Stepladder
You need one to change a light fitting above the stairs, wipe a glass balustrade or inspect the upper part of a wall. Choose a stable model with a spreader lock and non-slip feet, and never stand it on the steps of a staircase.
Tools
Tools
You don't need a workshop to look after a staircase. A small set of tools covers almost everything that can and should be done yourself: inspecting treads and fixings, touching up a chip, filling a scratch, refreshing the finish. Anything involving load-bearing parts remains a job for professionals, and the right tool doesn't change that.
A good torch helps you find more staircase problems than any repair tool. Start with an inspection in raking light, and a lot will become clear straight away.
How this section works: we list tools by care and small-repair task and explain what they are for, without brands, models or prices. How to use a particular tool safely is explained in its instructions.
For care and small repairs
Six groups of tools and supplies that a staircase owner will find useful.
Level and tape measure
Useful for checking whether a step has sagged, whether the handrail is straight and whether the balustrade has shifted. Write the measurements down: they are handy to show a professional if repairs are needed.
Sanding supplies
Fine-grit sandpaper, abrasive sponges and a sanding block are used to key the finish before refreshing it and to remove fine scratches. On a staircase, hand-sanding small areas is usually enough.
Brushes and rollers for lacquer
A narrow brush is handy for corners and where treads meet the wall, a small roller for the treads themselves. Match the tool to the type of finish, as the manufacturer advises, and clean it straight after use.
Furniture wax filler sticks
Wax sticks and fillers in a matching shade quickly hide small scratches and chips on wooden treads and handrails. This is a cosmetic fix: deep cracks and delaminating wood need to be looked at by a professional.
Protective gear
You will need gloves, safety glasses and a respirator for sanding and for working with lacquer and solvents. Ventilate the room and store products where children can't reach them.
Related sections
- How-to
How to stand safely on a stepladder and how to refresh the lacquer on wooden treads. And what not to do yourself.
- Care
Caring for lacquered and oiled wood, metal, stone, glass and carpet treads, plus a seasonal check.
- Materials
Solid wood, laminated panels, metal, concrete and stone, glass balustrades and tread finishes, in general terms. The article catalogue lives here too.
Sources
- EMERCOM of Russia — home safety leaflets
- Manufacturers' technical documentation for finishing materials
Information about staircases is given in general terms, based on works on architectural history, encyclopedic sources, manufacturers' technical documentation for finishing materials and EMERCOM of Russia safety leaflets. The specific requirements for the staircase in your home are set by building codes and your designer, and the care of a finish by the manufacturer's instructions.