Dear Alice | Staircases

This week’s episode is all about everything staircases! There’s so many things that go into creating the grandest of staircases; they’re truly something to boast in your home so you have to make sure you’re doing it right! This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

An old staircase can really date a home- don’t try to rescue it if you don’t love it; tear it out and do it right. The anatomy of a staircase includes; balusters, treads, and handrails.

Treads are the spot you step on. End caps on them are an eyesore so make sure to do solid wood tread with a carpeted runner over them. Surge the sides and bottoms and use stair runner rods to feel really expensive and tailored. If you have a curved staircase, stay away from any geometric patterns and lines so it doesn’t end up looking goofy. If you are choosing between wooden or carpeted staircases, choose wood and save up for the runner which generally tend to be $1,400-$3,500. Use an engineered wood floor and leave 4-6 inches of wood on each side of your runner to really make the most of it.

Dramatic newel posts aren’t as important anymore- balusters are taking over and are more graceful. There are so many options to use for balustrades that’ll instantly give your home so much personality - iron is trending (use natural and not powder coated) but wood can be so charming. You can go custom or look at different pre-manufactured ones but as long as you keep them refined and timeless, you’ll be good to go.

We’ll do paneled handrail and almost always take out a pony wall if there is one. If you’re going to keep it, you should panel it or chop it down- it closes off your home and make it feel cold.

Wood handrail mixed with iron rails are find to do; you can mix or go all in on one material although of course using all one looks more uniform.

To finish it all off, we will do paneling and put sconces on the wall along the staircase to make it feel really regal!

The balusters and runners are most important so make sure you’re doing those right! Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com