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Renovating an existing staircase with wood does not necessarily mean replacing the entire staircase. Depending on the construction and condition, existing wooden steps can be refurbished, individual steps can be replaced, or existing staircases can be covered with new wooden steps.
Before a staircase renovation with wood, the condition and dimensions of the staircase, the additional installation height, the subfloor, and the final method of attachment must be taken into account.
Renovating a staircase with wood – what are the options?
Which type of renovation is suitable depends primarily on the condition of the existing staircase. Basically, there are several options:
- Refurbish wooden steps: If the existing steps are still suitable, worn surfaces can be sanded down and retreated.
- Covering an existing staircase with wood: New treads can be mounted on a suitable construction.
- Replacing individual steps: For localized damage, a partial replacement may be considered.
- Comprehensive renovation: If the structure or safety-relevant components are affected, a new wood overlay alone is not sufficient.
In the case of structural damage, the staircase should be professionally assessed before renovation.
Which existing staircases can be renovated with wood?
In the case of a concrete staircase, new wooden steps can generally be mounted on the existing construction if the subfloor and installation setup are suitable. Unevenness, existing height differences, and the additional installation height must be taken into account before cutting.
For an existing wooden staircase, it should first be checked whether the existing steps can still be refurbished. If new steps are required, their dimensions and material thickness must match the existing structure.
Staircases with tiles or other old floor coverings can also generally be covered. An existing tiled surface does not necessarily have to be removed. If the tile layer is solid, level, and suitable for the planned installation, it can potentially remain. Loose, damaged, or hollow-sounding tiles must be taken into account accordingly. Furthermore, any additional structure increases the step height.
For open or closed staircases, visible undersides, risers, stringers, and side connections must additionally be included in the planning.
If existing treads need to be replaced or newly covered, you will find oak stair tread panels at Gunreben for further processing according to the required dimensions.
Which wooden steps are suitable for renovation?
Specially intended wooden panels can be used for new solid treads. At Gunreben, 40 mm European oak A/B stair tread panels with continuous staves are available, among other options.
Not every general glued laminated panel is automatically intended for use as a stair tread. The decisive factor is whether the design and dimensions are suitable for the intended use and the respective staircase construction.
Further information on thicker solid wood panels can be found in the guide Glued laminated panel 40 mm: For which projects is this thickness useful?. For other applications in furniture and interior construction, you will also find our glued laminated panels.
Measuring staircases correctly and considering installation height
Taking measurements is one of the most important steps before ordering or manufacturing new stair treads. Especially with older staircases, one should not assume that all steps have identical dimensions.
Particularly important are:
- Width and tread depth of each step,
- existing step height,
- leading edge or planned overhang,
- thickness of the new structure,
- side wall and stringer connections,
- bottom and top connection height.
For winder or irregular steps, templates or professional measurements may be useful.
The installation height deserves special attention: If material is added to an existing step, its tread surface rises. If the middle steps are raised uniformly, their spacing remains largely comparable. However, the transition from the lower floor to the first step and the connection of the last step to the upper floor can be critical.
The entire staircase should therefore be considered from the bottom to the top floor connection. Adjacent floor coverings, stringers, landings, and railings can also be relevant for planning.
Preparing the subfloor and fastening wooden steps
Before installation, the subfloor must be sufficiently load-bearing and suitable for the planned structure. Unevenness, loose areas, and unsuitable old floor coverings should be addressed before fastening.
With existing tiles, gluing is not generally ruled out. If the tiles are solid, level, and prepared accordingly, a suitable adhesive system may be an option. Whether it is possible to glue directly onto existing tiles depends on the subfloor and the approval of the adhesive system used.
Depending on the staircase construction, screws, structural fasteners, or combinations of different methods can also be used. The respective product-specific processing specifications must be observed.
Since wood reacts to changes in ambient humidity with dimensional changes, connections and joints should also be considered in the design.
Planning the surface of the wooden steps
For raw stair treads, the subsequent surface treatment should be planned before installation. Depending on the desired finish, this could include sanding as well as treatment with a suitable oil or lacquer system.
Which work is carried out before or after installation depends on the construction and accessibility. The specifications of the product used apply to processing as well as drying and curing times.
Typical mistakes during staircase renovation
- Installation height not fully considered: This can lead to unfavorable height ratios, especially on the first and last steps.
- Assuming identical dimensions for all steps: Existing staircases can vary between individual steps.
- Reworking old floor coverings without inspection: The strength, levelness, and suitability of the existing subfloor must match the new structure.
- Connections planned too late: Walls, stringers, risers, railings, as well as top and bottom floor connections should be part of the measurement process.
- Structural damage covered up: New wooden steps do not replace the necessary repairs to the existing staircase.
Renovate yourself or hire a specialist company?
For straight steps, a suitable subfloor, and relevant experience, individual tasks can be carried out by experienced DIYers. Accurate measurement and a reliable assessment of the existing structure are prerequisites.
In the case of structural damage, severely uneven or geometrically complex staircases, as well as changes to railings or staircase geometry, a specialist company is recommended.
Carefully planning staircase renovation with wood
When renovating an existing staircase with wood, it should first be determined whether existing steps can be refurbished or if new treads are required. This is followed by measuring, checking the installation height, preparing the subfloor, and determining the fastening method.
For new solid treads, you will find a selection of solid oak stair tread panels at Gunreben.