Design Tips and Trends

Mulling over your stair projects design? Be in the know. Get inspiration with our designs, ranging from the classics, the contemporary, and the avant-garde.

Installing New Stair Treads and Railings

May 23, 2016

iStairs Stair Photo Gallery

April 27, 2016

iStairs Stair Parts

April 22, 2016

Choosing the Right Carpet for your Stairs

April 4, 2016

10 Staircase Design Ideas

March 23, 2016

Moisture Content and Wood Movement

January 2, 2016

Benefits of Installing a Wooden Stair Design

December 28, 2015

How to Paint Your Stair Design

December 3, 2015

Stair Design 101: Installing A Stair Handrail

November 26, 2015

Pros of Spiral Staircases

October 26, 2015

Installing New Stair Treads and Railings

iStairs wants to help those who share the passion of making stairs and DIY projects. In this article, we will teach you how to upgrade your current stairs to a more beautiful staircase by installing new treads and railings.

Step 1: Prepare the tools and materials you need.

For stair treads and railings installation, you will need the following:

Tools: Tape measure, drill, hand stapler, drill, drill bits, tapping block, rubber mallet and pneumatic finish nailer.

Materials: Stair treads, handrail, risers, balusters, wood flooring, support brace, lag bolts, wood putty, screws and finish nails.

Step 2: Cut your stair treads and install them.

Depending on your stair case design, your treads will be of slightly different sizes. Measure each thread to fit its place perfectly. Cut as measured.

After you cut your tread, it’s time to install them. In installing treads, always start from the bottom and start your way up from there. Screw them tightly and securely. You should consider adding a brace between the stringers on the top step for added support.

Step 3: Install your newel posts

For half newel posts, have your posts pre-drilled and also make sure to prepare holes on your walls for toggle bolts. Then insert screws for toggle bolts and then attach the toggles on the other side. Insert toggles to the wall and then tighten the screws.

For newel posts, position the post securely with lag bolts.

Step 4: Cut the rail

With your treads and newels installed, it’s time to measure the railing. Mark it for an angled cut, and then cut it. For an accurate cut, mark the rail as you rest it along the stairs.

Step 5: Install your balusters

After having your rail cut, you don’t immediately install it. You need to install the balusters first. Have your treads pre-drilled for the balusters. Use a stair bit that creates a thread to accept the baluster bolts. As for the balusters, drill on the center and insert baluster bolts there. Securely screw your balusters to your treads.

Steps 6: Attach your railing

With your balusters and newels in place, it’s time to attach the railing. Attach rail fasteners to the newel posts. Guide your railing to the rail fasteners and insert the balusters to the holes on the railing.

Step 7: Tidy up your project

Now that you have installed your new stair treads and railings, tidy it up for a clean look. Make sure to fill screw holes with matching wood putty. You may also consider installing new base moldings for a better look.

Seek professional help as needed

iStairs love people who take stairs seriously. True enough, stairs can be a work of art and it can make you proud to have built your own stairs – your own masterpiece.

But always make sure that you seek professional help when you need it. You will need a well-built staircase and you should consider asking for help when you’re not sure how to do a specific step.

And who is the best to ask for help? iStairs of course! So just give us a call and we will give the help you need!

iStairs Stair Photo Gallery

If you are planning a major home interior renovation or are working on the plans for your future custom home, then you are likely debating on which staircase design will work best of your home, both in terms of function and in terms of character and appeal. Not only is the staircase a frequently used element of a house, it is also a main statement piece with the potential to bring out the unique character and style of a family home, especially when designed by a professional and creative Sacramento stairs builder!

While the expert staircase engineers and contractors have experience working with all building materials, from metals to woods, certain styles and materials work better in some staircase designs than others, and that is why it is important to do your research and familiarize yourself with the multitude of options currently available at your Sacramento stairs company, iStairs Inc.

One particular species of wood favored by many homeowners and stairs contractors alike is alder wood, simply because of the numerous qualities and characteristics, which make it an ideal material for building stairs. First and foremost, alder is particularly easy to cut and matures much faster in comparison to other hardwoods; likewise, it’s softer and more elastic properties lend well to the carving of intricate designs and fantastic looking finishes. Additionally, alder works well for staircases as it can easily and efficiently be bolted, glued, and worked on by power tools. Check out the photo gallery of some of the alder wood staircases work recently finished by iStairs by clicking on the links below:

Alder Gallery

A beech wood staircase also makes for an intriguing staircase design due to it’s workability and even-pored structure, which makes it easy for Sacramento stairs contractors to create a truly customizable look for any style home! The links below to the beech wood staircase gallery by iStairs will surely attest to the versatility of designs and shades offered by beech wood.

Beech Gallery

Now when it comes to durable and truly unique types of materials to build a staircase with, there are very few species of wood that can rival the beauty of cherry wood. In addition to being popular and memorable for its red hue and satin-like elegance cherry wood is perfect for staircases because it is easy to clean and maintain. Just look at the beautiful styles created in cherry wood by our professional Sacramento stairs engineers at iStairs, by clicking on the links below:

Cherry Wood

Maple staircases continue to be popular installations in new homes and remodels, due to the various types of maple available and the multiple staircase designs, which are complimented by this particular species of wood. Also, contrary to what many homeowners believe, according to expert Sacramento stairs contractors, maple is durable and even shock resistant. The majestic beauty of maple wood staircases can be seen here:

Maple Gallery

While checking out the extensive photo gallery of staircase designs and styles in alder, beech, cherry wood, and maple, be sure to look at the unique selection of specialty staircase designs in the specialty gallery, to get a look at the remarkable custom work done by iStairs as well!

iStairs Stair Parts

As one of the main statement pieces of your home, the staircase is a focal point that can really set a home’s interior apart. If you are looking for a Sacramento stairs company to assist you in a stairs project or stairs renovation for your house, then iStairs is just the company you need! Whether you are in need of a specific type of stair part in a design that matches the unique style of your custom staircase, or need help with an entire stair-remodeling project, iStairs is practically a one-stop-shop for any and all Sacramento stairs related issues.

iStairs is one of Northern California’s most trusted companies when it comes to providing a comprehensive selection of high quality stair parts for custom staircases, home renovations, as well as the average do-it-yourself projects. The wide variety of stair parts offered by iStairs is one of the reasons why we are one of the premier Sacramento stairs companies, in addition to the fact that our products are made of only the highest quality materials.

iStairs provides a variety of stair parts and accessories which are guaranteed to give you the aesthetic look you want and quality you deserve, all at a price you can afford! From staircase accessories like rosettes, wood newels, and iron baluster shoes, to unique products like our selection of Bruno Stair Lifts, you are guaranteed to find whatever stair part it is that you are looking for at iStairs. Additionally, iStairs has the expert contractors and installers to help you with putting your new stair parts together!

Here are just a few of the other stair parts and products offered and supplied by Sacramento Stairs Company, iStairs:

  • Fittings: for both post-to-post and over-the-post rail systems
  • Handrail products: several different profiles and sizes available
  • Hardware and tools: wall brackets for mounting rails to the wall, and tools such as
    stair wrenches, bolt drivers, and other tools specific to staircase projects
  • Newels and posts: available in a wide assortment of styles and types.
  • Skirtboard, trim, and moulding: various pieces and accent parts, which help pull together a finished, look for a custom staircase.
  • Spiral staircase products: iStairs also provides spiral staircase installation services.
  • Treads, risers, and caps: all of the essential staircase components are available in an array of styles.
  • Staircase renovation and remodeling: not only does iStairs provide homeowners with exceptional staircase products and tools, but we also lead the Sacramento stairs industry when it comes to custom staircase design and installation–from complete do-it-yourself projects to having your entire staircase refinished, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to doing the job well.

So whether you need to just get a quick quote or an estimate on a staircase project or part, are trying to find a unique staircase design for your home renovations, or simply want to consult a professional for some advice about the stairs in your home, your best bet will always be with the friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Sacramento stair company, iStairs.

Choosing the Right Carpet for your Stairs

The process of choosing the right type of carpet for the stairs of your home is one to take seriously because poorly installed carpet, or carpet that is of poor quality, can really impact the safety of your stairs and the beauty of your home.

While many homeowners may at first think that carpet selection is the only important thing to consider when choosing carpeting for the stairs in their home, it is also just as vital to select the right carpet installer with a strong reputation for providing quality carpet installations and excellent customer service.

So in an effort to get you on the right track towards choosing the best carpet for your stairs as well as selecting the right company to do the job, here are some tips and things to remember along the way!

  1. Fiber quality matters: No matter what type of fiber your carpet is made of, the general rule of thumb is that the more tightly woven that the fabric is, the better the carpet will be able to withstand abrasion. Long individual fibers for example, cause less shedding and are more likely to remain in the carpet. Remember also that you can discern much about the quality of a carpet based on how it feels; a quality yarn feels soft, while yarn of poor quality feels coarse and dry.
  2. The properties of wool make it a natural choice for carpet: Wool is an exceptionally durable and naturally beautiful fiber, and since wool has a natural tendency to resort to its original shape after being pressed on, this fiber makes for the ideal carpet material. Moreover, wool is easy to clean as the way its fibers are arranged makes it possible for dirt and dust to be easily removed.
  3. Choose carpet color wisely: While the colors ivory and pale beige are typically the most popular choler choices for homeowners, such colors are most practical in areas with light traffic, whereas stairs and entryways are best suited for taupe or mushroom color.
  4. Carpet texture: Carpet texture is one of those details that you wouldn’t normally think about prior to selecting a carpeting material but it actually does make a difference when it comes to choosing carpets for areas of high traffic in your home. Since the stairs are a high traffic area, it would be wise to consider a texture that is capable of hiding stains and footprints, such as a combination of loops and cut pile.
  5. Carpeting on stairs is important for safety: A problem with the carpeting on your stairs could potentially be very dangerous when walking on the stairs, and that is why it is crucial to have a quality installation performed by experienced professionals. Therefore, if you really want the job done right you must take the time to find a quality carpet company and installer with a proven record of customer satisfaction, instead of a company who just subcontracts the labor. Remember, it’s not just the quality of the carpet, but the quality of the installation that matters when it comes to choosing the best carpeting for your stairs.

 

10 Staircase Design Ideas

While many may believe that a staircase functions as only a sort of bridge to travel between the floors of a home, a well designed staircase actually has the potential to reflect the unique character and style of a home. From traditional staircases made with classic oak materials, to more contemporary styles featuring spirals made of iron, there is an array of residential staircase ideas to choose from! With just the right combination of aesthetic appeal and functionality, a well-designed staircase idea can improve the beauty and value of your home. In an effort to inspire some creative staircase ideas for your home, take the following 10 examples of stair designs and styles, which are very popular among California homeowners.

  1. The ‘Modern Genesis’: this particular staircase design looks like an elegant double helix spiral, and is often used in small spaces. This modernized staircase idea can easily be customized to the unique style and character of your home’s interior; for example, there are a variety of building materials which you can combine to give your spiral staircase an individual flair.
  2. Glass stairs: a staircase featuring glass is often the focal point of a home, as a glass staircase really adds a sense of glamour to a residential home.
  3. Staircase with suspended treads: a unique floating style staircase is a standout design, especially when coupled with a feature like a lighted handrail for example.
  4. Traditional continuous stairs: for a more traditional style home, the continuous stairs without landings make for a appealing staircase idea, and can be modernized with quality dark wood stairs
  5. Wood stairs with metal inlay: a type of floating staircase that allows for a more contemporary feel with the added metal inlay within a thick wood step. Coupling this with a stainless steel baluster attached to a floor to floor glass wall gives this staircase a very elegant touch.
  6. Simply modern staircase: for a simple yet modern staircase that accents a home, these stairs have a single landing strip that is complemented by the darkness of the wood treads and highlighted by white wood railings.
  7. Energy-efficient architectural stairs: For a more grassroots feel, this staircase design is created using energy efficient materials, such as hickory wood and wire railings, lending a very outdoorsy feel to the inside of a contemporary home.
  8. Free standing staircase: to create a more elegant feel inside a modern home, this free standing staircase contains floating stairs with a wood finish held together with a glass balustrade.
  9. Concrete staircase: to give an extreme modern accent to a home, this staircase starts out narrow on the top but eventually widens as it curves to reach the landing. The concrete treads contain no space between them making these stairs very sturdy and modern looking.
  10. Stair tower: this type of staircase adds an elegant warmth to the home with its circular fashion, stock metalwork railings, and brown tile.

If you are ready to make your staircase ideas into a reality, call iStairs today to get you set up with a staircase you love!

 

Moisture Content and Wood Movement

Moisture content and wood movement and cause potential problems to your staircases. It is best to understand these so that such problems can be avoided. We at iStairs, your trusted Sacramento stairs provider, want you to gain more knowledge about your stairs so read on to learn more about moisture content and wood movement.

Moisture Content of Wood

The moisture content of wood is directly affected by the relative humidity of the air around it. Because of this, the higher the relative humidity of the surrounding air, the higher the moisture content of the wood as well.

It is really important to understand the relationship between relative humidity and moisture content because if you buy and use wood that comes from a place with relative humidity that is not the same as where the wood would be used, then the wood may shrink or expand, depending on the new relative humidity. The wood will eventually synchronize with the new relative humidity and when this happens, the wood will have its equilibrium moisture content.

By now you would know that if the wood is on the equilibrium moisture content, it will not shrink or expand anymore, or if it still does, it would do so only by an insignificant amount.

Wood Movement

Wood movement is the shrinking or expanding of wood caused by moisture content, which, in turn, is affected by the relative humidity of the surrounding air. Wood will surely move until it reaches the point where the moisture content is equal to the relative humidity. Again, when the moisture content has reached the same amount as the relative humidity, it is called the equilibrium moisture content.

This is the point where the wood will not move; thus, the best time to use the wood for your project.

Effects of Wood Movement

When your wood expands or shrinks, then it can cause a lot of trouble. If the moisture content of your wood is very high when you use it and that the relative humidity is low, then the wood would shrink a lot. When wood shrinks, it may cause gaps and cracks. For stairs, it may make your steps rickety.

On the other hand, if the wood is too dry, and the place where it would be installed is quite humid, then the wood may expand. When the wood expand, then the paint or varnish may crack because it was not designed for the expanded size.

How to combat Wood Movement

Be aware that wood movement cannot be stopped. But you can predict it. With the use of a moisture meter, you can check what the current moisture of the wood is when you get it. When you know that it is not proportionate to the relative humidity of the place where it will be installed, then you can expect it to move.

Professional help for Wood Movement

Being your trusted Sacramento stairs company, iStairs does not take wood movement for granted. We consider it on all of our projects. We want your stairs to be perfect on all angles – inside and out. You make sure that your stairs stay as they are when we finish. Your wooden stairs will not shrink nor expand. It will stay beautifully as it is.

For more information on moisture content and wood movement, just contact us and we can help you. Again, iStairs is your best choice for a Sacramento stairs provider so look no more, call us now!

Benefits of Installing a Wooden Stair Design

The stairs are a unique component of a house in that they experience the greatest amount of foot traffic, and are thus exposed to a good deal of wear and tear over the years, so why not make a sound investment in a material and a foundation that will last?

When it comes to choosing a stair design and a building material that is uniquely styled and exceptionally durable, the wooden staircase design is second to none in many homes across the country.

Whether you are looking to remodel your home and put it up for sale on the market, or are simply looking for a special way to add value and atmosphere to your home, then you should strongly consider installing one of the various wood staircase design options available today. Many homeowners would be pleasantly surprised to find just how much aesthetic value really is added to an entire house simply with the installation of a customized wooden staircase design.

Benefits of Installing a Wooden Stair Design at Home

The specific benefits of having a staircase made of wood installed in your home are numerous!

A wooden staircase has an authentic beauty to it that few can compare to, simply because the natural allure of wood in a home is so tasteful and appealing. Nothing can quite compare to the relaxing and organic feel of walking into a home and being greeted by a beautiful set of wooden stairs!

Additionally, wooden staircase designs are also ideal because wood as a building material has such variety in terms of the types of styles and options that are customizable to the unique ambiance of your home. Whether you are looking for a more classic approach and want to keep it simple, or prefer a stair design that reflects a more modern look, the beauty of wooden staircases is that nearly every style can be accommodated.

Similarly, a well installed set of professionally designed wooden stairs could actually increase the overall value of your home, something to consider if you have any interest in selling your house in the future.

In addition to the general aesthetics provided by wooden staircases, another benefit of having your stairs made of wood is that they are both easier to clean and more durable than almost every other staircase material. Compared to other materials like carpet which require constant attention and cleaning to keep up appearances, a wooden staircase design is much more resilient to the everyday wear and tear of life in a family home. However, since they are built to last with the proper treatment and care over time, your wooden staircase will need to be varnished or coated to make sure they have that added layer of protection. Likewise, a simple brushing, dusting, and an application of a quality hardwood cleaner of the wood is also a good idea to perform as necessary in order to keep the appearance of your staircase looking just as fresh and clean as the design!

Call iStairs today to get a quote on a new set of wooden stairs.

How to Paint Your Stair Design

Having someone paint your stairs can be a little costly. If you have some spare time, and if you think you are skilled enough, then you can consider painting your stairs yourself. Not only will you be able to save money, but it will give you a proud feeling when you finish painting your beautiful stairs, with a stair design that you thought of, and you worked on by yourself.

So get your paint and brush and let’s start on the stair painting project as you follow these easy steps from iStairs Stair Design:

Step 1: Conceptualize on your stair design

Would you opt a solid color? Or do you want to play with different colors? Get your thinking cap on and decide on the stair design that would work for you. For more ideas, you can check out our blog post, Great Ways to Decorate your Stairs, which you can find in this link. Stair designs are great if it jives with your house. So if you need help in deciding on what stair design suits your house, you can always seek iStairs for help.

Step 2: Get the materials you need.

Now that you know what stair design you want, go grab the materials at the nearest hardware store.  Make sure that you have the right paint color, and the right brushes so you can have perfectly painted stairs.

Porch and floor paints are good choices for painting your stairs. These are more durable and comes in high-gloss or stain, which would make your stairs very beautiful.

For safety purposes, purchase a slip-resistant additive as well. This will help prevent slipping for your stairs. Don’t worry, this mixes well with your paint. Your stairs will be both safe and beautiful!

Step 3: Clean your stairs and fix minor damages

Before starting on actually painting your stairs, do clean it thoroughly. Remove foreign materials from your stairs. If your staircase was once carpeted, ensure that staples are completely removed. For your safety, do remember to use pliers when removing staples!

If you find holes in your stairs, you can use putty or wood filler to fill them in. If your staircase is made of cement, epoxy would do – just make sure that it is made for filling up holes!

When cleaning the stairs, sweep them, vacuum them, then wash them. If your stairs are rough, you may want to sand it smooth. Once your stairs are squeaky clean, you’re ready to go with that paint job!

Step 4: Paint away!

Here comes the fun part: the actual painting! Paint every other stair so you won’t step on wet paint. Once the first set dried up, paint the unpainted set. Apply a second coat for a more durable paint job. Always make sure that you dry your paint well enough before putting the second coat and ensure that you have uniform shade all over if you decide to have a solid-colored staircase.

If you are in need any assistance in stair design, give iStairs a call! We can help renew your space by building and installing beautiful wooden or specially stairs that will make you love the space you live or work in!

Stair Design 101: Installing A Stair Handrail

Anyone can build a house, but it takes a little something to build a home. When it comes to turning your house into a home, there’s a very special feeling you get when you know you did a part of your house yourself.

How To Install a Stair Design Handrail

A simple stair handrail may not be too special, but knowing that you installed it yourself will make it the best handrail around. So let’s start with your DIY handrail installation!

Step 1: Do the necessary preparations

If you already have a previous handrail and you just want to replace it, it will be a lot easier than if you would have to install a handrail for the first time. We wouldn’t recommend installing the first handrail by yourself because you might end up spending a lot more than if you have specialists working on it. Most of the time, the reason why you would want to replace your stair handrail is because you’re trying to change your stair design. Or, if the installers placed a handrail that does not much the stair design you have. (Friendly note, you would never have mismatched stairs and handrails with iStairs).

So if you ever have a need to replace your stair handrails, the first thing you need to do is to plan your handrail installation project. Think of the handrail you wish to install. Does it match your stair design? Is it made of high quality material? Are your brackets screwed tight enough? Do these checks to ensure that your handrail will be able to provide the support that it should provide. Should you need help in matching handrails to a stair design of your liking, iStairs can surely help you.

If you have old rickety brackets or loose screws, replace them with new ones to ensure that you will have a perfectly steady handrail.

Step 2: Cut and install the handrail

When you have chosen the handrail that fits your stair design, buy the perfect material for it. Make sure to measure it accurately so it will fit correctly. Make sure to properly saw the ends of each handrail and also make sure that it will perfectly fit with where you wish to install it. Screw your handrail tightly and securely to avoid accidents and to ensure that you have a handrail that you can count on.

Step 3: Sand and coat the handrail

Make sure to sand your handrail smooth so that you won’t get scraped off when you use it, even if you’re in a hurry. Don’t miss the bottom of the handrail!

Coat your new handrail with varnish and stain to give it a good shine. Once dry, buff it up for the perfect look.

ENJOY YOUR NEW HANDRAIL

There you have it. Your DIY Handrail installation project is complete. Should you need more technical help, you can always ask iStairs for help. It’s always great to be able to do things yourself, but to ensure that everything’s done efficiently, call the experts at iStairs and we can send our professionals to help you install the perfect handrails for your home!

Pros of Spiral Staircases

Spiral staircases offer a modern and space-saving alternative to the inefficient layout of other traditional stair designs. While straight flights of stairs are the conventional design that many homes are built with, there are a variety of reasons why a spiral staircase can provide more efficient floor access than the average layout. Whether your home is large or small in square footage, the spiral staircase designs by a Sacramento stairs contractor will greatly improve the space efficiency of your home.

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