News — stair remodel

Most Commonly Repaired Stair Parts for a Stair Remodel or Project

There are a few things that you should look for when you're trying to get a handle on the wear and tear that your stairs are sure to endure over the years. 


The first step is identifying the problem.

There are a number of difficulties that you can experience when dealing with stair parts and repairs. These problems can come in all shapes and sizes and can range from creaky steps, loose iron balusters, to damaged railings. The first step in the restoration or upkeep of your staircase will be to access the problem. This can be accomplished by traveling your staircase and listening for squeaks and feeling for loose steps. Once you’ve pinpointed a problem, you should visually inspect the area, looking for gaps or other signs of wear.

The Most Common Repairs 


Whether you are undergoing a stair remodel or just practicing routine maintenance, there are issues that are sure to arise. The most common of these issues are usually loose stringers and squeaky stair risers or treads.

Loose Stingers. If you are unfamiliar with stringers, they are the diagonal stair parts that abut the risers and treads on a staircase. Stingers tend to spread apart over time due to poor original workmanship, inappropriate repair, or most often, because of wall movement called house settling. When this occurs, risers and treads become loose and begin pulling from their housings. The process of repairing this issue can be easy to accomplish with the proper guidance and expertise.

Squeaky Stairs. Of all the issues that you can intend to find, the most frequent will be squeaky stair risers or treads. Typically, stair risers and treads aren’t nailed down. It is common practice to use wedges instead in an attempt secure these stair parts while keeping them squeak-free. When squeaking does arise, it is usually because these wedges have become loose. Of all of the repairs that you are sure to undergo, this is usually the most simple. By re-tightening and securing the wedges, the squeaking should subside, and you’ll be on to the next project in no time at all.

 

Whether you’re dealing with iron balusters, loose stingers, or just a few squeaky steps, it is always helpful to have an expert on your side during any stair remodel or repair project. Direct Stair Parts has the resources you need for any stair project, including detailed diagrams, a stair parts specification guide, and best of all, the most premiere stair parts at the best prices. Contact us today so that we can answer your questions and help you find the quality stair parts that you need.

This Year's Best Staircase Trends

This Year's Best Staircase Trends

Every year new trends emerge in the stair parts marketplace. It usually takes a few years for them to pick up steam, but once they do, you'll see it in stair remodels everywhere. Whether you prefer a classic stair design or a more modern staircase, the trends of of the year have a unique combination of the two.

Unique Iron Balusters

Iron balusters have been trending for years, but these unique designs have started to show up in stair parts shops all over the country. You can now find iron balusters with geometric shapes, arches, and various other lovely designs.

Dark Treads

Wood stairs are as classic as you can get, so it's not surprising that a new spin on this classic preference has come to the light. Designers are beginning to use darker stains and woods to give treads a striking elegance.

Natural, Eco-Friendly Wood Stairs

Going green seems to be the trendy thing to do in 2016, and staircase design is no exception. Designers have started to source wood stairs that are free of chemicals from local distributors for a more eco-friendly approach.

Minimal Staircases

The Tiny Home Movement has sparked the consumer's desire for less in their homes. And with less square footage, the more minimal the staircase, the better. Spiral staircases, staircases with stair railings, and other variations are very trendy right now.

How to Make Your Wood Stairs Less Slippery

How to Make Your Wood Stairs Less Slippery

Everyone loves a classic, wooden staircase. Not only do wood stairs give a timeless look to a stair remodel, but they're easy to keep clean. Unfortunately, installing wood treads can come at a price: a slippery staircase. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent this from being the case.

wood stairs

The first option for slippery wood stairs is carpeting. 

Runners are good for adding a bit of luxury to any staircase, but keep in mind that if your treads are narrow, the carpeting might end up causing an even bigger hazard. Unsupported carpet at the edge of each tread could cause someone to slip. If this is the case on your wood stairs, you can also buy individual carpeting for each stair.

A coat of anti-slip paint is also an option.

You probably had no idea that you could add a layer of non-slip paint to each tread to prevent slips. This kind of paint can be found in hardware stores or online. It can be purchased in a variety of colors or as a clear coat, whichever you prefer for your staircase.

You can install a No-Slip strip.

There are a variety of adhesive strips that you can apply to your staircase to make it less slippery. The No-Slip Strip is a great option that's easy to install. They're comfortable on your feet and durable so that they can last for years to come.

 

Before you decide on any of the options above, be sure to check the level on each of your individual treads to make sure that none of them are slanting forward. This is a common issue that causes wood stairs to be more slippery, so if your stairs are slanting forward, you might have to consider installing new ones. You can find stair parts and everything you need for a stair remodel or project on our website. Be sure and connect with us on Google Plus.

Deciding on Iron Balusters for Your Home

Deciding on Iron Balusters for Your Home

The beauty of your staircase design is in the details, and a lot of preparation goes into making those details beautiful. Material, design, and layout are all very important when it comes to planning a stair remodel or project, but don't worry, once you get started, the process isn't long or treacherous.

 

So what if you decide to use iron balusters in your new staircase design? You have a few options to choose from.

The simplest options that you have are the Gothic, Medallion, and Mediterranean iron balusters. If you're looking for a more basic design, then you'll love the Gothic and Mediterranean options. Whereas the Medallion option includes a round cutout within the baluster that can seem a bit more flashy.

 

deciding on iron balusters

 

If you love the ribbon look, then you'll love our Ribbon, Twist & Basket, Mega and Knee Wall options. While the basic Ribbon design is more classic, the Twist & Basket and Knee Wall options come very close. For a bolder look, you should check out our Mega iron balusters. The more intricate designs include our Scroll and Belly options. These gorgeous accents will make any onlooker pause and admire your new addition. You can also add a decorative panel to give your stair remodel extra flair.

 

Visit our online shop to choose from our great selection of iron balusters today.

Upgrade Ideas for Your Stair Remodel

Upgrade Ideas for Your Stair Remodel

Changing the look of your staircase is a big project, but in the end, homeowners agree that their stair remodel was always worth it. This high traffic area in your home endures a lot of wear and tear over the years, so it's important to keep your staircase looking new and your stair parts in good condition. If you're not sure what to do during your next stair remodel, check out our list of suggested upgrades below.

 

Under the stairs storage.

Say goodbye to wasted space and hello to your beautifully efficient stair remodel. That valuable real estate below the staircase has often been ignored in home designs, but in recent years, designers have been getting creative with the extra space. Adding this area beneath your staircase is not only practical for storage purposes, but it creates another attractive, decorative area to your home.

 

Add wallpaper to risers.

This simple upgrade can be done with a few rolls of wallpaper and a free Saturday. You'll want to make sure that your staircase is clean and that you have good looking wood treads in place to properly accent your new wallpaper design. The best part about this upgrade? It's easy to remove the wallpaper and change the look of your staircase any time you'd like. You can find plenty of ideas on Pinterest and other home decor websites.

 

Transition to iron balusters.

Trading in your old balusters for a beautiful set of iron balusters is a guaranteed way to upgrade the look of your staircase. With a variety of finishes to choose from, finding the right set of iron balusters for your home's staircase isn't a complicated process. Upgrading your staircase doesn't have to be a big, expensive project. Even the smallest additions can make a big difference.

Be sure and check out our website for all of your stair parts needs. Starting on your next stair remodel or project can be tricky, so be sure and check out our page on getting started.

Add Color and Character to Your Stair Remodel with Paint

Your staircase might fall on one end of this spectrum or somewhere in between: is it a beautiful focal point or a boring necessity in your home? If your staircase needs some love, we have great news for you. It's easy to do a quick stair remodel with a few cheap stair parts and a fresh coat of paint.

There are a few things you need to remember if you're going to use a splash of paint to revamp your boring staircase.

If your staircase is carpeted, be sure and rip up the carpet to get the most out of your stair remodel paint job. Odds are, your staircase has some lovely wood stairs waiting for your underneath that carpeting. The wood treads are probably also pretty dirty from spending years under a carpet, so be sure and give them a good clean before you begin painting.

You will need to sweep, vacuum and even scrub them with soap in order to ensure a clean surface for the paint.

Also, be sure to use masking tape to prevent paint from getting in areas you don't want it to be.

After you've selected your paint color of choice and decided where you want it to be, paint over the area with a base color like a white gloss. You'll need to wait for this base color to dry completely, which can be difficult in a high traffic area like your staircase, so plan accordingly.

Your options are endless when it comes to design and color, so get creative and try your best to match the feel of your home. Remember, you can always replace the wood treads you find under your carpeted staircase if they're ugly or in bad condition. You might also consider replacing your balusters to match your new paint job, and you can use our stair design tool to help you make that decision.

Good luck on your next stair remodel or project. Feel free to check out our FAQ section or reach out to us with any questions you might have.