How to Renovate Your Staircase - The Steps to Follow

Is your staircase showing signs of wear and tear? Should you repair or completely replace it? What steps are essential to ensure a safe and stylish renovation? A deteriorating staircase is not only an eyesore but can also pose serious safety risks. Whether you’re looking to address structural damage or simply refresh the design, renovating your staircase is key to maintaining a safe and attractive home.

Before diving into your renovation project, assess the extent of the damage and determine whether a full replacement or a cosmetic update is needed. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to remodel your staircase for a fresh, modern look while ensuring safety and compliance with local regulations.

The Steps to Remodel Your Staircase for a Fresher, Modern Look

Source: Canva

Before undertaking any work on your project, you will need to check with your municipality and apply for any necessary work permits. When it comes to the stairs themselves, there are several elements to keep in mind from the angles of each individual step being perfect for extremely precise measurements. Contacting your municipality will help you get informed as to the different standards necessary to complete the renovation project in a safe and legal manner. For a simple restoration of your stairs, follow the steps below:

1. Laying the Foundation for the Renovation Project

When preparing to replace your old staircase, it is important to completely remove anything that is covering the stairs and to do so properly. Be careful when removing items such as paint, carpet, or nails which are on the stairs.

2. Doubling the Stringer/Skirt Board

Depending on how your staircase is designed, you may decide to opt for reattaching new steps or risers over the old ones that need replacing. However, if your staircase contains a stringer, you will need to double it and apply a new coating in order to bring it back to life.

3. Coating the Stringer

In order to apply a new coating on your skirt board, you will need to make a template. To do so, you can take pieces of rigid paper, have them overlap at the corners and stick them together with tape. Then you can place the finished template on the coating, transferring the cut to the felt. After checking that the dimensions are precise, you can cut away the lining of the stringer. If your coating is accurate, you can proceed to apply an adhesive.

Source: Canva

4. Putting on the Cover

For this step, saw the coating to the exact dimensions it needs to be. Then, once you’re certain it's a perfect size, you can nail it down.

5. Overlaying the Steps and Risers

Instead of a paper template, which will need to be remade for every step, it is better to use a gauge or a template for stairs. An electric jigsaw and a table saw are highly recommended for this type of job. You can create the finishes with sandpaper before moving on to the bonding step.

You will also need to take the proper measurements for the riser. Again, you will have to make the coating and stick it to the steps. Repeat this process for every step on the staircase. Start with the cover, then the riser. Soon enough, you will be walking up and down your stairs!

6. Making the Cover of the Stringer and Applying the Final Joints

Source: Canva

Finally, you will have to measure the upper part of the silt in your staircase. Cut the coating to the correct dimensions and stick it once more. Make sure to properly seal all edges.

An Interior Staircase in Perfect Harmony with Your Home Décor

Your staircase is an integral part of your home, allowing you to move across different levels with ease while also being a major architectural feature of your home. Therefore, it is essential that it sits in harmony with the overall style of your home and your choice of decoration. Most stairs are made of hardwood; such as oak, maple, ash, etc. These are ideal if you want to redecorate or repaint your staircase.

FAQ

How much does it cost to redo a staircase?

In general, a budget of $4,000 to $10,000 is sufficient to renovate your stairs, including installation. If you hire a contractor, make sure the finishing and installation are included when signing the contract.

What common stair repairs can you encounter?

Common staircase repairs include addressing squeaking by applying lubricant between the treads and risers or tightening loose screws. Wobbly handrails can be fixed by tightening or replacing screws and fasteners, enhancing both stability and safety to prevent accidents.

What is the cheapest way to update your stairs while on a budget?

A budget-friendly way to renovate your stairs is by painting it with a fresh, modern colour. Replacing an old carpet or carpet runner with a new one can also refresh the design and make it a focal point. Updating the railings is another cost-effective option for a contemporary look.

DIY Stair Makeover or Hire a Professional?

Keep in mind that this kind of work is best handled by a skilled professional. Licensed contractors are able to advise you accordingly and help you make the right decisions for your specific job and needs. Moreover, staircases experience a lot of wear and tear, which is why it is so important that they be well designed and solidly built.

Interested in learning more about updating your stairs? Check out these articles:

• Under-Stairs Storage - How to Create a Functional Space

• 10 Staircase Reno Projects to Transform Your Interior

• Safety and Comfort Bundled into One with a Stair Runner

• What are the standards for building an interior staircase?

• How to Repair Your Squeaky Wooden Staircase