Stair Refurbishment: Modern Solutions for Period Properties

Renovating your stairs can turn them into a showpiece of your home while improving its overall style. As one of the most noticeable parts of your home, the staircase contributes to how your space feels to visitors.

Safety is a top priority with stairs, but a new design can also add warmth and space to your entryway.

Checking Your Staircase Before Planning an Update

Start by assessing your staircase to see how well it matches your property as it is. If you own a listed home, consult your local planning authority before proceeding. In standard buildings, it’s important to inspect the stairs for any faults. Reflect on what you’d like to achieve—can your existing stairs manage the level of renovation you have in mind?
Review your renovation goals and whether your stairway as it stands can handle them.
Ask yourself your staircase is suitable for the changes you’re planning.
Be clear on what you want to do and whether your stairway are able to support the work.
Does your staircase have the stability needed to handle the changes?
Before moving forward, consider whether your stairs can support your renovation ideas.
Know your goals and check if your staircase can accommodate the changes.
Plan your renovation with your staircase’s overall soundness in mind.
Will your existing staircase support the design changes you’re planning?
Consider carefully your design plans—can your current stairs realistically take the upgrade?

Traditional homes with timber stairs can often be brought back to life with DIY efforts, such as swapping out steps or fitting a modern or period-style balustrade.
Traditional houses with wooden staircases can often be refreshed through DIY projects like new treads or balustrades.
You can give timber stairs in older properties a fresh look by replacing treads or fitting a new balustrade.
Simple DIY upgrades like swapping out treads or adding a stylish balustrade can enhance period staircases.
Traditional wooden staircases often benefit from basic improvements like tread replacement or new handrails.
Many traditional stairways can be enhanced with DIY projects, especially by updating the treads or banisters.
Wooden staircases in older houses often benefit from basic improvements like adding a new handrail.
Upgrading damaged stairs or adding a new balustrade can help refresh a traditional stairway.
If you have a wooden staircase in an older home, some DIY work may be all it takes to bring it back to life.
Basic updates like renewing worn boards or fitting a balustrade can modernise or restore a wooden staircase in a heritage house. For a complete overhaul, it’s advisable to talk to a pro early on, considering the pros and cons of rebuilding entirely versus restoring the existing staircase.
If you're planning a total redesign, talk to someone experienced early to understand the difference between starting fresh and refurbishment.
Significant updates to your staircase should start with guidance from a specialist to understand costs and possible outcomes.
When considering a full staircase update, a specialist can help you choose whether to start fresh or upgrade.
Before you begin a total staircase makeover, get a pro's opinion on whether to tear down and replace or work with the current setup.
A full staircase transformation should involve specialist advice to compare the pros and cons of each option.
Talking to a staircase expert early can help you make the right call between starting over or refurbishing.
If a total renovation is on the table, review the time and effort involved with help from a staircase expert.
For significant upgrades, it’s best to get advice from someone experienced in both renovation and reconstruction.
Plan carefully for a total overhaul by get advice from an expert and considering both routes.

What You Need to Know About Staircase Building Regulations

Whatever updates you're considering to your stairs, review the building regulations before you get going. If you're changing elements with the same style, you might not need to follow today’s building standards—especially in historic buildings.

However, if modifying the main shape of the staircase, you must adhere to Part K of the Building Regulations, which covers:
If you’re adjusting the framework of your stairs, you’ll need to comply with Part K of the Building Regulations.
Making major modifications to your staircase design means you must comply with Part K of the building rules.
Changing the staircase’s form or alignment requires you to meet the standards set in Part K of the official rules.
If your renovation includes design modifications, you’re legally required to adhere to Part K building rules.
Redesigning the form or layout of your staircase means it must follow the rules in Part K.
Part K of the Building Regulations applies when you make any structural updates to your staircase layout.
Changing the entire layout of your stairs will mean adhering to strict rules under Part K.
Big changes to your staircase will need to meet the legal requirements set out in Part K.
You must stick to Part K standards if you’re changing how your staircase is laid out.
If your project involves changing the shape or layout of your stairs, Part K regulations will be enforced.

• To meet regulations, your steps should not be less than 220mm in horizontal depth.


• Stair risers must be no taller than 220mm to stay within the approved range.


• Keep nosings within the allowed depth and make sure each tread sits evenly.


• Make sure your stairs have a clear height of 2 metres, as 1.8 metres is allowed for stairs leading to lofts.


• To comply, gapped staircases must not allow a 100mm ball to pass through any space.

Before starting a project, get in touch with your building control team or a qualified expert for local advice.

Renovating an Original Stairway

Older staircases often have faults like noisy treads and loose balustrades. Reinforcing a shaky balustrade might involve glue, fixings, or fitting a secondary stringer. Loose joints and ageing wood are common reasons for creaks, and in some cases, full replacement might be necessary. Trimming a heavy newel post is an option for creating extra room, as long as the stair's structure is secure.

Giving Your Staircase a Stylish Update

Adding a soft covering, painting, or updating stair parts can be enough to transform your staircase. If your stairs are carpeted, removing the covering may reveal wooden boards underneath that can be sanded and refinished.

Don’t sand painted surfaces without testing for lead content—safety should always come as a priority. If the stairs are hidden beneath boards, inspect what’s beneath. Wood that’s been exposed can be painted, while old trims might need extra attention.

When to Choose Replacement Over Repair for Your Stairs

A new staircase might be the better option if your current one needs costly repairs. Removing and rebuilding the same type of staircase is quick—changing the design isn’t. Getting input from a structural engineer is essential when making any structural alterations.

Choosing the Best Stair Configuration

You’ll find plenty of staircase styles to suit your taste, including floating, spiral, and freestanding types. Exposed-back stairs can be unsuitable for young kids, so more secure options like closed risers and shallow steps may be better. An expert survey will guide you to the right layout. Reworking a staircase can disrupt the layout—talk to a specialist for practical placement.

Managing the Expenses of a Staircase Project

Shop around and ask for itemised quotes so you know exactly what you’re getting. DIY can be a low-cost option, but you’ll need to budget for everything needed from start to finish.

Bringing Your Stair Railing Up to Date

Narrow staircases (less than one metre) only need a handrail on one side, but wider ones require handrails on both. Glass, metal, and wood are all widely chosen for revamping stair balustrades.

Toughened glass creates a clean look and opens up the area, though the final cost depends on the choice of fixings.

Designing Stairs That Complement the Rest of Your Space

Think about whether your staircase should match the rest of your home or bring contrast. Modern homes often feature dark stair frames with metal framing, while light wood features suit neutral tones.

A timber rail that complements the doors can bring unity to your space, with metallic detailing adding a contemporary accent.

Under-Stair Storage and Design Ideas

1. Turning under-stair space into a cloakroom is a clever design idea—contact a plumber for installation guidance.


2. Built-in pull-outs and hanging space beneath the stairs help keep spaces neat and organised.


3. Use the under-stair area to create a wine feature—add lights for visual drama.


4. Create an Under-Stair Workspace – Install a custom-built desk with shelves, with a neat sliding door finish.
   Transform the space into a compact work area with smart shelving and desk integration.
   Use the area for a compact office setup—add shelving and sliding doors to keep it neat.
   A clever desk-and-shelf setup here under the stairs makes a great neat office nook.
   Fit a made-to-measure desk area under the stairs, complete with panel doors to hide the space.
   Create a hidden desk setup by installing a fitted workspace with concealed doors.
   Add a made-to-measure desk and shelves to make a functional under-stair office.
   Design a smart workstation with bespoke joinery and add a closing panel system.
   A built-in office nook under the stairs is perfect for working from home.
   Use bespoke joinery to build an efficient home office setup with concealed access.
   Turn an empty under-stair area into a home office with a concealed working area.


5. Extend your kitchen by blending the under-stair space into the layout.

Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Staircase

Lighting your stairs well adds both safety and a polished look. Here are some ideas to get started:

• Lighting recessed into the stairs provides a clean, minimalist lighting solution.


• Wall lights placed near the steps provide safe lighting with minimal glare.


• Lighting from above ensures the entire staircase is well-lit and safe.

The best stair lighting lights the way without clashing with your design.

Finally:

A smartly designed staircase upgrade can boost both your home's look and how it works day to day. Whether it’s a full rebuild or a light makeover, choosing the right approach keeps your staircase looking good and working well.