Stairs
10 Unique Ways to Use the Space Under Your Stairs
Wish you had just a little more extra space? There’s one spot in your house you’ve probably overlooked that has tons of potential: the space under the stairs. Whether you’re looking to add more storage or to create a special little nook, here are 10 genius under-stairs ideas.
How to Replicate Antique Staircase Balusters
General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner by hand-carving a new rope baluster for their ornate Queen Anne home’s staircase.
How to Replace Staircase Balusters
General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner by installing a hand-carved baluster for their ornate Queen Anne home’s staircase.
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How to Repair Flagstone Steps
Watch Ask This Old House Mason Mark McCullough help a homeowner repair their flagstone steps in the entryway, making them safe and stable.
How to Repair Sandstone Steps
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner solve an issue with a crumbling sandstone veneer on their front steps, improving the safety and curb appeal of their home.
This Quick Tip Will Help You Space Balusters Evenly
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor a quick, simple trick for spacing balusters evenly, and it doesn’t even require math.
How to Repair a Dog-Chewed Newel Post
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to bring a gnawed newel post back to its original splendor.
How to Keep Your Stairs Up to Code
Stairs that are poorly designed or too dimly lit pose a safety hazard, while stairs that are uniform in their dimensions and built according to code are comfortable and safe to ascend and descend. Luckily for all concerned, modern building codes for stairs are very straightforward, and the principles for exterior and interior stairs are identical. Read on to learn more about how to keep your stairs up to code.
How to Build a Deck Railing
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert builds and installs a railing for deck stairs that will match the original railing around the rest of the deck.
How to Paint Outdoor Railings
Painter Mauro Henrique paints an outdoor railing that Nathan just built to match the original railing around a homeowner’s deck.
What To Know About Cutting Stair Stringers
Stair stringers can help ensure your staircase is safe and secure. In this guide, we walk you through each step of how to DIY your own stair stringers.
How To Build a Low-Maintenance Home
There’s no such thing as a maintenance-free house, but there are ways to decrease your regular maintenance. Here's what you need to know.
How to Remove Carpet From Stairs
Removing carpet from stairs can be done over the weekend, without hiring a pro. Here's the best method for carpet removal on your staircase.
How To Refinish Worn Out Stair Treads
In this article and instructional video, This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to refinish stair treads.
How to Tighten a Loose Newel Post
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert travels to a Sears kit house in Richmond, Virginia to tighten an old, loose stair railing.
All About Stairs
Read our comprehensive guide to learn all about stairs, including installation how-tos, materials, and costs.
How to Update Stair Treads and Risers
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner how to replace split-level stair treads in his mid-century modern home.
Stenciling Ideas for Stair Risers
Learn how to transform your staircase with stunning stencil designs and make your staircase the centerpiece of your home.
Sneak Peek: Brookline Stair Risers
At our mid-century-modern project, there’s a whole lot of climbing going on
How to Connect Stair Railing Parts
Most staircase railings come from stock pieces found at many home centers that can easily be connected by a homeowner. Tom Silva explains the best way to ensure a strong connection between each part.
How to Fix a Loose Stair Rail End Cap
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva fixes an end cap on a stair railing that keeps coming loose.
Open House | Dangerous Staircases
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva analyzes a staircase that is not to code for prospective homebuyers.
How to Build a Chippendale Railing
Kevin O’Connor and Jeff Sweenor demonstrate how to assemble and install a Chippendale railing for the Rhode Island Beach House
Add Wine Storage Under the Stairs
Use dead space under a stair case to keep wine at the ready
How To Paint Ombre Stair Risers
Painting ombre stair risers can add life and color into your stairwell. In this guide, we show you step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
Everything You Need to Know to Build Porch Stairs
This step-by-step guide will show you how to build a safe and solid set of porch steps that are more accessible for someone with mobility issues.
How to Replace a Pull-Down Attic Staircase
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva removes an old attic staircase and replaces it with a new one.
Dress Up Stair Risers With Vinyl Decals
Peel-and-stick a new look onto a tired staircase with no long-term commitment
A 1940s House Makes a Fresh Start
A simple plan to create attic play space spurs a surprising new look throughout this brick house
13 Imaginative Painted Stair Ideas
Add style, color, and impact to your staircase with these beautiful painted stair ideas.
How to Replace a Stair Railing
Need to replace or install a new staircase balustrade? In our guide and video, we share tricks for installing a new, sturdy stair railing.
How to Build Granite Porch Stairs
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to create durable, beautiful stone steps