplistically):
What Was Hiding Behind the Trim
Then I pulled off the lower portion of the door casing. They had been cut in two for some reason when the new door was installed. Here's what I found:
Hollow! And yes! That's daylight! So I fitted in some pressure-treated 2x4s, then the spot where the casing meets the foundation revealed that some of the concrete was crumbling.
Luckily, I had some concrete left over from the basement redo, and patched that up.
Painting the Stairway
After all the prepping was done it was time to paint! Now, I've never really enjoyed painting. As a matter-of-fact I kinda hate painting. But sometimes ya just gotta do what's gotta be done. They say that if you flattened out West Virginia it would be the biggest state in the union (you know - mountains!). Well, have you ever considered the amount of surface area underneath a staircase? This area of the house (it's the side door area by-the-way) under the main staircase, so it's really quite complicated, two ladders, twisted acrobatics and hours of painting! After all was said and done....
Finishing the Steps
Oh yeah, then there was the steps...painted and those little pieces of rubber-backed carpet were stapled in place:
Then she was done! Two weeks and lotsa hours later! This picture is a little disorienting, it's looking down the steps, and notice the little shelves I made atop the foundation:
Turned out alright yeah?
Almost Forgot - The Paint Colors
I almost forgot to mention the paint colors. I didn't exactly head into this project with a grand color scheme in mind, more like a collection of colors that happened to come together at the right time. The wainscoting was painted in Benjamin Moore's Kendall Charcoal, a rich, deep gray that we've used before on our dining room chairs. It's one of those colors that seems to work just about anywhere, adding some contrast without feeling too harsh.
The door frame was a bit of a happy accident. While wandering through Lowe's, I came across a quart of Sherwin-Williams paint that had been custom mixed for someone who apparently decided they didn't like it. Their loss, my gain ... I picked it up for dirt cheap. Sometimes the best paint colors are the ones you weren't looking for, and this one turned out to be just right for the space.
As for the steps, they were coated with Best Look Porch & Floor Gloss Enamel in Light Gray. We had originally used that paint on the front porch floor years ago and still had good luck with it, so it seemed like a natural choice for a set of basement stairs that sees plenty of traffic. The durable finish should hold up well, and the lighter color helps brighten what was once a pretty dark and dreary stairway.
Before and After
In the end, what started as a little patch of busted plaster turned into a full-blown stairway makeover. Funny how that happens with old houses. One small repair uncovers another issue, which leads to an improvement, which leads to another project entirely. While this wasn't exactly on the agenda, I'm glad it happened. The stairway is brighter, cleaner, and a whole lot more presentable than it was before. Best of all, it's one more long-neglected area of the house that can finally be crossed off the list.
That should just about wrap up all of the little projects I needed to do around the house. - Said no homeowner ever.
Of course, if the past 18 years have taught me anything, it's that crossing one project off the list usually means discovering two more waiting in the wings. But for now, I'll enjoy this victory and the fact that I no longer cringe every time I head down to the basement.
There it is...NEXT!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wainscoting a good choice for basement stairways?
Yes. Wainscoting adds durability, protects walls from bumps and scuffs, and can dramatically improve the appearance of a basement stairwell.
What causes plaster to crumble around basement doors?
Moisture, settling, temperature changes, and decades of movement can all contribute to plaster failure near exterior doors and foundation walls.
Can damaged plaster be patched instead of replaced?
Small areas often can. However, once deterioration spreads beyond the visible damage, larger sections may need to be removed and rebuilt.
Should basement stairways be painted a lighter color?
Often yes. Lighter colors reflect more light and can make stairways feel cleaner, brighter, and safer.
What type of paint works best on basement stairs?
Porch and floor paints are commonly used because they are formulated to withstand foot traffic and frequent cleaning.
Is it worth adding trim and molding in a basement?
Absolutely. Simple trim details can make utility spaces feel more finished and integrated with the rest of the home.
What is the advantage of a chair rail over standard trim?
A chair rail provides visual separation between wall treatments and helps protect walls from damage in high-traffic areas.
Can basement foundation concrete be repaired with patching compound?
Minor surface deterioration can often be repaired with concrete patch products or fresh concrete, depending on the extent of the damage.
Why do old-house projects grow larger than expected?
Once walls, trim, or finishes are opened up, hidden issues often become visible. What begins as a repair frequently becomes an opportunity for improvement.
Are basement stair remodels worth the effort?
Yes. Basement stairs are used regularly but often overlooked. Improving them can make the entire lower level feel more welcoming and maintained.
How do you make a basement stairway feel less utilitarian?
Adding wainscoting, trim, better lighting, coordinated paint colors, and thoughtful details can transform a purely functional space.
What is the most satisfying part of a stairway makeover?
For many homeowners, it's turning a space they once avoided into one they're proud to show.
Keywords
basement stair remodel, basement stairway makeover, wainscoting stairs, old house renovation, stairwell makeover, plaster repair, basement finishing, chair rail molding, painted stairs, House 173