Step By Step Instructions To Demolish An Old Staircase
Stairway railings are regarded as the kind of railings that go along with the incline as well as the decline of the staircases. Handrails are only introduced to stair railings that go up and down through the stairs. Handrails are one of the most important pieces when it comes to home remodeling. When you get the feeling that the staircase becomes old, then you can demolish the old staircase and build a new one. Go through the below-mentioned steps carefully in order to demolish an old staircase:
Tools & Materials
- Sander, Drill Bits & Pliers
- Reciprocating Saw, Drill & Rag
- Cold Chisel, Hammer & Paintbrush
- Flat Pry Bar, Utility Knife & Stain
- Polyurethane & Paint
Step 1: Take Everything Off The Walls
First and foremost, you need to remove everything from the walls in order to make sure not to damage anything during the demolition process. You need to remove the posts, as well as railings first so that you can eliminate the wood plugs hiding the screws.
Step 2: Remove The Screws
Find and get rid of the screws beneath the railing going into the post. Newel post will come off first, and the balusters up to the next post get removed easily. After removing the last baluster successfully, the railing on the stairs comes out straight away.
Step 3: Use An Extension On The Drill
At the second newel post, an extension on the drill is required in order to reach the screws that hold it in place. If in case the screw head is broken off in the hole, then with the help of a reciprocating saw, cut right through it. After the second post comes out, you can now easily get rid of the remaining balusters.
Step 4: Remove The Lag Bolt & Carpet
The railing on the landing as well as the rosette comes out by eliminating the lag bolt that is secured firmly to a stud in the wall. Now, it is time for the carpet to come out. With the help of a utility knife, trim the carpet as well as some pliers in order to get a good grip. At the edge through the steps, a hammer and a cold chisel will be very helpful to get rid of the tackless strips. Keep up the steps pulling the carpet loose. You just need to get started & as soon as you get the edge going, it comes off straight away.
Step 5: Remove The Tackless Strips & The Frame
Now, take out the carpet pad as well as the tackless strips on the landing. With the help of a pry bar, you can easily get beneath the strips. You don't need to do anything with the sub-floor on the landing, due to the reason that the new hardwood flooring will go right on top of it. Eliminate the frame that the carpet secures to, through the side of the steps.
Step 6: Remove The Treads
Slip the pry bar beneath the top tread and pull it up. Getting rid of the treads is not an easy task, due to the reason that they are nailed as well as glued down. Some of the risers will get loose & come apart with the treads. The last one has to be broken, split, or burst in order to come apart.
Step 7: Stain The Treads, Railing And Newel Posts
Sand the treads, railing, as well as newel posts with the help of 220-grit sandpaper, & make sure to sand with the grain. As soon as everything is smoothly sanded over, clean them with the help of a rag. Simply soak a clean rag into the stain and apply it evenly over the wood, commencing with the treads, followed by the railing as well as newel posts.
Step 8: Paint The Risers, Balusters And Skirt Boards
Since the new risers, balusters, as well as skirt boards, need to be painted, proceed and sand and paint all of them at the time when you are in paint-and-stain mode. Also, painting many of these pieces before installing them is much easier.
Step 9: Apply A Coat Of Polyurethane
As soon as the stained parts have dried, put or spread a coat of polyurethane on them, with the help of a quality brush, and always follow the grain. Also, spread polyurethane to the treads, railing, as well as posts. Always be sure to mix the polyurethane well with a stick. Never shake the can due to the reason that it creates bubbles that you will brush onto the wood.