An independent magazine about staircases in the home. Not a manufacturer or a shop, and not connected with the former site on this domain; we neither make nor sell staircases. Design and installation of load-bearing stairs is for professionals only.
Care
A staircase works every day: people walk it in outdoor shoes and barefoot, bump it with bags, and children and pets run up and down it. Regular care preserves not only the look of the treads but also safety: worn edges, a loose handrail and a dead bulb above the flight are more dangerous than they seem. Below are tips by material and a checklist for a seasonal inspection.
A wobbly handrail won't tighten itself. The sooner you notice the play, the easier and cheaper it is to fix, and the less likely it is to let you down at the worst possible moment.
How this section works: we give general advice on caring for common staircase materials. Products and how often to renew a finish are specified by the manufacturer, so check the instructions. Repairs to load-bearing parts, fixings and balustrades are carried out by professionals.
Six types of surface most commonly found on staircases.
Remove dust and grit with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush: they act as an abrasive and wear the lacquer away. Clean the treads with a slightly damp, well-wrung cloth, without excess water. When the tread edges start to look pale, it's time to think about refreshing the finish.
Oiled wood is cared for with products compatible with the oil, and waxed wood with dedicated wax products. These finishes are easy to touch up in places without redoing the whole staircase. How often to renew them depends on wear and the manufacturer's instructions.
Wipe metal stringers, posts and handrails with a damp cloth and dry them off. Keep an eye on chips in the coating: that is where corrosion starts. Small chips are touched up with the product recommended by the coating manufacturer.
Clean with neutral products: acidic cleaners can damage the surface of some stones. Stone sealers are renewed according to the instructions. If the steps have become slippery, discuss an anti-slip treatment or inserts with a professional.
Wipe glass balustrade panels with a soft cloth and glass cleaner, and don't use abrasives. Check the fixings while you're at it: if a panel wobbles or the glass is chipped, call a professional and don't lean on that spot.
Stair pads soften your step and reduce slipping, but they need attention too. Vacuum them regularly and check that they are firmly stuck down: a lifted edge on a stair pad is a direct route to a fall.
Solid wood, laminated panels, metal, concrete and stone, glass balustrades and tread finishes, in general terms. The article catalogue lives here too.
What comes in handy for staircase care and small repairs, with no brands, plus protective gear.
Answers about the magazine, choosing and designing a staircase, safety and care.
Information about staircases is given in general terms, based on works on architectural history, encyclopedic sources, manufacturers' technical documentation for finishing materials and EMERCOM of Russia safety leaflets. The specific requirements for the staircase in your home are set by building codes and your designer, and the care of a finish by the manufacturer's instructions.