The staircase is the structural heart of any home and often the first thing people see when they enter.
Along these lines, obviously you believe that it should look great.
Your staircase design sets the tone for the rest of your interior, and the last thing you need is a decades-old, worn-out staircase putting a damper on your décor.
Many homeowners are put off by the costs associated with staircase renovations, but they aren’t as pricey as you might think.
There are plenty of ways you can bring it back to the 21st century without breaking the bank – discover five of the best in this article!
1. Switch out your spindles
Replacing odd parts of your staircase – such as your spindles – is guaranteed to give your staircase the facelift it needs.
If you have old wooden spindles, for example, you could replace them with contemporary glass panels to give your hallway a new lease of life.
Not only do glass panels allow more light to flow freely through your home and make it feel much more spacious, (great for smaller properties), but they also pair well with a variety of materials, so you won’t have to worry about them looking out of place.
2. Embrace your natural timber
Returning to fundamentals checks out.
In fact, many people have taken to sanding down and refinishing their staircases, and this wonderfully warm material looks great in both modern and traditionally styled homes alike, and it doesn’t become dated.
To get your stairs looking as good as new, start by ripping up any old carpet, if necessary, and removing any padding, tack strips, nails, and staples carefully.
Then, sand down your treads, risers, and any other wooden components of your staircase with heavy-duty 80-grit sandpaper or a mechanical sander, making sure to follow the natural grain to effectively remove old paint or varnish.
Once the surfaces are as smooth as possible, clean up all the dust and debris using a clean, damp cloth.
Then, apply your stain taking care to follow the direction of the wood’s natural grain, and add at least one coat of varnish to seal the surface and provide extra protection.
3. Add a fresh lick of paint
Keep in mind the force of a new layer of paint.
It can make a world of difference, and there are many different directions you can take it – from bright and bold to understated and neutral.
Whether you choose to paint only one or two areas – like your spindles and handrail, for example – or go all out and paint your entire staircase, you’re guaranteed a wonderful transformation.
Before painting, remember to sand down your stairs to remove any old paint, varnishes and oils to ensure smooth application.
4. Invest in a high-quality carpet or stair runner
A new carpet can work wonders for a tired staircase and there are a variety of different styles, colours, and patterns available to choose from – so you’re guaranteed to find something perfect for your home.
If you fancy a bit of both (carpet and timber) why not choose a carpet runner?
They provide the same, luxurious feel underfoot whilst still allowing you to show off the natural timber underneath.
5. Consider cladding
Stair cladding covers your existing stairs with wooden floor planks and is a great way to alter the appearance of your staircase without having to rip it out and start from scratch.
There’s a variety of stair cladding options available to cover standard stair treads, risers, string covers, landings, and winder stairs.
Need staircase design inspiration?
Renovating your staircase is no easy feat – especially considering the number of options available.
For help with your staircase renovation, or more design ideas, contact the specialists at Abbott-Wade.
They’ve helped many of their clients renovate their staircases in Edinburgh and would be more than happy to share their expertise.
