Staircases no matter their size serve an important purpose- yet you might overlook yours when decorating. An appealing staircase can tie together your home’s aesthetic and make your trips up and down safer and more comfortable. Hi I’m Michele Irizarry, CEO and Broker of Shore Prime Properties. If you enjoy discovering the latest home design trends, DIY projects and are looking for tips about the home buying and selling process, please be sure to like and follow Shore Prime Properties. We have weekly content covering all these topics on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Today we’re going to talk about upgrades that are simple and affordable to your staircases that can be completed in an afternoon or over a weekend.
Hardwood staircases: A gorgeous hardwood staircase can be a statement by itself but there are a few steps that you can take to make your staircase stand out.
Paint or stain your treads and risers: There are two parts to every stair- the top tread and the riser underneath it. Depending on the look that you want consider adding a fresh coat of paint to one or both parts. For a classic and elegant look, leave the treads unpainted and paint the risers a neutral clean color. If you prefer a bold playful look, paint the treads and risers a bright color that matches your home’s decor. If you’re not planning to paint, wood refinishing is a tried and true way to give your stairs a new look. Be sure to test the stain on one tread first to make sure it dries the way that you like. You can always add another coat of stain. So start with one coat and then layer as needed. Be sure to add an appropriate finish on top of the stain. Typically a clear water-based polyurethane varnish is best for stairs.
Add a stair runner: Stair runners or rugs can elevate the look of your staircase and provide a layer of comfort for your feet. To find the right stair runner length, measure the depth of the stair tread and the height of the riser. Add them together and then multiply the total by the number of the stairs. When you place a runner, use a sticky back like a pad or stair safe glue to prevent slippage or damage to your stairs.
Carpeted stairs: Carpeted stairs can add warmth to your home. However if your carpet hasn’t been tended to in a while it can make your stairs look dull and dated rather than cozy. Remove the carpet: If your carpet isn’t your style anymore. You can easily replace it with hardwood. With most hardwood overlay systems you can measure, cut away the carpet and install custom hardwood. There’s typically no sanding, staining or finishing required, which makes this a weekend project that you can complete in no time.
Steam and clean the carpet: Alternatively if you love your carpet, you can consider refreshing it with a professional steaming and cleaning- especially if your carpet is a light color. A deep clean will lift dirt and stains and other imperfections to make it look as new as the day you moved in.
Handrails: In addition to your stair treads, handrails can have a big impact on the look of your staircase. If you decide to keep your existing handrails you should give them a good cleaning since they are prime spots for grime buildup.
Change the posts: Elegant or bold railing posts at the top and bottom of your staircase can help mark your style. Change your wood posts to iron ones for an industrial look or to a different shape and size of wood post, if you prefer something more traditional.
Swap the spindles: In between your posts, spindles, or balusters if you have no railing footing, keep the railing in place. So sturdy spindles or balusters are an important safety measure. There are several spindle and baluster options including wood, iron and cable. Find ones that are the same as your current ones for an easy replacement if you’re not changing the railing above.
Upgrading your staircase is a worthwhile step for your home’s value, comfort and style. If you would like a free copy of the Shore Prime Seller’s Guide which is chock full of tips to prepare yourself and your home for the home selling process, reach out to us today. I’m Michele Irizarry selling prime real estate at the Jersey Shore.
