| Subject | Date Asked |
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| wrouht iron balustrade | 11/12/2009 |
Q: I am remodeling my house and want to replace the wooded railings/balustrade with wrought iron ...
A: Sorry, unless I saw the image myself I could not direct you. The company with the most available ...
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| Removing a staircase | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I read your answer to a question 7/4/2008 on removing a staircase in a Victorian home. I am ...
A: Livia, I don't see why it cannot be done. There won't be any heavy machinery, just your basic ...
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| Refinishing oak balusters and hand rails | 10/12/2009 |
Q: We are planning on refinishing are stair railings we would like to stain the handrail(dark mahogany) ...
A: Odds are your stair was finished with a laquer based product. I would recommend using a pigmented ...
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| Refinish or Replace Oak Railing | 9/11/2009 |
Q: We have circa 1980s oak staircase. We are planning to replace the oak balusters with wrought iron, ...
A: I would keep the L-Brackets and use with the oak treads only because of the strength. There are two ...
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| Refinish or Replace Oak Railing | 9/10/2009 |
Q: We have circa 1980s oak staircase. We are planning to replace the oak balusters with wrought iron, ...
A: If I were in your shoes, I would try and keep my existing newel posts and handrails. It sounds like ...
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| spot on furniture | 9/3/2009 |
Q: I thoughtlessly sat a bottle of rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol on an antique table. It left a white ...
A: I am sorry to hear that! First I would use an oil based matching stain such as Old English scratch ...
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| Handrail (banister) | 8/16/2009 |
Q: I am making an oak banister. I cut up five pieces to make this banister. I do not know how or the ...
A: The most common connection is with a railbolt kit. This is a 3-1/2" hangerbolt with a machine ...
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| Suspended Shoe Rail on Balcony Railing | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I am replacing on old iron railing that was not up to code with wooden balustrade. The length of ...
A: Mike, I wouldn't install a post in the middle if at all possible. In such a short section it could ...
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| pin-top baluster installation | 8/1/2009 |
Q: I can find lots of descriptions for installing balusters for post-to-post systems, but nothing on ...
A: Ken, You'll find, once the baluster is trimmed, the "misalignment" is not an issue, nor is it ...
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| pin-top baluster installation | 7/31/2009 |
Q: I can find lots of descriptions for installing balusters for post-to-post systems, but nothing on ...
A: Ken, The answer is easy. In staircase or balustrade is pretty basic and simple. First, the newels ...
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| Painting balusters and skirtin | 7/29/2009 |
Q: I have a builder's basic staircase that I am having the treads and risers capped in maple. The ...
A: AJ, Sorry to take so long as I've been on vacation this week. Are the balusters lacquered or ...
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| Existing attachment of balusters to stairs. | 6/12/2009 |
Q: We just removed carpeting on our stairs and had them refinished. I plan to keep the existing railing ...
A: One option, if workable, is iron shoes. These are frequently in use for steel/iron/metal ...
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| stair case stripping | 5/21/2009 |
Q: We just completed our newly constructed home with an all oak staircase. The first 5 steps were ...
A: If I was in your position, I would do one of two options: 1. Strip and restain the treads. The ...
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| repairing the corner of a stair tread | 4/8/2009 |
Q: Our dog chewed the edge of our oak stair. How do I repair? Do I sand and make it a rounded edge? ...
A: Lori, Stair treads are generally round in the first place. If you have an orbital sander or a belt ...
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| removing a stair case | 4/2/2009 |
Q: I would like to remove a staircase that comes from a bedroom upstairs and into the kitchen. Then I ...
A: In removing the stairs, is that leaving a hole (4ft x 4ft as an example) that needs to be filled? ...
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| Iron baluster repair | 3/31/2009 |
Q: We have iron balusters installed along a second story catwalk. There are caps covering the bottoms ...
A: Monica, You actually have two options: 1. Construction adhesive is probably the best choice in a ...
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| oak to wrought iron staircase | 3/9/2009 |
Q: I currently have oak handrail & pickets. I want to replace with wrought iron. I have carpet and plan ...
A: If you are going with wrought iron rail and balusters, you would want to remove the entire system to ...
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| Desk - front edge cracked off, poorly repaired | 2/15/2009 |
Q: I bought an old pine desk where the top surface, front edge (about 4") had cracked off in 3, long ...
A: Jackie, Is there any way that you can email me a photo of your problem? Visually regarding this ...
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| paint wooden balusters? | 2/2/2009 |
Q: i really want to replace my white wooden balusters w/iron or hollow iron balusters but the quotes ...
A: Usually to install 46 iron balusters would take an average carpenter about one business day or 8 ...
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| Kitchen Cabinets | 1/4/2009 |
Q: My son has just closed on a house that wasn't quite finished before the "flipper" ran out of steam. ...
A: I am not a painter (stair builder by trade), but I would generally lacquer if possible any stair or ...
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| Varnishing a table | 12/9/2008 |
Q: I have read a previous question regarding varnishing a dining room table where you mention that you ...
A: Matthew, A roller is the last thing I would use, as it creates/dries with bubbles and a roughness ...
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| installing stair balusters | 12/4/2008 |
Q: This is a pretty simple question....I would like to know who I should contact to install wood ...
A: Three companies/installers that I know that cover Southern California are (From San Diego north to ...
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| installing stair balusters | 11/27/2008 |
Q: This is a pretty simple question....I would like to know who I should contact to install wood ...
A: One of the best sources for qualified contractors would be through you local home builder associated ...
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| refinish wood stairs/riser stain different than tread | 10/27/2008 |
Q: We are had our carpet removed on 1st and second floors and stairs. The wood floors and the treads ...
A: Eleanor, Most builders would simply paint the risers and the skirt, giving the painted balusters a ...
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| staining stairs | 9/14/2008 |
Q: Yesterday we had two sets of oak stairs installed in our split foyer. I was planning to use a gel ...
A: Liquid stain I would assume would be like Minwax or Watco? Yes, they are much easier to apply than ...
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| Spiral stairs | 9/12/2008 |
Q: We are building a rustic cabin with a small loft, nothing remotely fancy. Floor space is limited so ...
A: Ellen, I don't see any problem with using a 24" X 10" tread for loft access in a spiral or circular ...
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| refinishing old staircase | 8/25/2008 |
Q: My husband and I bought a 1917 two story home last year and have been trying to bring it back to its ...
A: Michelle, Sorry for taking so long to answer as I've not had access to a computer for some time. ...
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| replacing metal balusters with different metal balusters | 7/30/2008 |
Q: I have a metal stair railing -- brass handrail, metal balusters. I want to keep the brass handrail ...
A: Judy, It would be easier to buy already made balusters and have them welded to the handrail. You ...
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| refinish a staircase | 7/27/2008 |
Q: We purchased a house with carpet on the staircase. When we removed the carpeting, we found partially ...
A: It involves a little bit of work, but it can be done. You would need a belt sander (with 100 grit ...
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| Remove a stair case | 7/12/2008 |
Q: We have an old Victorian with a set of central stairs, but there is also a set of stairs that lead ...
A: Saundra, If you are removing the step and not reinstalling, should be pretty simple. Do you have ...
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| Remove a stair case | 7/9/2008 |
Q: We have an old Victorian with a set of central stairs, but there is also a set of stairs that lead ...
A: Generally the treads and risers are removed to install the new. You want to install these so that ...
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| stair baluster replacing? | 7/7/2008 |
Q: i will have wood balusters in my new home, and want to get the iron ones, but they are charging ...
A: You may wish to use a primed or poplar pin top 1-1/4" wood baluster in the wait. Primed is the ...
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| stair baluster replacing? | 7/6/2008 |
Q: i will have wood balusters in my new home, and want to get the iron ones, but they are charging ...
A: $2700 seems rather steep unless you are using a lot of Iron. The balusters are the very last item ...
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| staining stairs to match kitchen | 6/27/2008 |
Q: I realize with the different wood, you cannot get an exact match, but is it possible to stain the ...
A: Oak is one of the easiest woods to stain and match tones and highlights of other woods. Your best ...
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| bleaching cabinets | 6/25/2008 |
Q: I read your tip on bleaching cabinets with June wood bleach. What's the best way to bleach the ...
A: When it comes to cabinet boxes, I'm not sure of any other way around bleaching without making some ...
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| removing black stains from pine treads | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I recently removed carpenting from my stairs (pine) that were installed when I first bought my new ...
A: The wood bleach, if it is the Sherwin Williams brand, is all that I've used and was great to work ...
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| 70's railings | 6/17/2008 |
Q: We just purchased our first home which was built in the mid Seventies. It's a 6 level side split ...
A: Removing handrail should not be a problem, regardless of the circumstance. Generally, in the 70's, ...
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| new stair case | 6/12/2008 |
Q: i just purchased a new home and the stair case is natural finish. i would like to remove the finish ...
A: You have two options: 1. Sanding and then staining. The current finish seals the would and would ...
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| Re-stain & re-finish | 6/10/2008 |
Q: We have bleached oak staircase. I wanted to re-stain the staircase, spindles etc in the same color ...
A: Alka, The best way for a match is to take a pre-stained sample to a paint store such as ...
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| Metal Staircase Railing | 5/21/2008 |
Q: We are closing escrow on a "fixer-upper" 70's home, and will be replacing the carpet. Is it ...
A: Are you changing just the handrail, or the complete balustrade? I've personally removed and ...
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| Rush Seats -- painting | 3/24/2008 |
Q: How does one paint a rush seat that has never been painted? It is so stained, something must be ...
A: I am not a pro where stain and paint is concerned, being a stair builder, but I've encountered your ...
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| Handrail question | 3/20/2008 |
Q: We live in a split foyer home. Twelve years ago we installed an oak railing on the main floor ...
A: I would sand the handrail with an orbital sander, using 100 or 120 grit sandpaper. All you want to ...
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| Cleaning Wooden Oak Stair Railings | 2/25/2008 |
Q: How do you clean wooden oak stair railings that have oil, grime and dirt from hands and fingers ...
A: Usually this is a buildup of grease which captures everything it comes in contact with. For grease ...
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| staircase | 2/3/2008 |
Q: I want to keep the stairs in wood. Should I match the treads to the floor or make them darker? I was ...
A: If the risers are already stained, I would go with it as is. You can paint down the road, since ...
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| staircase | 2/2/2008 |
Q: I want to keep the stairs in wood. Should I match the treads to the floor or make them darker? I was ...
A: The flow of grain and color would be a perfect match when the treads and the flooring are the same. ...
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| Refinish stair case | 2/1/2008 |
Q: What can I use to sand between the spindles on my staircase? I'm using a different color stain and I ...
A: When occasionally stuck in that circumstance, I used a profile sander to get into tight spots. I ...
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| shellac/laquer | 1/26/2008 |
Q: I am refinishing my kitchen cabinet doors. Someone told me to use laquer and shellac for the ...
A: I would use one or the other, but not both. In new construction, most are lacquered. It is ideal ...
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| pine cabinets | 1/20/2008 |
Q: We're building a log home and using much of our own wood on the interior. I prefer color on our ...
A: Sherry, I would look into something in a hardwood but inexpensive to paint. Since I am involved ...
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| wood paneling | 1/19/2008 |
Q: I need a source for two sheets of 1970's style wood paneling for a repair. Any help you can give me ...
A: Since I am in the Northwest, I only know of one source that carries almost every imagineable style ...
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| Repairing wood | 1/15/2008 |
Q: Help. My dog ate the corner off the base of where one of the stair posts fits into. In fact, it is ...
A: Cheryl, To do a repair on this, I would take a sabre saw, cut out all of the rough over hang and ...
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| Repairing wood | 1/14/2008 |
Q: Help. My dog ate the corner off the base of where one of the stair posts fits into. In fact, it is ...
A: Cheryl, No sure what you are talking about. Is this a trim piece that wraps around or dresses the ...
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| Do I lay glass on top of wood | 1/13/2008 |
Q: Do i lay glass on a wood dining table top? I thought this will create cracks on the wood top ...
A: If the wood is already varnished or lacquered, it is sealed and cannot breathe. Allowing wood to ...
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| gluing wood | 1/3/2008 |
Q: What is the best width boards to use in gluing up for a 11 1/4" step tread? Can I use 2 boards 5 ...
A: Glenn, I personally would use three pieces minimum. The glue laminate process provides a longer ...
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| railings in walls | 12/17/2007 |
Q: I am putting the finishing touches on a basement finish and need advise on the railing going down ...
A: Tim, First, forgive me as I've been out of town and am rather behind on catching up. It sounds ...
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| Pine stairtread refinishing? | 9/15/2007 |
Q: I have an open riser staircase made from some type of Western pine. It was custom made for our ...
A: Bonnie, Bruce floor and such are usually finished with a clear polyurethane. At Home Depot they ...
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| Pine stairtread refinishing? | 9/11/2007 |
Q: I have an open riser staircase made from some type of Western pine. It was custom made for our ...
A: Bonnie, Sorry for taking so long to answer as I've been out of town for over a week. If I was ...
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| oak stairs | 8/13/2007 |
Q: We are installing oak stairs and would like to finish them with a penetrating oil finish. What ...
A: Ann, regarding oil finish, I've historically used Watco or Minwax in the desired color. I would ...
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| stairway | 6/16/2007 |
Q: We are completing our own basement and would like to know, do you remove the contractors 2x4 stair ...
A: 2X4 stair steps sounds like a rough framing. I would do either of these steps, removing the 2x4's ...
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| staircase in basement... | 3/1/2007 |
Q: I wondered if you could give me some advice on how to build basement stairs? Our Modular is two yrs ...
A: Mike, Probably if we had a floor plan drawing of both basement and first floor, with details of the ...
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| Disappearing stairs | 1/28/2007 |
Q: I'm hoping to build a sliding or folding staircase to connect my workshop with its loft. I could ...
A: I don't know much about attic stairs, but I do know of a company who offers these with an extreme ...
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| renovating staircase | 1/16/2007 |
Q: i have a simple wooden staircase which i am in the process of stripping to stain and varnish. The ...
A: Noisy stairs are caused by two issues, both as a result of the tread's ability to move. 1. There is ...
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| stair material | 1/2/2007 |
Q: What are the best type of woods to use for building finished interior stairs, i.e. pine, maple, oak, ...
A: Curtis, the best type of woods for building interior stairs in the final finish stages (i.e., ...
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| maple vs. birch kitchen cabinets | 11/6/2006 |
Q: I am having my kitchen redone and had agreed on maple kitchen cabinets. My contractor has brought in ...
A: Birch is a good product, having used it on staircase balustrades. Not involved in kitchen cabinets ...
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| Tung oil | 10/28/2006 |
Q: I have a bamboo floor for only 3 years now. I have to refinish it. I plan to sand it, stain it and ...
A: Louise, Bamboo is a unique rather recent use for hardwood floors (within the last five years) and ...
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| L-shaped balustrade questions | 10/20/2006 |
Q: I have been asked to finish an L-shaped interior staircase with some landing problems. The newels ...
A: Doug, Usually the newel post is installed center-to-center with the ascending first rake/run and ...
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| staircase insulation | 8/18/2006 |
Q: ------------------------- I'm sorry, I probably wasn't clear. It's more of an echo. The underside ...
A: The only options I can think of are: 1. Add insulation behind the stair drywall, or 2. Use a ...
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| staircase insulation | 8/18/2006 |
Q: I have taken off the old carpeting on our staircase, and will be refinishing the wooden stairs. My ...
A: I've dealt with "squeaky" stairs, but not sure on the "hollow sound." Are the treads free-standing, ...
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