Finishing a basement stairway

[whyntnw]

I would like some ideas on finishing a basement stairway. The stairs are pine and not in that good of a condition. I don't want to put down carpeting but don't know if I want to paint them either. Aside from replacing the stairs with oak or another wood, is there something out there I can buy to put over the stairs? If I have to paint them, what is the process? Thanks for your help.

[marson]

they make vinyl stair tread covers. they are mostly for commecial situations, but would work well on basement stairs. try a large lumberyard, not HD or Lowes.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

You can use laminate. The better brands have specific trim for the nose.

If you want to paint them, the process is cleaning, then brushing on a good floor paint.

[barbarow]

[whyntnw]

Thanks for your help everyone. I have some great ideas