Are you in the process of repairing your stairs after a recent storm or other mishaps? While it is always best to call in an expert if there is extensive damage, it is possible to repair some of the damage yourself and save some money. Basic knowledge of carpentry and some common sense can help you achieve your goal and enjoy the finished product. Here are some tips for making simple repairs to your stairs.
Repairing stairs that have been damaged by moisture or mildew is not too difficult, but it does require some care. The first thing you will want to do is to remove any carpeting or padding from around the stairs. Next, clean the area with a mild detergent and wipe away any dirt or dust. Use a paper towel or rag to gently pat the stairs down. Then, if necessary, purchase carpet padding or re-carpet the area.
If you have just moved into a new home or recently had your stairs rebuilt, you may find that many expenses have been incurred. This includes the cost of all the parts and components, the labour costs, and all of the installation costs. It is likely that you will have to pay for the labour costs out of pocket. Even if you have the cash on hand, this will add quite a bit to the total cost of your project. The good news is that you can still make some quality repairs to your stairs without incurring these additional expenses.
In order to determine the cost of your project, you will need to know the cost of each step in the stairway as well as the per square foot cost of the materials used to build the stairs. For example, floating stairs only take about 12 seconds per step and they cost about three dollars per square foot. If you are installing an entirely new staircase, you can calculate that the cost per square foot is about nine cents. Taking all of your measurements and adding them to the total number of steps will give you the per-square-foot cost of your new stairs. Your new staircase will also be easier to install because it will be manufactured to fit your staircase well.
You should know that there are several different types of staircases you can choose from when you are remodelling your house. There are the traditional wood staircases, the glass staircases, and of course, there are the steel and aluminium staircases. There are also handrails to consider. When you are choosing the type of railing that you will use for your stairs, be sure to consider safety as well as beauty. Some people prefer handrails made from wood, and many choose aluminium because it is very aesthetically pleasing. However, all of these options are available and you can select whichever appeals to you.
When you are measuring for your staircase, there are several things to keep in mind. The first thing you will want to measure is the width and height of your staircase. If you do not have a tape measure, you can use your pocketknife to determine the dimensions. Next, you will want to measure how far down your interior stairs are, exactly. This is very important because the more steps you take, the more places you need to measure. Measure from each step to the nearest wall on the staircase.
After you have your staircase dimensions, you can start to decide what materials you will use to customize your railing. Most staircases will come pre-drilled with pre-cut railing, but there are some exceptions to this rule. When you are choosing the material for your staircase, it is important that you pay close attention to quality and durability so that you will not have to replace the railings after only a few years of use.
Repairing stairs is not very difficult if you do it correctly the first time. When you begin the project, you will have a much better idea of how much it is going to cost you. Knowing the price ahead of time will also help you budget your remodel. You can find all of the information you need online or at your local home improvement store. Once you have your measurements and choose your material, you can begin to look at possible upgrades. Upgrades such as new carpeting, new lighting, or new hardwood floors can quickly add years of life to any staircase without a lot of money or effort.
Other alternatives you can consider is an affordable service from Carpentry Worx, a carpenter business located in North Brisbane. We provide professional solutions to repair, install or upgrade your staircases at competitive rates. To get a quote contact us today.