REPAIRING OR RENOVATING

It’s rare for the structural part of a staircase – the treads and framework – to need replacing. Even wooden staircases that are more than 100 years old tend to stay in good working order. Generally, it would only be if woodworm or dry rot affected it that the whole structure would need to come out, or if a homeowner wanted to reposition it.

Renovations and repairs tend to focus on the newel posts, spindles and hand rail and can usually be finished within two days. A wobbly handrail or spindle is an obvious sign you need some repair work.

If you have a Ranch-style staircase that doesn’t meet current building regulations, you may need to update this. Typically, this 1960s/1970s balustrade features two or three planks of wood, with large spaces between them, tacked onto the newel post. The gaps mean that it’s not a particularly safe option, especially if there are young children in the house.

You can rethink a staircase design without committing to the expense of a brand new one by adjusting just some of the components. Hardwearing oak treads can be fitted to replace a stair carpet, for example. Or improve light levels by replacing dark timber spindles with a sheet of glass.

A staircase is such an integral part of the home it’s essential to choose a firm that works with high quality materials. It’s also important to check that the grain on the wood being used to make the newel posts, handrails and spindles all visually works together.