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Renovation of wooden stairs step by step
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Stairs Sowosz
Although wooden stairs are considered exceptionally durable and resistant to damage, over time, due to intensive use, they may lose their aesthetic value. What can we do then? What treatments will help in restoring their splendor?
How to renovate wooden stairs?
First of all, you should start by assessing the condition of the stairs. You need to carefully inspect the individual elements: the treads and risers, as well as the balustrade.
If we notice any defects in the wood, the first stage of renovation will be to fill them in. For example, special sealing compounds are available in stores.
We check for any looseness at the points where individual elements are connected. It may be necessary to tighten the screws or replace them with new ones. This action may reduce creaking of the stairs, if any.
Next, it’s time to renew the substrate. So what does the renovation of wooden stairs look like step by step?
Start by removing the old finish. The sanding method works best. Sandpaper of different grit levels will be useful. We start with a fine-grained one, and with each subsequent sanding stage we reach for increasingly coarser grit. In case of larger damage, you can use a special wood sander. It is a good idea to repeat the sanding process up to three times.
Remember to protect the surrounding area, for example using painter’s tape. Cover the walls and floors around the stairs with it and you will avoid accidentally getting them dirty. We apply a new layer of finish to the smooth, clean, properly prepared surface of the wooden stairs.
We have several available methods for renovating wooden stairs. Let’s take a closer look at them.
- Varnishing
Wood varnish protects the coating and gives it a beautiful, shiny appearance. It should be applied in two or even three layers. We can choose between pigmented varnishes (giving color) or colorless ones. We apply them using a paint roller or a brush when painting details.
- Oiling
Unlike varnish, oil does not create a protective layer on the stairs, but penetrates the structure of the wood, protecting it against moisture and cracking, among other things. A thin layer of oil should be evenly spread on the surface of the stairs, then wait a few hours and carefully remove the excess.
- Painting
Renovation of wooden stairs can also involve transforming their appearance. How to renovate wooden stairs when they are not necessarily damaged, but for example when you want to give an old interior a more modern character? There is nothing stopping you from changing the color of the stairs to, for example, black or white. This is a common idea for achieving an industrial or loft-style interior. As with varnishing, simply choose the appropriate wood paint and apply it (preferably in several layers) to the surface of the stairs.
- Waxing
Another option for finishing and protecting wooden stairs is to use special wax. You can wax “cold” or “hot”, using circular movements, rubbing the substance into the surface very carefully and being careful not to use too much.
We have prepared a separate article on the most popular finishing options for wooden stairs, we encourage you to read it.
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How to renovate old wooden stairs?
It sometimes happens that a renovation is carried out in a building that has been in use for many years. For example, when an object changes ownership. How to renovate old wooden stairs in such a house? Is this even possible? Of course! To achieve the most satisfactory result, it is best to choose the renovation method for the specific case. The first step will be to identify what product was used to finish the stairs.
How to renovate varnished wooden stairs?
- Removing cracked paint layer. In its entirety or locally, depending on the condition of the stairs and the effect we want to achieve.
- Varnishing, i.e. applying a layer of special wood varnish to the stairs. Take care of the quality of the selected preparation to enjoy the aesthetic result for as long as possible. If you only removed part of the old varnish, it is a good idea to choose the same one that was used for the original finish.
- Sanding the stairs after applying the first coat of varnish.
- Re-varnishing (best results are achieved by applying three coats of the agent).
What about stained wooden stairs?
1. Removal of the old finish layer. If the stairs are in particularly poor condition, it is worth investing in sanding. This procedure allows for very precise and quick removal of the damaged coating. Sanding is performed by professional teams that you can hire for this task.
2. Sanding the surface to remove imperfections and obtain a smooth structure, ready for the application of a new layer of finish.
3. Choosing paint, stain or varnish. Once your stairs are ready for a refresh, you need to decide what they will be finished with.
4. Applying a new layer of finish.
Wooden stairs are considered timeless. They suit any style, warming the interior while giving it elegance and creating a cozy atmosphere. They are a durable solution, and the multitude of ways to renovate wooden stairs further supports their choice. So take a look at the offer of the Polish manufacturer of wooden stairs SOWOSZ and see which stairs will suit your home.
