Three Endless Designs for your Staircase Remodeling Project

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Do you happen to live in a big house? Maybe your house is two stories? If you decide to remodel your home, be sure to give your staircase some thought. This is because the design possibilities are literally endless when it comes to remodeling a staircase. Your staircase could be either hardwood or carpeted.

If you are replacing carpeted stairs or building a hardwood staircase from scratch, then you must know that hardwood steps don’t necessarily have to be built the traditional way. Our stairbuilders have three terrific ideas to give you stairs some personality:

Decorate

Consider putting tile on the hardwood staircase to create a very unique look. It can help prevent scuff marks. If you want to be creative, then paint them. You can use a solid color to match or contrast your walls. You can even create a fun design like a faux carpet, numbers or nature.

Use the banister

Whether a curvy and whimsical or straight with vertical and horizontal lines, an interesting banister can transform your wood staircase into a work of art. Although it’s generally best to pick a design that complements the staircase. Some homeowners choose to be bold and contrast with their steps to create a stunning look. Don’t be scared to add texture or possibly incorporate different materials such as glass, rope or steel.

Make it freestanding

Although most hardwood staircases are generally against a wall, you could also build your steps as if it’s a center stage. Take your time to think about other shapes that are curved, spiral or switchback. Then put them in the middle of the space to divide a large room while giving an open feel.

So if you’re ready to transform your old carpeted stairs into a fresh, new hardwood staircase then you definitely want to talk to a stair contract to figure out the best way of doing so. Find out how we can help you enhance your stair project.

Simple ideas to dress your staircase

Awesome ways to dress your staircase

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A lot of two story homes have staircases. This staircase is often carpeted, but it can also possess wood risers with stained or painted treads. Having a carpeted stair runner does allow you to have a lot of benefits. It exposes the beauty of the stained or painted treads but it also inserts a nonslip comfortable surface for the dozens of trips made up and down every day. After talking with our stair-builders, here are some choices to consider while dressing your home’s hardwood staircase:
Neutral Sisal.

This natural fiber is a timeless choice and the neutral shades in sisal are a pleasant backdrop to dramatic impact or statement pieces incorporated in other ways such as a colorful velvet sofette and large scale botanical wallpaper.

Dramatic.
If you’re looking to make a statement, then a wide striped runner will do the trick. This dazzling pattern enhances the dramatic contrast between the black and white tones present in this entry.

Geometric.
For years, geometric prints have reigned supreme in the textile world and a motif present in a runner ensures a contemporary look on your staircase. Opt for a repeat that plays off the existing hues present in the stain and paint for a pattern that is sure to complement instead of compete.

Coastal.
A classic stripe is a timeless choice that will also add a coastal or cottage vibe to a staircase.
You can always skip the carpeted runner and go along with a colorful painted stripe in blue or green, or even spice up the risers with tile. You will obviously get bonus points for creativity!

But then again, there’s something truly beautiful about leaving the staircase alone and not adding a runner at all. Purposefully choosing to not include a runner allows the stained wood to take the spotlight, and when coupled with white risers and balusters, the contrast is striking.

How to Refinish Hardwood Stair Treads - Part 1

People who have experience refinishing a wooden floor may balk at the idea of refinishing wooden stair treads. Some may view it as an inconvenience, but it can be quite easy. First of all, you need to know that stair treads need to be treated a bit differently than floors. It’s also recommended to seek the advice of a professional stair builder. Most stair contractors have years of experience refinishing hardwood stair treads. Here is what you need to do:

Gather your supplies for refinishing hardwood stairs. Preparation is important for the best results. Make sure you have figured out how to keep the staircase area well-ventilated. Think of it as if you’re working on a hot or humid day. Be aware of the fact that you may need more time for any stains or finishes to dry.  You’ll need a variety of old rags, brushes, towels, mineral spirits, paint thinners and sandpaper. Safety goggles are also highly recommended when doing a project like this. A good shop vacuum cleaner is also extremely important.

Always get the right sander and edger for stair treads. You can try renting one at a nearby store, when inquiring about sanders, be sure to ask about the perfect sander and edger for small spaces. Depending on the actual hardwood stair treads, you’ll have to prepare the surface properly.

Remember you are going to refinish hardwood, and the odds are that you aren’t working with unfinished wood. You’ll be working with wood that has been sealed in some way or has old and worn stain or paint on it. You’ll want to sand the wood right down to its original bare state, leaving it porous and ready for stain or paint. This can be somewhat tricky when working with hardwood stair treads. It’s because you’re sanding a small area on an incline.

However, as long as you have the exact size sanders, you will be fine. You can practice on a spare piece of wood first. Don’t focus on minor scratches or cracks, those are very easy to fill in later with a wood filler. Remember to sand each step at least three times, using a different grit of sandpaper for each part of the process as well. Overall, you’ll have to complete the entire staircase with one type of sandpaper before moving on to the next type of sandpaper.

Everything you need to know about Deck Stairs

Deck Stairs are typically the last part of the deck to be tackled, this is because they’re the hardest part of the deck to build. The best solution for building strong deck stairs is to create a heavy duty steel stair brack system. This allows you to make automatic adjustments to create any rise or run you potentially require.

You really only need two stringers for deck stairs up to approximately 7’ in width. No center stringers are needed for this project because the riser acts as a load-bearing joist. That gives you strong and durable stairs. Majority of the saw cuts are eliminated and require only three to four cuts per stringer.

Professional stair contractors have a stair building system which is simpler and faster than the conventional stair building. The stairs turn out so well made that you won’t have to worry about hearing a squeak. These type of stairs can also be used for interior purposes such as basement stairs, tongue and groove stairs and even concrete form-work.

For interior jobs you can use stringers that are 2x6 and interior risers can be 2x8 or3/4” to 1 1/8”. Interior treads can be 2x12’s or 1 1/8” to ¾”.

The following tools and materials will be needed for building these types of projects: a power drill, skill saw, Phillips flat head, deck screws for every 9” of tread and riser connection.

Please contact us for more information about our stair building techniques.

Installing Basement Stairs | Stair Contractors

Building Easy to Install Basement Stairs

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Basement stairs come in different shapes and sizes. They can range from simple utility stairs to fancy decorative staircases. A major issue facing the stair builder for stair contractors is the unpredictable stair height that often happens when building basement stairs. Whether its new or already a part of the existing construction, the basement slab height always fluctuates. That’s why most basement stairs are built to customized heights.

The typical procedure when building basement stairs involves reaching out to a stair builder to custom build the staircase using 2x12 cut stringers as framing for the construction of the remodeled staircase. This can be difficult and costly, requiring a high degree of professional skill. However, there is a less difficult solution available that can also save you time, as well as money. The system consists of self adjusting stair brackets, used to form a sort of stairs known as ‘engineered’ stairs. Adjustable stair brackets generally are a custom tailored approach to stair building that are faster, easier and stronger than conventional construction. They’re a low cost solution for the unpredictable slab height problem.

This type of system can quickly form a basic utility stair on fully finished hardwood stairs. The adjustable brackets take care of a lot of frustrating problems, the brackets are approved as adjustable joist hangers which allow the risers to be structurally attached to the stringers. This allows it to carry the load across the stair like stepping floor joists. This also enhances the strength of the stair and permits the stair to be built using only two stringers. The stringers provide the contractor with full depth unlike cut stringers and are built to carry great loads that conventional cut stringers fail to do. Only three to four of these end cuts are required per stringer which essentially eliminates seventy saw cuts when compared to conventional cut stringers for basement stairs.

Before you jump into this project, you should decide what type of material you’re going to use and the exact number of steps you need, as well as the stair width.