House to Home
Stair railings are a necessary safety feature
February 15, 2012
Debbie Travis
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Q: Any tips on selecting railings for a new home with lots of stairs? I’ve checked out the options; we are looking for something that goes with dark wood floors and middle of the road modern furnishings. Thanks,
A: This is a great question. We don’t really think about the stairs and railings in new or old homes, but their style and composition makes a big impression.
The stairs are often the first thing you see when you enter a home; they are a focal point when you are coming or going, as well as moving to another level. In multi-levelled open-plan home designs, railings are even more prominent.
There are a few points to consider. The railing is the piece that you hold onto. It should be smooth, easy to grasp, and cover the full length of the stairs. The end of the railing should be rounded or turned into the wall to avoid accidents. The balusters or spindles fit between the railing and the stairs. Although not essential if the staircase has walls on either side, they add important strength to the railing as well as style. Glass or acrylic panels can also fit between rails. A newel post fits onto the railing at the bottom and sometimes also the top of the staircase.
These three elements can be bought separately at your hardware store. You’ll find a variety of combinations and looks. Metal or wrought iron balusters are available in many powder-coated finishes and designs. Wood railings and balusters come in different wood species that can be stained or painted.
The architecture of the new home shown here calls for plenty of railings as a safety precaution along the hallway as well as at the stairs. The design is simple so that it doesn’t overpower the room. The wrought iron balusters add an elegant touch, and the dark stain and fine detailing on the wood matches the dark wood floors.
Q: I enjoyed an article you wrote about a fireplace facelift using Durock Spacco. Where can I find this product?
A: This blast from the past is still very relevant today. My buddy Jim Connelly from Masterpieces Studio refaced a red brick fireplace using Durock Spacco, a very hard-drying plaster.
To flatten the face, the grout lines between the bricks were first filled with drywall compound. Then a coat of Durock plaster called Spacco was skimmed over the entire area. You can either make this a smooth coat or add some texture depending on the look want. For a smooth stone look and feel, while the Spacco is still damp, use a mist bottle and spray lightly with water, then smooth out with a spatula. At this point you can make grout lines to replicate the look of stone blocks. Let dry and sand lightly. Call Durock’s toll free number 1-888-238-6345 to be directed to a supplier near you.
Q: I have a 1970s home with an upstairs bath that has a Harvest Gold tub and toilet. Both are in good shape. I am removing the old wallpaper and need suggestions on what colour to paint the walls. Thanks.
A: Well, if that Harvest Gold is staying, I suggest you need something that does not make it a prominent feature. I’d go for a dark colour — navy or navy and white in bold stripes. Match up the towels to the walls. This will give your bathroom a whole new look.
House to Home is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at @debbie_travis or at www.debbietravis.com.