Need to modernize this staircase

9 months ago

These are the stairs going up to our second floor. The carpet, popcorn on the walls, and railing inserts are all clearly dated. Any ideas on how to go about improving this would be much appreciated!

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amystoller

9 months ago

I think your banisters are gorgeous, except for the metal insert. Others here can advise you better on possible replacements for the metal.

As for the rest, your question answers itself: A. You don't like the carept? Remove the carpet. If there's good flooring underneath, refinish it if it's not in good condition. Otherwise replace it with something you like better, even if it's just different carpet. B. You don't like textured paint? Remove the textured paint, prepare and paint, or paper, the walls. And ceiling if necessary.

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Comments (8)

Mrs. Beasley
9 months ago
I’m with Amy 100%.
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Beth H. :
9 months ago
last modified: 9 months ago
I think the wood railings can be refinished nicely. that wrought iron insert, however, nope. gotta go. The problem is, once you touch that railing and modify it ( refinishing or painting doesn't count) you must bring it up to code. As it is, it doesn't meet modern code specifications. The second story railing doesn't either. ( no space larger than 4" is allowed)

Trying to fit in some balusters could work, but might cost more than just replacing the entire railing.

you might be better off updating the whole thing

depending on what style you like, what kind of work you can do yourself, or who you hire, will make a huge difference in cost.

make sure you review the specs on codes for your city. (city hall building has the info). I had someone redo stairs once on a rental and had to have it all redone because the measuring on the treads was incorrect.

call around for some estimates from a reputable staircase company
Seabornman
9 months ago
Other than the iron insert that looks tacked on, the wood and workmanship would be difficult and expensive to replicate. I'd look at a new decorative insert made of wood. You'd need an artisan to design and make it.
PRO
lisedv
9 months ago
The wood is is nice but handrail on the stairs seem low. Is it to code? If it is you can replace the metal scrolls with glass/plexiglass.
amystoller
9 months ago
Could OP solve the upper rail problem by adding a layer of plexiglass inside or outside of the decorative wood insert? It really seems a shame to remove that gorgeous feature, especially if it is original to the building and grandfathered in.
millworkman
9 months ago
" The wood is is nice but handrail on the stairs seem low. Is it to code? "

My first thoughts as well. But as Beth H alluded to you start making modifcations and the ENTIRE railing would really need to be brought up to current code.
Seabornman
9 months ago
One isn't required to make every feature of a stair meet current code just by improving it. Unfortunately there are some less than knowledgeable code officials that don't know how to read their own code. In the International Residential Code version that our state uses it's in Appendix J. I believe if you infill the open areas you won't have to change rail heights.