Choosing a New Design for Your Home and Garden

If your staircase is desperately in need of an update, the most obvious place to start is with the dated balustrades. The shape, stain, paint or design of timber balustrades can age over time, and as a result can date your living space if the staircase is a feature in your home. Whether you're looking for a quick and cheap update spruce up a house for sale, or a complete renovation to turn a house into a family home, there is a suitable staircase balustrade solution waiting for you.

Repaint

If the paint, lacquer or wood stain on your staircase balustrades is faded or shabby, it might be time for a refinish. Think about what paint colour or stain will suit the décor and style of your home--if your staircase is in your entryway, a finish that matches your front door will create a sense of continuity. Applying several coats of pastel white with a semi-gloss finish is a great way of updating your staircase with freshness and modernity.

Sand the current finish off using heavy to medium coarse sandpaper--an electric sander will make light work of the handrails, but you'll need to wrap a piece of loose sandpaper around each of the balustrades and sand them by hand for a thorough job. If you're repainting, sand your balustrades and handrails back until no shine remains; if you're re-staining the wood, you'll want to remove all of the previous stain until only the natural wood remains.

Before you start painting or staining, don't forget to tape off any carpet or walls adjoining the balustrades, and apply a good quality primer. After you have applied the desired number of coats  of paint or stain, you can apply a polyurethane finish--however, it may yellow over time, and it is easier to update your staircase in the future with an extra lick of paint if you don't need to remove the polyurethane finish first!

Reshape

If the shape of your balustrades is dated, you may want to consider having them reshaped. A thick balustrade can be effectively reshaped by a professional woodworker or cabinetmaker, creating a new look for your staircase without the price tag of replacement. A thinner, more modern design can be effectively carved from your thick balustrade, allowing you to rejuvenate your timber staircase with a lighter appearance. As the top and bottom of the balustrades will not change, it will be a simple procedure to install the balustrades after they have been reshaped. Contact your local woodworking or cabinet shop for a competitive quote today.

Replace

If your timber staircase balustrades are beyond repainting or reshaping, it's time to consider your replacement options. By keeping the existing handrails, replacing your timber balustrades is a straightforward process. When purchasing new balustrades, however, it is recommended that you take one of the existing balustrades to the balustrade stockist to ensure the length and fittings will match your staircase.

In terms of design, you are only limited by your imagination! White balustrades can be installed to contrast with a natural wood handrail and stairs for a traditional appearance, or wrought iron balustrades with intricate detail will make a sculptural statement. For up to date advice and pricing, discuss your options with your local balustrade stockists. 

Whether you repaint, reshape or replace your balustrades, your staircase will receive a much-needed update, instantly adding value to your home.