[[ overview of the staircase renovation ]]
This staircase is something I'm very proud of, because I [optimistically] took it on not knowing much while learning as I went. I gotta say, it turned out pretty dang good! So, use this as your inspiration and motivation to tackle your staircase, even if you barely know how to use a sander. 💪💪

 Before

After


Disclaimer: this project takes a little time and patience, but it is not hard, and actually kind of fun. I hope at the end of this you feel amped to pick up your power tools, and transform your space into something you can look at everyday and be proud of the work you did!

 I wanted to keep this project budget friendly, but not sacrifice quality and look. Therefore, I used the existing stair materials/components (treads and risers) and spent a little extra time sprucing them up. I was going for a rustic-farmhouse style look, which is based on the premise of repurposing.

Personally, all the imperfections in the wood on the treads (which is the part you step on) enhance it's beauty, and with some simple paint I can make the risers (part you may accidentally kick with your foot) look like new! For a extra cash and for a more polished look, you can buy treads/risers either unfinished (staining) or finished (already stained or painted) which definitely saves time in the prepwork. The choice is yours. However, this tutorial is going to be on refinishing the existing staircase for that rustic-farmhouse appearance!

I’m going to divide up this post into segments because there are a lot of steps (hehe 🤓). Starting with the basics: the breakdown of a staircase, to supplies to the actual process. Below is an overview. Continue scrolling down to read from the beginning (safety first) or feel free to skip to any particular segment (feelin' riskay) by clicking on the hyperlink.
Also, feel free to check out my instagram’s staircase reno highlight for all the progress videos.

  1. The Basics
    1. What are the components of a staircase? (see below)
  2. The Supplies
    1. Treads
    2. Skirtboard/Wall String(er) (optional-some stairs may have this already)
    3. Faux Shiplap Risers
    4. Wainscotting (post coming soon)
    5. Faux Beam (post coming soon)
    6. Shiplap (post coming soon)
  3. The Process
    1. Refinish Stairs: Step 1 Prep, Sand, & Stain Treads
    2. Refinish Stairs: Step 2 Skirtboard/Wall String(er) (optional-some stairs may have this already)
    3. Refinish Stairs: Step 3 Faux Shiplap Risers
    4. Wainscoting (post coming soon)
    5. Creating & Installing Faux Beam (post coming soon)
    6. Cutting & Installing Shiplap (post coming soon)

The Basics

everything you need to know without all the stuff you don't [need to worry about]


Q: What are the components of a staircase?

A: The diagram below displays the anatomy of stairs


For a complete description of each term, visit this website.

However, if you are here for refinishing an existing staircase, and don’t need to know all the nitty gritty. Here’s a few frequently referenced terms simplified below:



Tread - top part of the step, part that you step on

Nosing - the most anterior part or front tip of tread

Riser - back or posterior part of the step, what people tend to kick (scuff marks, anyone?)

Skirtboard or Wall String(er) - looks like trim/moulding that’s attached to the step (tread & riser)

Handrail - or what I call the railing

Newel - support posts

Baluster - or spindles in between the newel posts

Run - front to back, anterior to posterior

Rise - top to bottom, bottom to top




 Ready, set, let's get the supplies...





This post contains affiliate links, however all items are what I used and/or highly recommend. What's an affiliate link? Well, I earn a commission off these products (products I like and rave about :))