DIY Network

Assessing the Staircase From "Restoration Realities" episode DRTR-101

The staircase in this Dutch Colonial home is restored to its original design.

For their staircase banister restoration, homeowners Filip and Mandy Schmole found most of the missing parts in the attic of this 1912 Dutch Colonial home.

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Figure A

If you have a similar situation, try doing what we did. Lay out all of the loose parts in a pattern that will form the staircase banister (figure A). By doing this, you'll be able to see if any parts are missing.

For any wooden staircase restoration, the first step is to assess the condition of the existing staircase. Each problem encountered will require a solution specific to your situation.

Materials:

Flat pry bar (medium and small)
Hammer
Saber/jig saw
Power compound miter saw
Router with edge guide
Router full round over bit
Plate joiner and biscuits
Gloves
Drill and screwdriver bits
Ear protection
Safety glasses
Speed square
Pneumatic finish nail gun
Caulking gun
Level
Mallet
Spring clamps and pliers (optional)
Side-cut pliers or fencing pliers
Nail set
Banister parts
1/2" and 1/2" finish nails
6 - 1" x 2" x 3' clear fir boards
Wood glue
Construction adhesive
3 - 4" x full 1" fir stair treads
Joinery biscuits
2 - 3/4" x 2' x 2' plywood
10 - 1" x 2" x 5' fir or pine
1 - 4" x 4" x 3' fir or pine
1/4", 2", 2 1/2" and 3" wood screws
1" x 12" x 10' clear fir
1" x 12" x 4' clear fir
3/4" x 3/4" x 10' cove molding

• Missing parts: missing staircase parts will either have to be made or found in a recycle shop. Staircase parts can also be purchased from manufacturers assuming the parts match your staircase.

• Damaged parts: most damaged staircase parts can be repaired, especially where the wood will be painted. Stained and varnished wood may also be repaired with greater difficulty and wood-grain matching skills.

• Wood finish: cleaning and conditioning varnished surfaces will often restore the finish on a wooden staircase. Painted surfaces may be cleaned; and if need by, lightly sanded, and repainted. This is the preferred method, as it will save the historic patina of the original surface. You can also restore the finish by stripping and refinishing varnished and painted surfaces. Sometimes the poor condition of the finish may require this method. However, this method is much more time consuming.