Between Projects: In Praise of General Contractors

Simple Alterations You Can Make To Transform Your Staircase Into A Centrepiece

When it comes to residential renovations, not many homeowners think about their staircase. Instead, people will focus on large projects such as the construction of a granny flat, a home extension, cladding installation and so on yet minor changes in your house could make a world of difference to the overall aesthetic of your interiors. And one such project that can be handled by your local general contractor is the renovation of your staircase.

Although this structure may seem purely utilitarian, this should not mean that you overlook its appearance. Since it takes up floor space and draws the eye upwards, transforming it from a bland structure to an ornately designed masterpiece not only bring it to life but it automatically makes it a centrepiece in your space. Here are a few alteration ideas that you can draw inspiration from for your staircase remodel.

Change the spindles

The spindles are the first feature that draws attention to the staircase for a couple of reasons. First, since they connect the rails to the treads on the steps, they are the first feature that one notices. Firstly, the sheer number of spindles also makes them stand out. If several of them are damaged or worn, they detract from the appeal of the staircase. Secondly, if not much attention was put into their design, they will look out of place in your ornately furnished home.

When replacing the spindles, you should try your best to match their appearance to the accents in your home. A few of the alternations you can request include the materials utilised, how they are carved, the tapering of the spindles and so on.

Upgrade the treads

Often confused with the risers, the treads refer to the flat surface at the top of a step. This positioning makes them vulnerable to damage since they bear all the weight of individuals walking up and down the staircase. Moreover, the treads are also exposed to grime, heels and so on, which also contribute to their eventual degradation. Therefore, when investigating the condition of your staircase before its renovation, you should take note of their appearance so that you can replace cracked and stained treads.

You should note that the treads do not have to be damaged for you to replace them. If the house is old, the treads likely do not match your interior décor choices, so you should consider upgrading them to give them a modern touch. On the other hand, if you replaced the flooring in your house, the treads likely do not match or complement the new flooring so you should consider upgrading them.

Other alternations you may consider for your staircase remodel include re-staining the structure if it is made out of wood, updating the newel posts, installing new railing and more.

For more tips on upgrading your staircase, reach out to a local general contractor.