DIY Network

Stairway Remodel: Demolition From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-207

	In this episode of Weekend Remodeling, host Fuad Reveiz converts this stairway from average ...
	to eye catching!

In this segment, host Fuad Reveiz begins the stairway remodel by demolishing the old staircase.

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, this project rates a 4.

A well-crafted wooden staircase can add architectural interest to a home as well as create a focal point, especially in an entryway. With a little imagination this is one project that might become a creative process that could turn your stairway into a thing of beauty!

Materials:

Utility knife
Flat pry bar
Circular saw
Jig saw
Miter saw
Air nailer
Sander
Drill and bits
Tape measure
Level
Framing square
Miter saw
Chalk line
Air nailer
Handrail
Treads
Risers
Skirt boards
Balusters
Newel posts
Hardwood flooring
Landing tread
Felt paper
Screws
Stain
Paint
Polyurethane
Finishing nails

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Demolition

Note: For this particular job, Reveiz was working next to drywall, so he had to be extra careful during the demolition process.

For a detailed project such as this one, it's a good idea to have a visual sketch for reference. One of the best remodeling tools today is your home computer. There are some great software programs out there that will create an almost perfect image of your ideal stairway.

1. First, take everything off the walls to make sure you don't break anything during the demolition.

2. The posts and railings (figure A) need to come off first so remove the wood plugs hiding the screws.

3. Find and remove the screws under the railing going into the post. The first newel post comes off, and the balusters up to the next post come out easily.

4. After the last baluster is removed, the railing on the stairs comes right off.

5. At the second newel post, you'll need an extension on the drill (figureB) to reach the screws holding it in place. When Reveiz realized the screw head was broken off in the hole, he broke out the reciprocating saw and just cut right through it.

6. The second post comes out and you can now remove the remaining balusters.

7. The railing on the landing and the rosette come out by removing the lag bolt attached to a stud in the wall (figure C).

8. Next the carpet needs to come out. Use a utility knife to cut the carpet and some pliers to get a good grip. At the edge along the steps, a hammer and an old chisel help in removing the tackless strips.

9. Continue up the steps pulling the carpet loose. It's just a matter of getting the right start. Once you get the edge going, it comes right off.

10. The landing piece comes off in one big piece. Now you can remove the carpet pad and the tackless strips on the landing. Just use a pry bar to get under the strips (figure D).

11. Nothing will have to be done to the sub-floor on the landing because the new hardwood flooring will go right on top of it.

12. Remove the frame that the carpet attaches to, along the side of the steps.

13. Slip the pry bar under the top tread and pull it up. Note that removing treads is hard work because not only are they nailed down, but they're glued down as well. Some of the risers will come off with the treads. The last one has to be busted to come out.

    Note: Be sure to keep the damage to the drywall along the stairs to a minimum. The new skirt boards will cover everything as long as you don't get too carried away.

    Now that the demolition is complete, you're ready to move ahead with some construction, but before you go any further, stain and polyurethane the treads, the handrails and the newel posts so they can be drying while you work.

14. Begin by sanding the treads, railing and newel posts with 220-grit sandpaper, making sure to sand with the grain. Once you've given everything a light sanding all over, wipe them clean with a rag. Just dip a clean rag into the stain and spread it evenly over the wood, starting with the treads (figure E).

15. Stain the railing and newel posts.

16. Since the new risers, balusters and skirt boards need to be painted, go ahead and sand and paint all of them while you're in paint-and-stain mode. Also, painting many of these pieces before they are installed is much easier.

17. When the stained parts have dried, apply a coat of polyurethane on them. Use a quality brush, and always follow the grain (figure F).

    Tip: Always be sure to stir the polyurethane with a stick. You never want to shake the can because it creates bubbles that you will brush on to the wood.

18. Finally, polyurethane the treads, railing and posts

In the next segment, Reveiz will measure and cut the skirt boards and risers and paint and install both.

RESOURCES :

Armstrong Brichall Flooring Information

Armstrong Floors
Website: www.armstrong.com

Custom Stair Parts (Coffman Stairs)

Color: Unfinished maple
Where available: Coffman Stairs (see contact information, below)

Coffman Stairs
Phone: 276-783-7251
Website: www.CoffmanStairs.com

GUESTS :

Maureen Cone
Representative
Armstrong Floors
Website: www.armstrong.com

Scott Hampton
Installation expert
Coffman Stairs
Phone: 276-783-7251
Website: www.CoffmanStairs.com