Last Piece of the Puzzle: How to Finish the Stairs
The last major aesthetic decision we need to make for the house is how to finish the stairs. The linoleum has been removed from most of them, leaving us with what you see above. We’re going to keep the banister its current dark wood color and will probably paint the vertical back of each stair…
The last major aesthetic decision we need to make for the house is how to finish the stairs. The linoleum has been removed from most of them, leaving us with what you see above. We’re going to keep the banister its current dark wood color and will probably paint the vertical back of each stair white. What do people think we should paint the stairs and the spindles? Keep in mind that the hallway floors on each landing are going to be natural wood with poly. Thanks.
I removed the worn carpeting on my staircase and the noise increase was so significant I decided to look into putting carpeting back on. ABC Carpet has an outlet in DUMBO and they have some lovely carpet that is already runners or closeouts on carpets that came be made for staircases. For 15 stairs, 26 inches across, carpeting at 29.99 the estimated cost with padding and installing was about $1000.
On the color: if you paint the risers white, they will scuff quickly. Anything dark looks good, black, brown, navy blue.
Anybody crazy enough to spend thousands of dollars to get guys in space suits to do your demo is nuts or a filthy rich millionaire.
When the job’s done, as long as there’s no pealing lead paint for the kids to chew on, there’s no problem.
It’s also not a good idea to eat raw brownstone. Not enough nutrients for the brain.
I think you mentioned that you have two small children. I HOPE YOUR CONTRACTOR HAS BEEN TESTING FOR HAZARDS LIKE LEAD PAINT, ASBESTOS, AND SILICA BEFORE HE BEGINS WORK. Lead for instance, is very common in expensive homes like yours (Lead paint was not cheap at the time, and therefor more prevalent in big brownstones.) As a painter I have tested many jobs in the area where the results have come back positive for lead. I usually turn down the jobs as the liability is too high. Did you know that lead dust can not be collected in an ordinary shop vac, even one that says it has a HEPA filter? That by using heat guns to strip paint the lead can vaporize and be even more dangerous? That the hazard for small children is very real in that sometimes permanent brain damage can occur? Yes old floor tile and the mastic used to glue it down did contain asbestos. That those new water based polys everyone is using today contain high levels of silica that when it is sanded, can damage lung tissue? Many painters see their doctors for a lead test once a year. There are strict new laws on the books concerning lead and construction. Many contractors just don’t care. Next time watch your demolition crew work and see if anyone is wearing a respirator. That is one way of seeing if they are educated or if they believe what you dont see can’t hurt you school of thought.
At first we didn’t have a runner, but then my wife started freaking because our 2 year old appeared to be in danger of slipping all the time when walking on the wood stairs. So if you have kids, or just for safety reasons, better to have a carpet runner. There are many carpet stores in Brooklyn, and Lowe’s too.
Where’s the best place to buy new banisters? I’m rebuilding an old staircase too, and need to redo the whole thing. I plan to use the same tongue and groove wood we put on the floors on the stair treads. This may be not be kosher in terms of trying to replicate what was originally there one hundred years ago, but I think it will look good. I know a solid one piece wood step is more traditional, but we’re not living in the 1800’s anymore. And besides, carpeting wasn’t common in the old days either.
Just for the record, long live linoleum!
Brownstoner, did you test for asbestos? I have linoleum-covered stairs also. I have been told that both the linoleum and the mastic between it and the stairs contains asbestos. So I’ve been uneasy about sanding after removing the linoleum. Not really sure what to do.
brownstoner@brownstoner.com
thx
Our carpet is $30.95 a yard, is not Seisel – is a beige color. Not sure how that would equate for you . Bergen carpet will do a measurement and quote for $25 that will apply to the job if you do it. Ours is a bit pricy because we are doing the halls too and a couple of back bedrooms where the floors were too damaged to refinish. Hope that helps.