How to Enhance Your Staircase

Staircases are a standout feature in the majority of homes. They are the perfect area to dress up and down, decorate for the seasons, and alter depending on your interior preferences. 

But how do you update yours without having to spend money on a whole renovation?

The team here at Wonkee Donkee have developed the perfect guide to help you enhance your staircase without breaking the bank or taking up your whole weekend. 

Keep reading for more information. If you have any questions after reading this guide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. 

It’s Nothing A Lick Of Paint Can’t Fix

It may sound simple but painting your staircase gives it a new lease of life in an instant. 

If there’s nothing wrong with any staircase parts and no signs of warping or damage, painting is the perfect option for you. 

Choose from a simple colour palette for a minimalistic feel, or go for contrasting colours to make a statement. It’s also popular to match your staircase with surrounding woodwork, like skirting boards - this creates a more uniform and continuous theme throughout the home. 

Before painting, you need to make sure your staircase is ready. The smoother your surface, the better your staircase will look and the longer it will last. 

Follow these steps for the perfectly painted staircase:

1. Remove any nails or staples 

• If there is anything left over from the previous carpet or tiles, you should remove them where you can. 

1. Smooth the surface

• Using a manual or electric sander, you can remove any old paint or uneven texture on the treads and risers. 
• Make sure to lay down dust sheets prior to any sanding to protect yourself and the surrounding areas.
• Dust or vacuum when you’ve finished to get rid of any debris.

1. Are there any gaps?

• In older staircases, it’s common to find gaps and holes throughout. 
• By using a high-quality wood filler, and some sandpaper, you can smooth down the treads and risers to guarantee a professional-looking finish. 

1. Are your stairs as clean as they can be?

• Make sure you remove any dust, debris and general dirt from your staircase using a brush or vacuum. 
• Then, use water and a mild soap or detergent before leaving to dry. This will ensure a uniform look.

1. Prime 

• Don’t underestimate the power of primer when it comes to painting. 
• Apply a thin layer of primer all over the staircase. 
• Depending on the primer you use, you may need to sand down the surface once more after application. Check usage instructions on your primer before painting on. 

1. Undercoat treads, risers and sides

• Whether you’re going for a bright colour or something more neutral, using an undercoat promises full colour that lasts. 

1. It’s time to paint 

• Take your time when it comes to painting your chosen colour.
• Apply thin coats and allow for drying time between each one to prevent streaks and marks appearing.
• Remember, you can always add more, but it's much harder to take it away. 

Top Tip: Use a sponge roller for an even application 

Yes, you can paint your staircase yourself, and it’s relatively easy to do so if you follow the steps above. 

But, if you don’t have the time, money or ability to, enlist a professional to do it for you. This way, you don’t have to buy all the individual products or tools to create the perfect finish. 

Get Your New Staircase Parts With Wonkee Donkee

If your staircase has gone beyond a lick of paint, investing in new staircase parts is a great first step. 

You can purchase the individual staircase parts you need and in most cases, you can fit them yourself. 

We stock a wide range of staircase parts here at Wonkee Donkee that are all high quality and affordable.  

From metal spindles to wall mounted handrails, our parts are made from only the highest quality materials and are guaranteed to last from year to year. 

This is the perfect opportunity to mix up the materials in your staircase. If your spindles are currently oak but are starting to warp or chip, opt for a metal spindle for contrast in design, or look into incorporating glass panels into your staircase to make the space look bigger and more modern. 

It could be as simple as switching out your newel cap. This is easy to do and can refresh your staircase in a matter of minutes. 

For more information on the staircase parts we have available, give us a call today on 01938 557733 and chat with us directly about your options. 

Add Some Texture

So your paint job is still looking fresh and the staircase parts don’t need replacing, but you still don’t like the look of them. Where do you go from here?

Adding splashes of texture throughout your staircase can instantly add an injection of personality, as well as create a point of interest. 

Carpet is a great way to do this. You can use it as a runner up the middle of the flight or completely cover it from top to bottom, for not only added warmth but also colour (and pattern). 

Personalise the surrounding walls 

A staircase isn’t just the flight itself, it’s the whole area around it. 

Enhancing your staircase can also mean painting the walls surrounding it, hanging artwork, or updating the lighting design to create a whole new atmosphere. 

These simple and affordable changes can instantly improve the look of your staircase. 

Feature walls are very popular in homes and rightly so - they make a statement, no matter the colour you choose. Paint the neighbouring wall a bright, contrasting colour if you’re feeling bold, or use a warm, cosy colour for a homely feel. 

Using family photographs or your favourite pieces of art to add colour and pattern is a simple and affordable way to add character to an area of the home that is often difficult to personalise. 

Lighting is the perfect way to revamp any room, but especially a hallway. Highlight your staircase with complimentary lighting, which accents your colour choices and staircase parts perfectly. 

Get in touch with Wonkee Donkee today!