Renovation work doesn’t need to be difficult. Simply updating and replacing a selection of your stair parts can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your hallway – without breaking the budget.
It’s worth nothing that with older stairs that were constructed before modern building regulations, you might find yourself experiencing issues with the structure and safety. If that’s the case, we’d recommend enlisting the help of a local joiner or carpenter for professional advice.
Understanding stair parts
Newel cap
The decorative feature that sits on top of the newel post.
Newel post
Newel posts provide structural support to your stairs and handrail at each end of a flight. Despite being a practical addition, they can also be designed to enhance the overall look of your stairs.
Handrail
Your handrail can be connected to the tops of your spindles but can also be attached to the wall as a standalone fitting. It provides support to the guarding and gives stability for people to hold onto.
Spindle/Baluster
Forming the guarding for the side of your stairs, spindles and balusters are an essential safety feature. Spindles are often decorative, whereas balusters are commonly plain and square.
Baserail
While not necessarily something you immediately think of when renovating your stairs, the baserail is actually a highly important piece of the design process. It is an essential safety feature and ensures your spindles are held securely.
String
The string is the wide board on the side of the stairs that the treads and risers are connected to. It can either be closed or cut/open, creating an impressive design feature.
Riser
Risers are the upright section that connect and support the treads. They can be closed or open.
Tread
As the flat section of the stair that you step on, treads are a highly important element of the design process.
Replacing your stair parts
Handrail
Depending on the style of your existing staircase, replacing the handrail is possibly all it could take to freshen up the design. At Multi-Turn, we stock everything from our best-selling JHR handrail to the minimalistic Mopstick style. All are available in a selection of different materials and varying lengths.
Newels
We have a wide selection of newels available on our online shop, all of which are available in varying lengths. If you’re after something a little more unique, or maybe you want to reproduce to match your existing newels, get in touch with our team who can talk you through our bespoke turning options.
Spindles
Spindles are a prominent and crucial design feature, adding both practicality and style to your stairs. There are plenty of designs and finishes to choose from when it comes to replacing them, including twisted metal, square stainless steel and chamfered timber. You’ll find a breakdown of all your options in our previous blog.
Treads
Damage to treads is rare, but in the case where yours aren’t up-to-scratch anymore, we have a range of options to suit if you need to replace them. An alternative way of sprucing up your treads without the hassle is by adding carpet or a stair runner.
Finishing options
To give your new stair parts the desired finish, there are plenty of options to add style and protection. Finishes can also enable you to match your stairs to your flooring, or even other furniture in your home. Talk to our team if you would like any recommendations.
Varnishes apply a thin, glossy layer of protection to the timber. High-quality options will typically last for many years.
Lacquers are fairly similar to varnishes in that they add surface-level protection. They are available in matt or gloss finishes and can be clear or coloured.
Oil finishes can penetrate into the grain of the timber before it hardens, giving it a unique and rustic appearance.
Ready to take the next step? If you’d like a little advice with a fresh pair of eyes, get in touch with our team on 01962 712299. We’ll be happy to help!