Modernize Your Staircase: Easy Upgrade Tips

Have you ever just looked at your staircase and realized it needs an upgrade? If so, before you start researching flooring contractors near me, you’ll need a sense of direction as to what you’d like done first. For instance, are you looking just to change the colour, or perhaps you’d rather swap out the balusters? 

That’s what this article is all about: we hope to provide you with design inspiration and direction on how best to update your staircase.

Once you have a clear picture of what you’d like to update, then you can determine if you need a professional flooring contractor to help bring your vision to life! But before you reach that point, we’ll streamline the process and break down the three steps you need to take before the renovation begins!

Step 1: Where To Start

Before you can get creative with design, you need to ask yourself two questions:

• Which part of the stairs is bugging me, such as the treads, balusters, or handrails? 

The idea is to zero in on the area you’d like to renovate. For instance, if the treads are squeaky, worn, and in need of an overhaul, you can start researching tread renovation ideas on the Brothers Flooring website or other design sites, such as Houzz.

• What’s my budget?

Once you know which area you’d like to renovate, it’s time to set a budget. If you’re not sure how much a renovation will cost, you can search online or call the Brothers Flooring or another flooring contractor near you to collect quotes.

Step 2: Design Ideas

Once you’ve answered both questions, it’s time to envision your end project. It’s essential to know how you’d like to update your staircase because you may need to relay this to your flooring contractor, as they can’t deliver the results you want without knowing your vision. 

The best way to discover your staircase vision is to browse design sites, like Houzz, for inspiration. You can also check out the Brothers Flooring on social media and browse our wide variety of pictures to find something that resonates with you!

Here are simple, yet effective ways to modernize your staircase.

Just Add Colour

If you’re looking for a DIY project that doesn’t break the bank, then a simple way to modernize your stairs is by changing the colour. This could mean painting the walls, treads, balusters, risers, or railings. Most homeowners rely on neutral colours for their stairs as they are timeless choices. However, you can still incorporate neutrals and add interest by using black on the railings and white on the risers.

It’s All About The Little Extras

If your budget is quite limited and hiring a professional flooring contractor near you is out of the question, you can still tweak the look of your stairs with minimal effort with any of these tricks.

• If you have a lot of space on your stairs, consider adding hanging plants.
• If your staircase is dark, consider adding lights, such as strip lighting. Not only will this draw attention, but it’s also a practical upgrade!
• Change the newel post cap with something more modern.
• Try wallpaper to add visual interest.

Add A Runner

If your budget has some flexibility, you can always add a runner. Runners are also practical as they provide traction on wooden stairs. In addition, homeowners can colour match the runner with the staircase wood or make the runner pop with bold patterns or colours; the choice is yours! Lastly, you can either install a self-adhesive runner yourself or hire a flooring contractor near you to tack down a runner for you!

Swap The Railings Or Balusters

Homeowners can also update their railings or balusters with newer, trendier options, like black metal balusters. Replacing your old hardware with a new style will instantly refresh your staircase. Homeowners with some DIY experience can install new railings or balusters, but if this sounds too complicated, consider searching for flooring contractors near you to find a professional who can do it for you!

Refinish The Treads

Finally, if your staircase problem area is the treads because they’re squeaking or looking rough, then it’s not advisable to just tack on a runner to hide the problem. Instead, it’s time to contact a flooring professional as imperfect treads require refinishing. Of course, if you’re bringing in a flooring contractor, they can do more than just sand and refinish your treads; they can also modernize your stairs by restaining them! Or you can repaint refinished treads yourself.

Step 3: DIY Or Hire A Flooring Contractor

Not every staircase renovation is a DIY project; some are more difficult and thus are better suited to a professional. Utilizing a contractor is necessary when you’re refinishing the treads, tacking down runners, or swapping out balusters or railings; otherwise, there are many DIY-friendly ways to update your stairs, like adding lighting.

Before you begin your renovation, if you’re using a contractor, make sure you budget for it and interview contractors to ensure you hire the right person for the job. Remember, most reputable flooring contractors, like the Brothers Flooring, offer free consultations, so take advantage of this feature and ask questions!

Modernize Your Staircase

If you’re ready to update your staircase, set a budget, determine which part of the stairs needs renovating, and then locate a flooring contractor near you if your project requires professional support. 

Of course, you can also call us, the Brothers Flooring, for a free consultation with any staircase-related questions, or check out our website for more information or design inspiration!