Refinishing Your Stairs: Four Important Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Starting!
Carpeted stairs have fallen out of fashion lately. What's hot these days is hardwood - beautiful, oak, cherry, maple, walnut, or mahogany. Making the switch from carpet to wood, could have some pitfalls.
Maybe you've pulled the old carpet off your stairs and are thinking about refinishing the wood underneath. This seems like a simple, straight-forward solution, but there are a few things you should know first. Here are four questions you'll want to ask yourself to make sure refinishing is a good choice for you:
Question 1: How tolerant are you to chaos?
Refinishing a staircase is a big, messy job - stripping off the old varnish; running the sander for hours with dust flying everywhere; applying several coats of the new varnish and letting them dry; hoping the varnish goes on evenly, waiting at least 48 hours for the final coat to dry completely; and finally - cleaning up the dust that settled throughout the house during the process.
Stair refinishing will also disrupt life as you know it in your home - even if you hire someone else to do the work for you. there will be several days when you won;t be able to use the stairs at all. You'll have to hope you don't forget to bring everything down from the bedrooms that you are going to need. and don't forget the air mattresses since most likely you' ll be sleeping on the floor.
If you're determined to refinish, there is a way to keep the stairs in use throughout the staining and varnishing process, although it will double the total time. All you have to do is apply the coats of stain and varnish to every other step, let it dry completely (48 hrs.), and then do the remaining stairs. Of course, this will only work if all members of the household are capable of going up and down the steps two at a time.
Question 2. What kind of wood are your stairs made of?
You might be lucky and discover a hardwood like oak or maple under the old carpet. If it turns out to be a softer wood like pine, you'll want to think twice about refinishing - a soft wood is not going to hold up well under the kinf of traffic your stairway gets. If you're not sure what kind of wood you have, try digging your fingernail into it. If it makes a dent, it's not a good candidate for refinishing.
Question 3. Are you a passionate do-it-yourselfer?
If you are, and if you have a lot of free time, and a very patient family, then this might be the challenging and satisfying project for you. If not, it's best to admit it upfront and hire someone to refinish your stairs for you. Of course this means that you will basically be paying someone's salary for a week or more. And you'll still be stuck with the mess and inconvenience.
Question 4. When your stairs are unusable for several days, will your family still have access to a full bathroom?
This should be obvious, but it's suprising how many people don't think of it.
Is there another solution? YES... Stair ReFacing!
We've painted a very bleak, but realistic picture of the stair refinishing process. Fortunately, you have another option - short of ripping out your existing stairs and starting all over - it's called Stair Refacing!
OurvReFacing process, step-by-step:
Step 1. When Lomonaco's Iron Concepts re-faces your stairway, we bigin by taking accurate measurements of your treads and risers. If any of the steps are curved, we make exact templates ( patterns ) for them. With over 35 years experience in the stair industry, odd shapes and sizes are no problem for us.
Step 2. You select your favorite look from four of the most popular hardwoods - oak, maple, cherry, walnut - and five different stain tones. For the risers, you can either match your treads, or have them painted white. this gives you a choice of forty different finish combinations for your new wood stairs!
Step 3. We have your treads and risers custom-built to fit perfectly. Each component can be pre-finished to your specifications which means you won't have to wait for stain and varnish to dry while making your stairs unusable.
Step 4. Once your components are completed, we install them over your existing stairs. the "nose" of each old tread ( the part that sticks out ) is carefully removed to allow for a perfect fit. Having Lomonaco's Iron Concepts' expert crafsman install your new stairs for you guarantees your complete satisfaction with the results.
In summary, Lomonaco's Iron Concepts' stair Re-Facing means:
No mess
No disruption
Lots more options
Lasting value
The assurance that your job is being done correctly with the best craftmanship in the tri-state area.
Call Today! 856-740-1071 or visit us on the web at: http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Stair Refacing, The Process!
Here's how the process works, step-by-step:
Step 1. When Lomonaco's Iron Concepts re-faces your stairway, we bigin by taking accurate measurements of your treads and risers. If any of the steps are curved, we make exact templates ( patterns ) for them. With over 35 years experience in the stair industry, odd shapes and sizes are no problem for us.
Step 2. You select your favorite look from four of the most popular hardwoods - oak, maple, cherry, walnut - and five different stain tones. For the risers, you can either match your treads, or have them painted white. this gives you a choice of forty different finish combinations for your new wood stairs!
Step 3. We have your treads and risers custom-built to fit perfectly. Each component can be pre-finished to your specifications which means you won't have to wait for stain and varnish to dry while making your stairs unusable.
Step 4. Once your components are completed, we install them over your existing stairs. the "nose" of each old tread ( the part that sticks out ) is carefully removed to allow for a perfect fit. Having Lomonaco's Iron Concepts' expert crafsman install your new stairs for you guarantees your complete satisfaction with the results.
In summary, Lomonaco's Iron Concepts' stair Re-Facing means:
Call Today! 856-740-1071 or visit us on the web at: http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
Step 1. When Lomonaco's Iron Concepts re-faces your stairway, we bigin by taking accurate measurements of your treads and risers. If any of the steps are curved, we make exact templates ( patterns ) for them. With over 35 years experience in the stair industry, odd shapes and sizes are no problem for us.
Step 2. You select your favorite look from four of the most popular hardwoods - oak, maple, cherry, walnut - and five different stain tones. For the risers, you can either match your treads, or have them painted white. this gives you a choice of forty different finish combinations for your new wood stairs!
Step 3. We have your treads and risers custom-built to fit perfectly. Each component can be pre-finished to your specifications which means you won't have to wait for stain and varnish to dry while making your stairs unusable.
Step 4. Once your components are completed, we install them over your existing stairs. the "nose" of each old tread ( the part that sticks out ) is carefully removed to allow for a perfect fit. Having Lomonaco's Iron Concepts' expert crafsman install your new stairs for you guarantees your complete satisfaction with the results.
In summary, Lomonaco's Iron Concepts' stair Re-Facing means:
- No mess
- No disruption
- Lots more options
- Lasting value
- The assurance that your job is being done correctly with the best craftmanship in the tri-state area.
Call Today! 856-740-1071 or visit us on the web at: http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
ReFacing Your Stairway From Carpet to Harwood
What Is Stair ReFacing?
Lomonaco's Iron Concepts can transform your old carpeted stairs into a new, beautiful, solid hardwood stair.
The changes in the housing market has caused many homeowners to remain in their existing homes.
Stair Refacing offers an easy cosmetic upgrade that not only adds class, but slso value to your home. The Ultimate Stair ReFacing System saves you time and money by negating the cost and mess of a complete tear-out.
Call us today and make an appointment to have one of our staircase specislists come to your home and discuss your stair needs and join the many customers that have made the transition from tired, carpet-grade stairs to exquisite hardwood stairs & railings, creating a new look to your most valuable investment-your home.
Why Us?
We are stairway and railing specialists. We have over 35 years of combined experience in building stairways and railing systems.
Call Today!
856-740-1071 or visit us on the web at http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
Lomonaco's Iron Concepts can transform your old carpeted stairs into a new, beautiful, solid hardwood stair.
- Carpeted stairs are easily updated with solid hardwood, handcrafted, pre-finished treads and risers.
- Stair Refacing fits over your existing staircase, keeping your stairs in service during the entire installation process.
- Save up to two-thirds the cost of a complete staircase replacement and tear-out without the inconvenience and mess.
- Most stair projects are completed in one day and rail replacement systems finished in 2-3 days.
- Many standard stain colors are available to choose from to match all the most popular flooring suppliers. An exact match is impossible, but if you cannot find a standard stain to fit your needs, custom stains are available at an additional cost.
- Lomonaco's Iron Concepts' solid hardwood treads will last a lifetime and can be resanded and refinished in place, just like hardwood floors when normal wear-and-tear occurs.
The changes in the housing market has caused many homeowners to remain in their existing homes.
Stair Refacing offers an easy cosmetic upgrade that not only adds class, but slso value to your home. The Ultimate Stair ReFacing System saves you time and money by negating the cost and mess of a complete tear-out.
Call us today and make an appointment to have one of our staircase specislists come to your home and discuss your stair needs and join the many customers that have made the transition from tired, carpet-grade stairs to exquisite hardwood stairs & railings, creating a new look to your most valuable investment-your home.
Why Us?
We are stairway and railing specialists. We have over 35 years of combined experience in building stairways and railing systems.
Call Today!
856-740-1071 or visit us on the web at http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Metal Spiral Stair Kit Accessories
In Lomonaco's Iron Concepts accessory catalog you will find options designed to adapt your spiral staircase kit to special installation conditions, as well as many accessories that can be used to customize the spiral staircase to your parti
cular taste and decor. And remember, spiral stairs from Lomonaco's Iron Concepts cna be as simple or as elegant as you like.
The revolutionary Spiral Stairlighting Kit from Lomonaco's Iron Concepts provides all the functional benefits of conventional lighting at a fraction of the cost. a patented system of low-voltage LED technology, attractive design components and safe, efficient power delivery makes the Spiral Stairlighting Kit a must-have for any indoor metal spiral staircase.
Benefits
The Spiral Stairlighting Kit is completely safe to use because it converts your normal house current to low-voltage DC before sending it to your staircase. The LED lights and transformer stay cool, so there are no safety concerns about heat that can be generated by conventional lighting. The Spiral Stairlighting Kit is water-resistant and its patented track protects your family and your pets from any contact with the low-voltage wires. During an emergency, the Spiral Stairlighting Kit keeps you safe even in the dark with battery backup power that lasts up to 12 hours or more.
The Spiral Stairlighting lights are designed to last for nearly 12 years, so you're free from the frequent task of changing light bulbs. The compact power box continuously charges its own self-contained backup batteries while the lights are on. Installation can be done in just a few hours and the kit contains all the materials you need. Once the system is installed, just plug it in and enjoy!
Call today to speak to a Stair Specialist: 856-740-1071 or visit us on the web at:
http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
cular taste and decor. And remember, spiral stairs from Lomonaco's Iron Concepts cna be as simple or as elegant as you like.
- Spindle Options
- Single spindles
- Double Spindles
- Triple Spindles
- Aluminum or Brass cast Center Collars
- Small Scroll Castings
- Large Scroll Castings
- Double Scroll Castings
- Fleur-de-lis Castings
- Double Fleur-de-lis Castings
- Butterfly Castings
- Basket Design Spindles
- Handrail Options
- 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" Round Aluminum or Brass Tube Handrail
- Large Cast Aluminum and Polished Brass Scroll End
- Solid Oak Handrail
- Profiles:
- Round
- Standard
- A Groove
- B Groove
- Center Pole Cap Options
- Brass Ball Cap
- Aluminum Ball Cap
- Oak Ball Cap
- Aluminum Dome Cap
- Flat Oak Pole Cap
- Basket Top pole cap
- Other Accessories
- Lighting Options
- Spiral Stairlighting Kit
- Wood Tread Options
- American Cherry
- Bamboo
- Hickory
- Australian Cyprus
- Cumaru ( Brazilian Teak )
- Jatoba ( Brazilian Cherry )
- Mahogany
- Walnut
- Red Oak
- Maple
- White Oak
The revolutionary Spiral Stairlighting Kit from Lomonaco's Iron Concepts provides all the functional benefits of conventional lighting at a fraction of the cost. a patented system of low-voltage LED technology, attractive design components and safe, efficient power delivery makes the Spiral Stairlighting Kit a must-have for any indoor metal spiral staircase.
Benefits
- Attractive design components, with wires hidden in patented sleeves
- Unique 3-beam spotlight
- All Components can be painted to blend with your spiral stairs 7 walls
- Safe, efficient power delivery
- Light sensor turns your stairway lights on & off automatically
- In case of outage, battery backup lasts up to 12 hours or more
- Rechargeable batteries are included
- Comes complete with its own Bonus Toolkit!
The Spiral Stairlighting Kit is completely safe to use because it converts your normal house current to low-voltage DC before sending it to your staircase. The LED lights and transformer stay cool, so there are no safety concerns about heat that can be generated by conventional lighting. The Spiral Stairlighting Kit is water-resistant and its patented track protects your family and your pets from any contact with the low-voltage wires. During an emergency, the Spiral Stairlighting Kit keeps you safe even in the dark with battery backup power that lasts up to 12 hours or more.
The Spiral Stairlighting lights are designed to last for nearly 12 years, so you're free from the frequent task of changing light bulbs. The compact power box continuously charges its own self-contained backup batteries while the lights are on. Installation can be done in just a few hours and the kit contains all the materials you need. Once the system is installed, just plug it in and enjoy!
Call today to speak to a Stair Specialist: 856-740-1071 or visit us on the web at:
http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
Spiral Stairs Chat
Hello everyone, it's me John from Lomonaco's Iron Concepts, your spiral stair, floating stair and just about any kind of stairway specialists. I've been in the stair rail business for over 20 years, that's a lot of steps and rails let me tell you.
I have fabricated hundreds of interior railings, steel floating staircases with wood infill on the stringers and custom fabricated stair railings. Spiral stairs most commonly come in pre-fab kits ready for assembly. All you need to do is give us the drop and diameter and pick out which style spiral staircase you would like and we do the rest.
All custom spiral stair kits are made to order to your specific specifications. Due to the fact that every spiral is custom made normal production time is 4-6 weeks. Call today to order your spiral staircase.
856-740-1071
John Lomonaco - President
I have fabricated hundreds of interior railings, steel floating staircases with wood infill on the stringers and custom fabricated stair railings. Spiral stairs most commonly come in pre-fab kits ready for assembly. All you need to do is give us the drop and diameter and pick out which style spiral staircase you would like and we do the rest.
All custom spiral stair kits are made to order to your specific specifications. Due to the fact that every spiral is custom made normal production time is 4-6 weeks. Call today to order your spiral staircase.
856-740-1071
John Lomonaco - President
Spiral Stairs
SPIRAL STAIRS
Lomonaco's Iron Conceptshas enjoyed a reputation for outstanding design and fabrication of custom-built interior railings and floating stairs for many years.
Today, Lomonaco's Iron Concepts is one of the leading distributor's of spiral stair kits and fully fabricated spiral staircases in the South Jersey area.
Lomonaco's Iron Concepts offers the largest selection, highest quality and lowest prices in spiral stairs - we make sure that you get the right spiral to meet your needs.
Lomonaco's Iron Concepts also offers fully fabricated spiral staircases that require no assembly. Treads, railing, spindles, and pole are completely welded together to form an extremely sturdy one-piece spiral stair that is shipped ready for installation.
Custom Welded Spiral Staircases can be built to your specifications - the sky's the limit. Call today with your specifications to receive a price quote. For areas with restricted access, Custom Welded Spiral Staircaases can be fabricated in two or three sections.
KIT FEATURES
http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
Lomonaco's Iron Conceptshas enjoyed a reputation for outstanding design and fabrication of custom-built interior railings and floating stairs for many years.
Today, Lomonaco's Iron Concepts is one of the leading distributor's of spiral stair kits and fully fabricated spiral staircases in the South Jersey area.
Lomonaco's Iron Concepts offers the largest selection, highest quality and lowest prices in spiral stairs - we make sure that you get the right spiral to meet your needs.
Lomonaco's Iron Concepts also offers fully fabricated spiral staircases that require no assembly. Treads, railing, spindles, and pole are completely welded together to form an extremely sturdy one-piece spiral stair that is shipped ready for installation.
Custom Welded Spiral Staircases can be built to your specifications - the sky's the limit. Call today with your specifications to receive a price quote. For areas with restricted access, Custom Welded Spiral Staircaases can be fabricated in two or three sections.
KIT FEATURES
- Spiral Kits fit into square well opening 2" larger than the stair diameter. Round opening option is available.
- Standard Kits are furnished with 10-16 risers to fit floor-to-floor heights from 7'2" to 12'8". Non-standard Kits can be for the heights.
- Kits available in 3'6", 4'0", 5'0", 5'6", 6'0", 6'6" and 7'0" diameters and CODE conforming models.
- Same stair may be installed either right or left hand up.
- Kits also install easily against a balcony or deck.
- Normal assembly time for Standard Kits is four to six hours, using just a few simple tools.
http://www.lomonacosironconcepts.com/
John Lomonaco - President
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