Stairs
How to Paint Stair Treads
High-traffic areas take a lot of abuse. When it’s a staircase, the traffic is condensed to an even smaller area. When that traffic is caused by two big dogs, the abuse can be intense. When a homeowner grew tired of his dogs gouging and scratching his steps, it was time for an upgrade. Mauro Henrique helped prep and paint the steps and handrails so they could withstand years of traffic.
Building a Staircase
The three staircases were built offsite and installed in the Glen Ridge, NJ project house within a few hours. General contractor, Tom Silva takes a trip to the company that made and installed them.
10 Unique Ways To Use the Space Under Your Stairs
Whether you’re looking to add more storage or to create a special little nook, here are 10 genius under-stairs ideas.
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.
How to Replicate Antique Staircase Balusters
Watch as general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner by hand-carving a new rope baluster for their ornate Queen Anne home’s staircase.
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How to Repair Flagstone Steps
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner repair the flagstone steps in their entryway.
How To Repair Sandstone Steps
Watch as This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner repair a crumbling sandstone veneer on the front steps.
How To Space Balusters: Multiple Methods for Even Placement
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor a quick, simple trick for spacing balusters evenly, and it doesn’t even require math.
How To Repair a Dog-Chewed Newel Post
Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to bring a gnawed newel post back to its original splendor.
How to Keep Your Stairs Up to Code
Stairs that are poorly designed or too dimly lit pose a safety hazard, while stairs that are uniform in their dimensions and built according to code are comfortable and safe to ascend and descend. Luckily for all concerned, modern building codes for stairs are very straightforward, and the principles for exterior and interior stairs are identical. Read on to learn more about how to keep your stairs up to code.
How To Build a Deck Railing
Building a deck railing is no small task. This guide shows how you can construct and install one in a few hours.
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.
What To Know About Cutting Stair Stringers
Stair stringers can help ensure your staircase is safe and secure. In this guide, we walk you through each step of how to DIY your own stair stringers.
How To Build a Low-Maintenance Home
There’s no such thing as a maintenance-free house, but there are ways to decrease your regular maintenance. Here's what you need to know.
How to Remove Carpet From Stairs
Removing carpet from stairs can be done over the weekend, without hiring a pro. Here's the best method for carpet removal on your staircase.
How To Refinish Worn Out Stair Treads
In this article and instructional video, This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to refinish stair treads.
How To Tighten a Loose Newel Post
This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert travels to a Sears kit house in Richmond, Virginia to tighten an old, loose stair railing.
All About Stairs
Read our comprehensive guide to learn all about stairs, including installation how-tos, materials, and costs.
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.
Stenciling Ideas for Stair Risers
Learn how to transform your staircase with stunning stencil designs and make your staircase the centerpiece of your home.
Sneak Peek: Brookline Stair Risers
At our mid-century-modern project, there’s a whole lot of climbing going on
How To Connect Stair Railing Parts
Most staircase railings come from stock pieces that you can easily connect yourself. Here's everything you need to know.
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.
How To Identify and Address Dangerous Staircases in a Home
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva analyzes a potentially dangerous staircase that is not to code for prospective homebuyers.
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
Add Wine Storage Under the Stairs
Use dead space under a stair case to keep wine at the ready
How To Paint Ombre Stair Risers
Painting ombre stair risers can add life and color into your stairwell. In this guide, we show you step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
Everything You Need to Know to Build Porch Stairs
This step-by-step guide will show you how to build a safe and solid set of porch steps that are more accessible for someone with mobility issues.
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.
A 1940s House Makes a Fresh Start
A simple plan to create attic play space spurs a surprising new look throughout this brick house
13 Imaginative Painted Stair Ideas
Add style, color, and impact to your staircase with these beautiful painted stair ideas.
How to Replace a Stair Railing
Need to replace or install a new staircase balustrade? In our guide and video, we share tricks for installing a new, sturdy stair railing.
