There comes a time in the life of every set of stairs when they need to be renovated. It could be as simple as upgrading their appearance; or you may be looking at a complete overhaul and rebuild.
It doesn’t matter which option you are considering you need to follow the right steps to achieve your aim. This is true for anything in life.
Think Before You Act
The most important step is to consider what you want to achieve. If you need inspiration regarding which pieces can be replaced or where to get the best parts from then take a look at this link.
It is a good idea to draw the stairs how you wish them to look. This will make it easier for you to find the right pieces, explain what you want or even have a bespoke staircase made.
Preparing Your Stairs
Once you’ve decided on your design you’ll be ready to prepare your stairs. This means removing any coverings to ensure you have good access. Don’t forget you’ll also need to empty out the cupboard under the stairs if you have one; it’s a good time to finally getting round to sorting it out.
Once you’ve cleared the stairs you can remove the treads; if they need replacing. Treads should be fastened in place from underneath. You should be able to remove specific ones without taking the whole staircase apart.
This is great if you’re recovering the stairs and just want to get rid of creaks. You can do the same with the risers.
Don’t Forget The Balustrades
Removing the balustrades is actually a simple job. The spindles are usually locked into place with small pieces of wood then can be prised out. You can then angle the spindle to remove it and access the screws to remove the top and bottom rail.
It is then possible to replace the entire balustrade with something more contemporary; there are some amazing designs currently available which can really transform the look of your stairs and your home.
Of course, if you prefer you can simple replace just broken spindles.
Don’t forget that the posts at each end of your balustrade can be replaced. It is easiest to cut these and then drill a hole into the piece of post that is left. You can then glue a dowel into the hole and into a matching hole on your new post.
It is also possible to use a connecting plate to hide the join line.
Don’t forget when fitting a new hand rail the ends will need to be cut at an angle to allow them to fit snugly on the posts.
Finishing Off
You may be surprised at how quickly you can sand all the wood on your stairs to give a smooth, smart finish. You can leave the stairs like this or varnish them to completely transform how they look. Alternatively you can recover them with carpet or a stair runner; but do you really want to hide your hard work?