Stair How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our stair step-by-step tips & ideas.
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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.
What to Know About Cutting Stair Stringers
Most of the work in making stair stringers—the diagonal elements that support the treads and risers—is in laying them out. Read on to learn more about the steps to take when cutting stair stringers.
How to Remove Carpet From Stairs
Removing carpet from stairs can be easily tackled in a day or over the weekend, without hiring a professional. Read on to learn easiest method for carpet removal on your staircase.
How to Refinish Worn Out Stair Treads
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to refinish stair treads.
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.
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.
Paint a Candy-Colored Staircase
A secondary staircase becomes a visual treat when painted a handful of unexpected hues
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
How to Build Porch Stairs
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva builds a safe and solid set of porch stairs.
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.
How to Replace a Stair Railing
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares some tricks for installing a new, sturdy staircase balustrade.
How to Build Granite Porch Stairs
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to create durable, beautiful stone steps
How to Repair a Wobbly Newel Post
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to stabilize an unsteady staircase post
How to Install a Stair Runner
Use a stock runner (or two) to add a splash of color and cushiony comfort to bare wood stairs.
How to Repair a Broken Wooden Stair Tread
A cracked or broken stair tread can lead to someone tripping and falling. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva reveals his quick fix for cracked wooden steps.
How to Repair a Loose Newel Post
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to bolster a wobbly post with a single screw
How to Install Decorative Stair Brackets
Turn a bland stringer into an elegant eye-catcher with shapely, decorative stari brackets—a low-cost DIY upgrade.
Installing Attic Stairs
In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to make attic stairs safe and sturdy
How to Install Pull-Down Attic Stairs
Installing a sliding staircase for a solid route to storage
How to Repair a Baluster
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva mends a busted baluster.
How to Install Attic Stairs
Step-by-step instructions to help you install folding attic stairs for easier access to your attic.
How to Add Headroom to a Stairway
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva corrects a heading-bumping staircase.
How to Install a Stair Handrail
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva installs a staircase handrail.
6 Grand Staircase Design Ideas
These staircase design ideas can transform the character of your home.
How to Fix Concrete Steps
Concrete steps are typically durable, but they can sometimes chip or breakaway near the corners. Read these steps to learn how to bring new life to damaged corners of your concrete steps.
How to Fix a Loose Newel Post
The key to a steadier handrail is at the bottom of the stairs. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to stabilize an unsteady staircase post.