If you're planning a complete DIY refurb – be it to help save some money or keep yourself busy – it can be tricky, especially if you're not sure which parts are required and how to install them.
We understand how overwhelming big DIY projects like these can be, but in this guide, our experts at Pear Stairs will walk you through all the necessary staircase parts and the best ways to install them to ensure your staircase is safe, stylish, and functional.
Treads and risers
The treads and risers are, no doubt, the part of your staircase that endures the most wear and tear.
Treads are the horizontal surfaces of the step you walk on, and the risers are the vertical space between each tread.
Replacing them is one of the best (and easiest!) ways to give your stairs a complete overhaul without spending a fortune on ripping the entire structure out and starting from scratch.
To successfully replace your old treads and risers, follow these simple steps:
- Take your measurements
Getting your spot measurements on is the key to a successful DIY staircase makeover.
To measure treads and risers, make note of the tread width, measuring from the front of the step to where it meets the riser, as well as the riser height. To do this, measure vertically from the top of one tread to the top of the next.
Finally, determine the tread depth by measuring vertically, down from the end of the edge to the top of the riser, making sure to use a straight edge like a ruler or level.
- Remove your old treads and risers
Once you've taken accurate measurements, it's time to get to work removing your old stair treads and risers.
The best way to go about this is by prying up the edges of the treads to loosen them and hammering the side closest to the riser down.
This makes the removal process much easier, so you can have it all finished in no time.
Once you've dismantled all your treads, you can do the same with your risers, knocking them back to loosen them up.
Top tip : Where possible, work from top to bottom so you aren't stranded on the upper floors of your home!
- Prep your stairs
Next, it's time to prep your apples and pears ready for new treads and risers to be installed.
To do this, you should remove any existing molding or trim from the stairs, check the condition of stringers and skirting boards, fill in any nail holes, and remove any old or damaged grippers and tack strips if you plan on laying fresh carpet over your new treads and risers.
You should also ensure that you have all the correct tools for your project at this point, and create a work plan to minimize disruption in your home whilst you work.
- Cut and install new treads and risers
Finally, it's time to fit your new treads and risers.
Before you get started, though, you need to make sure that they're cut accurately to size to ensure a safe and snug finish.
To do this, make a mark with a pencil and use either a circular saw or a miter saw to cut the treads down to your desired size.
Make sure to reset the saw to zero degrees when cutting the risers.
Whether you choose to install the treads or risers first is entirely up to you, but when installing treads, you can apply a construction adhesive to the top of the stringer (the structural support board that runs along the side or center of your staircase) and slide the tread into position. Adjust the placement if needed, and when you're ready, secure the tread with nails.
To install your risers, start from the bottom and work your way up, alternating between installing each tread and riser, and using adhesive and fasteners to secure them in place.
- Add finishing touches
Once your installation is complete and you're certain everything is secure, you can sand down any rough edges, fill in any nail holes, and paint or stain your stairs to complete the look.
Newel caps, handrail, and baserail
Again, replacing old newel caps, handrails, and baserails is an excellent way to achieve the transformation you crave at a fraction of the cost of an entirely new staircase.
Of course, you'll need to start by removing all the old parts.
To remove newel caps , you'll first need to determine how they're fixed in place (with glue or screws) and dismantle them appropriately. This can be done by:
- Using a sharp chisel or wood knife, carefully run around the edge of where the cap meets the newel post (the vertical post that supports the handrail) and use a hammer to loosen it, hitting the cap gently at the bottom.
- Using a saw, cut straight across the base of the cap to create a flat surface.
Then you can prep your newel post ready for the new cap, which can be easily installed using PVA wood glue or screws.
Replacing your handrail is just as simple, and can be done in a few easy steps.
First, use a fine-toothed saw to cut through the handrail at either end, making sure you have someone there to steady the railing whilst you're doing this.
Once you've removed your old handrail, make sure your new one is cut correctly to size, before installing mounting brackets to your spindles so the new handrail can be properly secured.
Once in place, make sure your handrail is level, and make any adjustments if needed before securing it fully in place.
Replacing your baserail can be a little more difficult, since it's at the bottom of the balustrade. This means you may need to remove other parts of your staircase, like your handrail and spindles, to get the job done.
If the baserail is secured with screws, simply unscrew them and lift it up. If it's nailed in, use a fine-toothed saw to cut out a section between two nails, then use a chisel and hammer to pry off the remaining baserail.
It's also a good idea to consider replacing your spindles at this stage, which we'll delve deeper into below.
Spindles
Once you've replaced your old baserail, it's a good idea – as we mentioned above – to replace your spindles.
Before switching your spindles out, you'll need to make a note of the length of the baserail, as this measurement will help you determine how many spindles you'll need.
From traditional wooden and metal spindles to more modern glass panels, there are plenty of designs to choose from, so you're guaranteed to find something that looks great.
Of course, the installation method depends on the style of spindles you choose, so if you're experiencing difficulties, seek advice from a professional to ensure you get it right the first time.
Need expert advice?
Whether you need more expert installation tips, or you're struggling to choose your new staircase parts, our specialists are here and would be more than happy to help.
Give us a call today on 01938 553 311 or email us at webenquiries@pearstairs.co.uk and we'll be in touch to answer your questions!
