Stair Renovations

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Homeowners needing to repair, remodel or update their look typically think of paint, flooring, hardware, fixtures and décor accessories and may never consider one of the most prominent parts of their home’s interior: the stairs. Because stairs are often within just a few steps of the front door, making them highly visible, it’s important to give them more than a second thought. Options for change abound, providing plenty of ideas for any budget. Intricately cut wood panels in a variety of patterns can be attached to risers for a stunning custom look. Painting side panels in white or another color that contrasts with the stairs and wall paint also sets off stairs. Hardwood Decorative Stairs Risers. Patent Pending. ©2008 One Step Beyond. All Rights Reserved. Photo courtesy of One Step Beyond. The Purist’s Approach In many older homes, natural wood is the preferred surface for both flooring and stairs. Sanding and staining stairs can be tedious, especially if your stairs extend beyond a banister rather than having solid edges. But if you do it yourself, it’s usually the least expensive (though most time-consuming) option and is a fairly straightforward way to freshen up your steps. If you hire a professional, it might be less expensive to opt for a runner or carpeting. Using a steady hand and carefully applied painter’s tape, homeowners can add more interest by staining the treads one shade and the risers another. A third option for natural wood purists are hardwood decorative stair risers. Made by One Step Beyond, these patent-pending maple panels allow you to nail a made-to-fit panel with a cut-and-grooved design to the risers for a truly custom look (see photo). Maintenance: Sweep or vacuum stairs with the soft brush attachment. Furniture polish can be used on risers, but avoid waxing the treads. Safety: Lack of cushioning makes hardwood a tough surface to land on should you fall. But if you avoid wax, keep dirt and debris off the steps, and wear rubber instead of leather-soled shoes, you’ll be less likely to slip. When vacuuming, work your way from the bottom to the top to avoid the vacuum becoming a tripping hazard. With all stairways but the most narrow and enclosed, it’s important to have well-fastened handrails, lighting—and the switches—at both the top and bottom and even lighting on the stairs if possible. Consider adding an electrical outlet and plugging in a night light to add extra illumination. Also, avoid putting items that need to be returned to the upstairs floor on the bottom steps; it creates too much of a tripping hazard. Lastly, don’t use loose area rugs at the top or bottom of the stairs. If you feel you must have them, make sure they’re secured with double-sided tape, recommends Kristin Lolmaugh of the National Safety Council. Injecting Some Color As with walls, stairs can take on a remarkably different look with a simple coat of paint. Add a contrasting color (usually white) to the wood trim at the sides of stairs (see photo) and paint just the risers white or a color that will complement your décor. Get creative and use a different color on each riser. Stenciling risers is another option.

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