Monday, January 02, 2006

Replacing My Rowhouse Staircase (Step 1 of ??)

When I rehabbed my Baltimore rowhouse over three years ago, one item I did not replace was the staircase. I kept the original painted pine set, with a few replacement treads at the bottom where there was serious termite damage.

My plan is to replace the treads (where you step) with oak similar to my floors, while the risers (in between the treads) and stringers (boards along the side) both clear pine, painted a glossy white.

Right now I'm in the process of gathering quotes for the materials. I have two choices - visit a home center ala Home Depot or contact a company that builds staircases and buy the materials directly. The pros and cons of each are as follows:

Home Depot -
Pros - buying power of Home Depot
Cons - one size tread (lots of waste when I cut them to size), no clear pine (no knots)

Staircase manufacturer -
Pros - cut to size, lack of waste
Cons - pricing could be on the high side

More to come - pictures as well

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