DIY Stair Remodeling: When to Take the Plunge and When to Call an Expert
Stair remodeling projects require more experience and skill than your typical do-it-yourself home project. Firstly, you need to have some proficiency in carpentry because remodeling stairs requires you to repair and build objects out of wooden materials. If you do not even have these basic skills, then you should contact a professional immediately.
Do you think you have the basic skills needed to remodel the various components of a staircase? Before you jump into a stair remodeling project yourself, let us look at some comparisons between when it is appropriate to do it yourself versus when you should contact an expert.
When To Do It Yourself
The best DIY stair remodeling projects are those that require smaller tasks, such as cosmetic enhancements and minor repairs. Some examples of these tasks may include any of the following:
- Tighten the screws or replace the nails holding the treads and risers in place if the stairs squeak when stepping on them.
- Paint or stain a new color on the stairs to modify their appearance.
- Cover the stair treads with carpeting or vinyl.
- Apply wood filler in the small cracks or gaps in the wooden stairs or handrails.
Remember that each step of a staircase has two basic components: the treads and risers. The tread is the horizontal part of each stair that you step on, while the riser is the vertical part rising to the next tread of the following step. Each tread and riser are nailed or screwed into a stringer to secure them in place.
Most people with basic home improvement knowledge can handle repairing cracks, tightening screws, painting new colors, and covering the stairs with new materials. However, when the tasks involve more complex structural work, a professional would be a better fit to complete them.
When to Call an Expert
Call a professional contract or stair remodeling expert whenever you need to make structural or design changes to your staircase. Some examples of these tasks may include:
- Modify the entire shape of your staircase by remodeling the internal structure and frame, like if you wanted to convert a curved staircase into a straight staircase and vice versa.
- Replace the balusters and handrails of the staircase.
- Replace or modify the design of the newel posts.
- Shortening or expanding the width of the staircase
- Make major repairs: replacing rotted treads, stringers, risers, etc.
- A total staircase replacement
You should already know your own skill level. Unless you have professional experience as a staircase remodeler, you should never attempt to do any of these tasks yourself. One small mistake is all it takes to ruin the structural integrity of your staircase. Once that happens, you could risk damaging your property or potentially even injuring yourself or whoever else uses the stairs.
Contact a Professional
Do you need a professional stair remodeling installation? Contact Vintage Wood Floors and Stairways at (703) 206-8790 to schedule a free consultation. Then, you can learn why it is better to hire a professional to handle the more complex structural remodeling tasks that need to be done.