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Stair Videos

These This Old House videos showcase all of our stair projects, how-tos, and designs.

S21 E24, Tom Silva replicates an antique staircase spindle
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How to Replicate Antique Staircase Balusters

General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner by hand-carving a new rope baluster for their ornate Queen Anne home’s staircase.
S21 E24, Tom Silva replaces a baluster spindle
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How to Replace Staircase Balusters

General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner by installing a hand-carved baluster for their ornate Queen Anne home’s staircase.
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This Quick Tip Will Help You Space Balusters Evenly

General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor a quick, simple trick for spacing balusters evenly, and it doesn’t even require math.
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How to Repair a Dog-Chewed Newel Post

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to bring a gnawed newel post back to its original splendor.
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How to Paint Outdoor Railings

Painter Mauro Henrique paints an outdoor railing that Nathan just built to match the original railing around a homeowner’s deck.
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How to Build a Deck Railing

Carpenter Nathan Gilbert builds and installs a railing for deck stairs that will match the original railing around the rest of the deck.
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How to Refinish Worn Out Stair Treads

In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to refinish stair treads.
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How to Update Stair Treads and Risers

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner how to replace split-level stair treads in his mid-century modern home.
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How to Connect Stair Railing Parts

Most staircase railings come from stock pieces found at many home centers that can easily be connected by a homeowner. Tom Silva explains the best way to ensure a strong connection between each part.
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How to Fix a Loose Stair Rail End Cap

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva fixes an end cap on a stair railing that keeps coming loose.
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Open House | Dangerous Staircases

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva analyzes a staircase that is not to code for prospective homebuyers.
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How to Build a Chippendale Railing

Kevin O’Connor and Jeff Sweenor demonstrate how to assemble and install a Chippendale railing for the Rhode Island Beach House
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How to Build Porch Stairs

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva builds a safe and solid set of porch stairs.
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How to Replace a Pull-Down Attic Staircase

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva removes an old attic staircase and replaces it with a new one.
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How to Replace a Stair Railing

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares some tricks for installing a new, sturdy staircase balustrade.
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How to Build Granite Porch Stairs

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to create durable, beautiful stone steps
Tom Silva fixes a wobbly newel post
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How to Repair a Wobbly Newel Post

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to stabilize an unsteady staircase post
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How to Install a Stair Runner

Use a stock runner (or two) to add a splash of color and cushiony comfort to bare wood stairs.
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How to Repair a Broken Wooden Stair Tread

A cracked or broken stair tread can lead to someone tripping and falling. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva reveals his quick fix for cracked wooden steps.
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How to Repair a Loose Newel Post

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to bolster a wobbly post with a single screw
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Installing Attic Stairs

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to make attic stairs safe and sturdy
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How to Repair a Baluster

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva mends a busted baluster.
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How to Install Attic Stairs

Step-by-step instructions to help you install folding attic stairs for easier access to your attic.
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How to Add Headroom to a Stairway

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva corrects a heading-bumping staircase.
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How to Install a Stair Handrail

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva installs a staircase handrail.