You really need to have read the previous post on this topic in order for this to make any sense. If you have no idea what's going on with our stairs, click here.

We made our investigative visit to Lumber Liquidators and discovered that the the stair nose is not recommended for using on stairs. Go figure. (Apparently it breaks off too easily and is really only for landings or other installations where you won't actually step on it!) Their only solution is to replace the stairs with real wood. They had oak treads on close-out for $30 per tread. Ouch. Thirteen treads = $400. We were hoping we could do it for more like $250. So, back to Square One.

I started looking up examples of painted stairs on the internet. Looking for something that might actually be my style. I found a couple things that might work.

Like this...

Or this...

And then, I discovered something. Something stylish and different. Something intriguing. Something that might actually work!

Wallpapered risers!

Like this...

Or this...

Or even this (which is my favorite)...

Of course, none of these actual wallpapers are right for my house. But I like the concept. And it inspired me to find a paper that might work.

And I found this...

Meanwhile, I checked Ebay to see if they had stair treads for a more reasonable price. I found a guy selling them for $17.25 per tread! But the shipping was killer--$125!!! That made them $24.50 per tread. Still too much.

But, it did provide good ammo for negotiating with Lumber Liquidators. I went back there this morning and haggled my way to $22 per tread! Not all the way down to $250 total, but $300 and Aaron and I had agreed that this was a reasonable amount. So, we are now the proud owners of 13 new treads. A's going to stain them and hopes to install them Memorial Day weekend.

So, now the treads are squared away and I got what I wanted. But, hmmmm, what about the risers? Should I paint them bright white? Should I paint them the medium green that pervades the house (makes a showing both upstairs and down)? Or, should I attempt the wallpaper (which is billed as being "Easy Hang/Easy Remove")? Please advise. :)