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Removing wallpaper from a stairwell

19 years ago

Hi all,

Having finished removing the wallpaper in my front hallway I now have to do the same in the stairwell. Any suggestions or thoughts as how in the @%@@#$% I can get up there?

Thanks

Featured Answer

Joe_Kuhl

19 years ago

Take a six foot step ladder and place it on one of the stairs high enough so that the ladder can rest on the railing on the second floor. (As you are walking up the stairs the ladder would be leaning behind you) Then cut a 2 x 12 to length to rest on the ladder rung and a stair on the same level across the opening. This may get you to the height you need. If not you can build it up higher on the stair side and raise it another rung. I would definately have somebody else there to help steady it though and work very slowly and carefully.

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Comments (6)

lobsterbird
19 years ago
You can rent scaffolding that can be set up in a stairwell. It would definitely be worth it if you have a large area and many layers of paper to remove.

The configuration of our stairwell was too small for this type of scaffolding, so we had to run boards across the second floor opening. I'm not sure how to explain this. We used three boards that were about 10 feet long and one end rested on the floor at the top of the steps and the other ends ran through the railings directly on the opposite side. You could nail a piece of plywood on top of the boards to make a continuous flat surface to stand on.

I sat on the stairs to remove paper from the wall on the first floor, and then went to the second floor and stood on top of the boards to access the wall at that level.
Carol_from_ny
19 years ago
I've got the same situation. Wallpapered stairwell. I know it's going to take some creative work to get the height I need to reach the paper I want to remove.
One thing I do know when I get to that project there will be at least one other body in this house capable of calling 911 if I should need it.
However you figure it out it's a dangerous job and one you should take every precaution in doing.
Once the paper comes down on this stairwell it's NOT going back up! I'll be painting a mural. I like extensions poles for rollers and brushes much better than scaffolding and steamers.
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housekeeping
19 years ago
There is a great articulated ladder that folds (and locks) in 1/4 length sections. You can have it bend in up to 3 right angles. I've found it very handy for creating "scaffolding" on stairs. You can buy them at HD and Lowes (as well as hardware stores). I particularly like it because when you're not taking advantage of it's foldi-ness, it works as a straight ladder as well. Stores, folded up, in a compact space as well.

I second the 911-caller on watch plan, as well. We try never to be more than a few feet in the air without a sidekick to summon help, or at least to come and laugh at the pratfall.
redhouse
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks for the ideas. Housekeeping, I just got one of those bad boys and will give it a try.
housekeeping
19 years ago
Redhouse,

Those ladders *are* bad boys. When I don't use them regularly I always utter a few cuss words before I get the the detents opened up correctly and get the ladder up in the right place without too many pinched fingers! Good luck with it!

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