Forum: Stairs
May 14, 2008
Stair handrails
Greetings:
Currently rehabbing a SOuth Slope Brick home... My contractor is going to be installing new stairs but he wants me to supply the handrail. Seen a lot of photos of metal banisters with those stainless steel cables, and a wood rail. ANyone got similar things locally who could recommend a source?
Full staircase: newel post, banister and spindles-FREE
Unique opportunity for a DIYer, A FREE STAIRCASE!
While they will NOT be able to salvage the treads and risers, we have asked our local renovator to dis-assemble the spindles, newel post and full banister. The spindles are most likely walnut (similar to most of the circa 1900's frame homes in the area that we have seen...and ours), the newel post "might" be mahogany. The banister (2 stories worth) is oak.
Spindles and newel post are painted. The banister is stained.
Here's the catch, if you want it, you will be given a 48hr window to pick it up, period.
Essentially a few days before the tear out and install of the new oak staircase, I'll be given the heads-up and thus contacting the DIYer.
This will happen in the next 1-2 weeks.
First come, first served.
Interested? E-mail loneinformer(at)gmail.com
May 5, 2008
Replacing Stair Treads
The old wood stairs in my brownstone are in solid shape but are made of carpet grade wood. Because I would like to have nice wood treads without carpet the contractor suggested refacing (?) the treads and risers with upgraded wood instead of replacing the risers and treads. I think it works like this
http://www.woodsthebest.com/Stairs/wood-stairs-treads.htm
Does anyone have experience with this and can you share the up and downsides of refacing instead of replacing? (pun intended)
Do the stairs squeak?
Is the height difference a problem?
What kind of wood did you use.
Thanks!
April 16, 2008
Brownstone Stoop Renovation
I am looking to have a limestone stoop reshaped and brownstoned and would be interested in hearing about anyone's experience with this type of job. I was wondering about what a job like this should cost. I was also curious how people go about choosing the style of the stoop and railing. Are there any websites out there that show different options one could look at and show to contractors. Also if anyone can recommend a contractor it would be much appreciated.
April 12, 2008
Handrail Twist and Turn Needed
The previous owner of my house, quite possibly the worst DIY-er EVER, sawed out the turn in the handrail at the top of the steps and replaced it with a couple of lovely 2 x 4s. Our renovation is coming along and the stair railing is the last outstanding issue.
I'm looking for some handrail parts, esp. a left hand "twist and turn". The few stair people I've spoken to - Soxco and NY Circular Stair - do not seem interested in the job.
My contractor is willing to work on the railing if I can find this part, or I can go to another stair person.
Anyone out there have parts for sale or another stair specialist to recommend? I would really appreciate it.
March 26, 2008
WHAT DO YOU CALL THIS THING?
Ok the brownstone I live in has a great staircase, with a cool newel post, there is also a small landing at the foot of the stairs. At the base of the stairs there is another newel post and a thing on top of it that extends out from the wall. It's a cool detail i would like to keep but maybe replace with something nicer. Can someone tell me what this thing is called? I'll post an image soon. help.
What is this called?
Ok the brownstone I live in has a great staircase, with a cool newel post, there is also a small landing at the foot of the stairs. At the base of the stairs there is another newel post and a thing on top of it that extends out from the wall. It's a cool detail i would like to keep but maybe replace with something nicer. Can someone tell me what this thing is called? I'll post an image soon. help.
March 19, 2008
Colorful Stair Runners
Hi! I've seen some English stair runners that are quite colorful and others with fantastic designs - however, I have not been able to find links to them. Please help if you know of any.
March 4, 2008
Backyard staircase
I need to have a staircase built in the back of the house from a door on the parlor floor down to the backyard. Any recommandation ?
February 21, 2008
stairs
I need to replace these stairs with a more permit friendly set. What is the most cost efficient "brooklynesque" approach? Any ideas?
Please notice the house is parlor floor entry with a garden floor entrance below.