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Remodeling Design Dilemma

Stair railing advice

last month

I will be removing the carpet on the stairs so that the treads match the flooring, kickbacks will be white. I want to replace/update the railings/balusters/posts but I'm not sure on style and or color. Any suggestions on what would look best?? For reference, Florida home.

Featured Answer

kandrewspa

last month

Like Lyn said, there's a good chance you will have to buy treads to change the stairs to wood. Usually if stairs are carpeted there is just plywood subfloor under the carpet. Treads are surprisingly expensive, so be sure to understand the scope of the project before starting. Stair railings are also expensive, so prepare yourself for sticker shock if you change them. You haven't shown us enough of your home for us to know what your style is, so I don't know what to suggest for the railings. If the style fits the house you might be better leaving well enough alone. It looks like your interior doors are traditional style. Are you going to change them after you change the stair rails? It's easy to start with one small project that cascades because it makes other elements look wrong.

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Comments (7)

PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
last month
By "Florida home" do you mean Spanish style? If so, the balusters are a good match. If you wanted to update the railings, I'd update the newel posts to something simpler.

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lmlaw01
Original Author
last month
In Florida home I'm just referencing location. What color would you suggest? I don't like the current shade of brown, was thinking of going darker or maybe white.
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Be sure to sell or give away that beautiful old railing and not throw it on a heap. I happen to like it. But indeed, it might look better in black. The railing you have posted instead gave me some shudders. Quite a contrary style and not one I'd welcome in my home. Way too modern for a ranch home, is what comes to my mind. If you are really going to get a new railing, I like the one Judy proposed, although I wouldn't want it in white at your place. Perhaps in black and the railing that matches the wood of the stairs? Or maybe something like this?
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Lyn Nielson
last month
I'd prime and paint the wood and leave the metal spindles as is.

are you certain the wood is good under the carpet? it is often not when the choice of carpet.
lmlaw01 thanked Lyn Nielson
lmlaw01
Original Author
last month
We don't have wood under the stairs, we are installing vinal flooring. We will not be changing anything else, just focusing on stairs. The house is mainly coastal style, if we go with painting/staining what color?
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BeverlyFLADeziner
last month
Options for railings

This white pipe railing is the most contemporary posted.
Boxerpal
last month
I agree white makes me think of coastal.

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