Staircases can take wear and tear just like any other architectural structure. After a while, the deterioration of your staircase will come to a point where a decision must be made: repair, remodel, or replace. Most of the time, the answer can be dependent on the structure’s make (concrete, steel, wood), the location (home, industrial setting, park), and what kind of budget there is for the particular job.
Variables excluded, let’s say the scenario calls for a remodeling or upgrading a home’s staircase. The staircase is in horrible shape. The treads are coming off the stringers, and the wooden balusters are cracked or falling apart. But how do you get started? Here are some tips to help:
Replace the Treads and Balusters
The first thing you want to fix or replace is the staircases’ treads and balusters.
The treads
If the treads are usable, but aren’t properly attached, the next step would be to find a way to reattach without ruining the integrity of the staircase.
Going under the stairs and putting in fresh bolts into the treads is a common way to fix this issue. If the treads are beyond repair, you can look at tread options.
The balusters
The balusters are also another issue. In order to fix or repair them properly, you will likely need professional help. Unless, of course, you have the tooling and know-how necessary to craft and install the balusters correctly. In that case, you can save money by performing the maintenance and doing it yourself.
Ideas For Upgrading Your Staircase
After that remodeling has been figured out and executed, now it’s time to turn the focus on upgrading the stairs so that the staircase is up to quality.
Lighting
Simply put, you need light to see. So, having an acceptable light source will help change the dynamic of the staircase. If there is acceptable overhead lighting, such as a lamp or chandelier, using LED bulbs might fix the issue.
However, if you are looking for a more unique solution to the lighting situation, get creative with the LED vibe. LED ribbon lights can help put more light on the treads and steps. Put them along the base of the railings or baseboard, attaching them with clamps that can be screwed down in the base or find glue that will adhere to the wood or metal.
Tread Slippage
Next is the tread slippage, which is just as important as the other upgrades you might make but should be saved for last. As we spoke about in the previous blog, How To Carpet Your Stair Treads, there are a few ways to tackle this part of the remodeling project. For this scenario let’s head a different way and look to adding a carpet runner to the treads. This process can be a pain if the stair treads twist or curve, which fortunately we can avoid with a straight, double stringer staircase.
Once again for the attachment of the carpet the tools of choice will be a stapler and tape measure to ensure that the runner stays on and is in the correct position. The carpet runner will establish footing for any and all visitors, so it has to be of sturdy quality and one that is aesthetically pleasing to the rest of the stairs surroundings.
Remodeling Not Enough?
Once you’ve conquered the remodeling and upgrading of the stairs, you have a staircase that will be usable for more years to come.
But if you are in need of a new, modern staircase or are looking to purchase a fabricate ship’s ladder, contact the staircase professionals at Acadia Stairs. Acadia Stairs has helped countless home and business owners improve the aesthetics and functionality of their home or building through our unique staircase designs. In addition to working directly with handy homeowners, we also work closely with contractors, builders, architects, carpenters, engineers and other professionals who need a specific style of stairs fabricated for their project.
For more information on fabrication, shipping or the accessories for a staircase, contact Acadia Stairs today!
