The staircase is often the first thing people see when they walk into a home, and in Woodhall Spa’s Victorian and Edwardian houses it’s frequently a real feature. So whether yours needs some care or a complete rethink, here’s what to consider. This guide explains your options for a period staircase in Woodhall Spa.
Common problems with an older staircase in Woodhall Spa
- Creaking or loose treads and risers
- Wobbly balustrades and newel posts
- Worn nosings and damaged spindles
- Layers of paint hiding original detail
- Previous alterations that don’t suit the house
Restoring an existing staircase
Fortunately, our joiners can bring many period staircases back to life. For example, typical work includes re-fixing and wedging loose treads, replacing broken spindles to match the originals, strengthening newel posts, and stripping and refinishing timber. Restoring an original staircase keeps the character of the house and is often more cost-effective than replacement.
When a new staircase makes sense
However, if someone has badly damaged or poorly altered a staircase in the past, a bespoke replacement may be the best solution. We can design a new staircase to suit the period of the house. For example, we can match mouldings, newel caps and spindles, or create a striking contemporary feature instead. Because we make it to measure, it fits the space exactly. That matters in older homes, where walls and floors are rarely perfectly square.
Building Regulations and safety
First, a new staircase must meet Building Regulations for rise and going, headroom and balustrade height. Repairs to an existing staircase generally don’t trigger these requirements, but safety still comes first: a loose balustrade is a hazard, especially with children in the house. In a listed building, alterations to a historic staircase are likely to need listed building consent.
Choosing timber and finishes
Oak is hard-wearing and looks beautiful when oiled or lacquered. Alternatively, painted softwood suits many Victorian and Edwardian homes, often with a hardwood handrail. Finally, we’ll help you choose a finish that suits the rest of your joinery.
Bespoke joinery from Baker Builds
Our bespoke joinery service covers staircases, windows, doors and heritage features, made to fine tolerances by trusted specialists and installed by our own team. We work across Woodhall Spa, Horncastle and the surrounding villages, and our heritage experience means we treat period homes with care.
A well-restored staircase in Woodhall Spa can become the centrepiece of your home. Building Regulations also set the requirements for new stairs; see the guidance on Building Regulations.