6 Stair Renovation Mistakes That Will Cost You

This staircase features a runner rug.

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Moving the Stairs

You’ve probably seen it done on endless HGTV series, so how hard could it be to relocate your own stairs? While it’s certainly doable, this tends to be a costly project. “Stairs are extremely expensive to move. If you can avoid relocating stairs, even if it constrains your ideal building plan, your savings will be enormous,” says Kate Ziegler, a realtor in Boston and New Hampshire. “Renovation shows will gloss over the cost and complications of relocating a staircase to achieve a dream floor plan, but the stairs are structural and integral, and are not to be taken lightly.” If you’re dead set on moving the stairs, keep the financial investment in mind.

Not Considering Safety

Do you find yourself asking family and friends to remove their shoes before entering your home? If so, you may want to put down some sort of carpeting, a runner, or textured tracks to prevent people from accidentally slipping in their socks. Before you settle on a finish, consider what will be used for your stairs as your choice could actually be a safety hazard. “High-gloss finishes for wood stairs increase durability, but also increase the risk of slipping,” says Ziegler, noting that the same goes for steel or glass stairs.

The corner of a staircase.

Photo: Su Ththi Sini Srxythxng Sukh/EyeEm/Getty Images

Messing Up Balusters

If your staircase has balusters, the short pillars or columns that provide support under a handrail, you don’t want them to appear crooked or uneven. “You are not supposed to see any nails holding the spindles in place; only a professional craftsman understands the area to support so it is not visible,” says Orellana, who adds that proper spacing between balusters is also critical. “If one is off it will throw the entire line off, and it is very noticeable.” The job should be done properly with a router, as spindles have to be recessed on the bottom of the top rail, on both the top of the finish end and on the bottom. Also be sure the balusters are painted prior to installation.

Painting Treads the Wrong Color

Stair risers, the vertical face below the treads, can take a lot of wear. If you paint them a lighter color, they will require touch ups. However, darker finishes will show lighter wood beneath when chipped or scuffed. “Select a stain or durable oil paint for those applications,” advises Ziegler.

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