Designed Stairs

Designed Stairs has the experience to design structural, open-riser staircases that are also beautiful works of contemporary art.

  • Can Red Oak look like White Oak?

    red-oak-versus-white-oak

    Red Oak is generally more affordable than White Oak, prompting many to explore finishing techniques to achieve a similar look.

    At first glance, some Red Oak may resemble White Oak, but they have distinct differences. White Oak features a light brown hue, tighter grain, and greater density, while Red Oak has a red tint and a more open grain.

    Some red oak is more or less “red”.   Each piece of wood is unique, so results vary.

     One simple option is to reduce the red tint is using a stain with some gray in it.  This stain can help neutralize the red tones in Red Oak, making it look more like White Oak.  Minwax Weathered Oak is a good option.

    You can also lighten Red Oak using Zinsser Wood Bleach (A-B solutions) and enhance its appearance with various stains. The bleaching process can significantly reduce the red tones, allowing for effective color alteration.   

    If you have existing wood you want to keep, bleaching may be a good option. However, for new projects, starting with White Oak might be more cost-effective. Keep in mind the labor costs. Bleaching Red Oak for an interior project can nearly double your overall expenses.   

    If you’re seeking the look of White Oak, you’ll likely be happier with the final product if you choose White Oak from the start, but that does come at price. 

    wpusername9461

    , ,
    , , ,

  • Should painted balusters be installed at the same time as the stair?

    If you are buying a stair with balusters in a contrasting material, such as painted balusters on an oak stair, questions will likely arise regarding the finishing of the stair. “Should my painter finish the balusters separately from the stair, then have the balusters installed when the stair is finished?

    Here are some things to consider:

    • Your painter will generally opt for painting the balusters before installation. This allows them to be sprayed instead of brushed and eliminates a lot of “cut-in” work.
    • Painting balusters separately also means that the stair installers will have to come back to the site, remove the railings and install the balusters. There will be charge for this “second trip” to the job site. You will have to remember to schedule this “second trip” in coordination with the completion of the finish.
    • Leaving your balusters out for painting means that they are more likely to be lost or stolen during this time. You will be responsible for balusters left at the job site.
    • Once the painted balusters are finally installed, there will be additional “touch-up finishing required at the rail joints. Holes will have to be filled and stain and finish re-applied for the final finish.

    wpusername9461

    ,
    , , , ,

  • Should painted balusters be installed at the same time as the stair?

    Painted balusters

    If you are buying a stair with balusters in a contrasting material, such as painted balusters on an oak stair, questions will likely arise regarding the finishing of the stair. “Should my painter finish the balusters separately from the stair, then have the balusters installed when the stair is finished?

    Here are some things to consider:

    • Your painter will generally opt for painting the balusters before installation. This allows them to be sprayed instead of brushed and eliminates a lot of “cut-in” work.

    • Painting balusters separately also means that the stair installers will have to come back to the site, remove the railings and install the balusters. There will be charge for this “second trip” to the jobsite. You will have to remember to schedule this “second trip” in coordination with the completion of the finish.

    • Leaving your balusters out for painting means that they are more likely to be lost or stolen during this time. You will be responsible for balusters left at the jobsite.

    • Once the painted balusters are finally installed, there will be additional “touch-up finishing required at the rail joints. Holes will have to be filled and stain and finish re-applied for the final finish.

    wpusername9461

    ,
    , ,

  • Finishing Maple Stairs

    Clear coat of finish on maple stairs

    Maple is popular wood for interior trim, flooring and stairs. Maple has natural beauty with a smooth surface due to its closed grain properties of the wood. The hardness of maple makes it a great choice for stairs and any place that gets a lot of abuse from heavy use.

    Maple is usually clear coated which highlights its natural tones. In recent years cabinet and flooring companies started a trend of staining maple. While these products are typically factory finished with systematic and tested processes, staining maple trim and stairs yourself is tricky. Maple tends to absorb stain unevenly which leads to a blotchy look. The darker the stain the more blotches will be apparent.

    What You Can Do

    Stained finish on maple stairs
    Maple Stair Stained

    Applying a wood conditioner or a shellac seal coat prior to staining provides a barrier between the wood and the stain. This will help minimize the blotchy effect. Also, try a gel stain verses a penetrating stain. A penetrating stain is designed to absorb into the wood, and this does not work well with maple.

    As with all finishing projects, test the desired finish on a piece of scrap wood before you begin to stain. Try different conditioners and stains to produce the desired effect. Investing a few dollars and a little time on products to get the best quality will pay a big return when staining an entire stair.

    Staining your maple stairs takes patience. But the time invested to do it right will reward you with years of enjoyment and beauty.

    wpusername9461

    ,

  • Finishing Hardwood Stairs

    Finishinig wood stair

    Finishing stair parts before installation is not recommended. The installation process involves cutting, fitting and sanding, which would result in touching up of finish, and a less than high quality end result. Additionally, gluing of various parts is done during installation, and glue should adhere to raw wood (not finish) for the best bond. Prefinishing parts prior to installation could result in the stair squeaking, due to poor bonds.

    The sooner a stair is finished the less potential for damage to the raw wood from the job site, and the better the quality of the finish. Hardwood stairs should be sealed on all sides to retard movement from humidity fluctuations and protect from exposure to job site elements and damage. Seal the stair as soon as possible after installation.

    Sun or artificial light affects the color of woods such as cherry, walnut and maple, and they should be finished immediately to limit coloration changes.

    The stair parts should come sanded to a level ready for finishing, but for best results some additional preparation is recommended prior to applying stain.

    First, do a careful inspection of the stair with a light to detect any damage that may have taken place after installation. This sort of damage is usually minimal and can be easily sanded out. Dirt or mud on the stairs can typically be removed with paint thinner or lacquer thinner, whichever is compatible with the finish. A light sanding should follow the cleaning. Just prior to application of the finish, the stair should be blown off and wiped with a tack rag to remove any fine dust.

    wpusername9461

  • Stair Styles: What parts of my stair should I paint vs. stain?

    Painted newels

    All stained

    We often get asked the question: “What parts of my stair should I paint and what should I stain?” When determining what to stain and what to paint, think about the overall feel you want in your space. The more parts you paint, it will be a lighter and airier feel. The more parts you stain, it will be a warmer and richer feel.

    Here is a listing of the most popular groupings of what components to stain vs. paint:

    • All Stained: All Stained except balusters painted
    • Stained: treads, railing, newels. Painted: stringers, risers, balusters
    • Stained: treads and railing, all else painted

    Keep in mind that whether painting or staining, the colors you choose will make a profound design statement. A dark stain color complimented with a light (white) paint, will give a very elegant and formal look. While a colored paint, can give a very country or casual feel. Consider how elegant or casual the color and finish makes each stair. Scroll through stair photos and identify the overall feel you want in the color and visual weight of your stair. Darker colors (whether stained or painted) will make the space look more full and warm. Lighter colors, especially white, will give you a spacious and bright feel.

    You will likely be living with the your material and color selections on your stair for many years. Stairs and balustrades are not an easy item to strip or re-finish. If you are in doubt about your selections, call in a professional decorator. Your stair likely cost you thousands of dollars. For a few hundred dollars you can get professional decorating advise and proceed with confidence on your investment!

    wpusername9461