Stair Videos

These This Old House videos showcase all of our stair projects, how-tos, and designs.

S45 E23: Tom Silva tours a factory where they build custom staircases
Play

Filed under:

Building a Staircase

The three staircases were built offsite and installed in the Glen Ridge, NJ project house within a few hours. General contractor, Tom Silva takes a trip to the company that made and installed them.
S21 E24, Tom Silva replicates an antique staircase spindle
Play

How to Replicate Antique Staircase Balusters

Watch as general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner by hand-carving a new rope baluster for their ornate Queen Anne home’s staircase.
S21 E24, Tom Silva replaces a baluster spindle
Play

How to Replace Staircase Balusters

General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner by installing a hand-carved baluster for their ornate Queen Anne home’s staircase.
ASK_Studio_02022022MR_0436_2400x1350
Play

How To Space Balusters: Multiple Methods for Even Placement

General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor a quick, simple trick for spacing balusters evenly, and it doesn’t even require math.
ASK_2027_newel_poster_frame01
Play

How To Repair a Dog-Chewed Newel Post

Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to bring a gnawed newel post back to its original splendor.
paint_rail_2001_SF
Play

How to Paint Outdoor Railings

Painter Mauro Henrique paints an outdoor railing that Nathan just built to match the original railing around a homeowner’s deck.
deck_rail_2001_SF
Play

How To Build a Deck Railing

Building a deck railing is no small task. This guide shows how you can construct and install one in a few hours.
stair_treads
Play

How To Refinish Worn Out Stair Treads

In this article and instructional video, This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert demonstrates how to refinish stair treads.
clean1721_stairs
Play

How to Update Stair Treads and Risers

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner how to replace split-level stair treads in his mid-century modern home.
stair_railing_image
Play

How To Connect Stair Railing Parts

Most staircase railings come from stock pieces that you can easily connect yourself. Here's everything you need to know.
Railing_iStock_1317966945
Play

How To Fix a Loose Stair Rail End Cap

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva fixes an end cap on a stair railing that keeps coming loose.
A man using a measuring tape to measure the vertical distance between two steps.
Play

How To Identify and Address Dangerous Staircases in a Home

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva analyzes a potentially dangerous staircase that is not to code for prospective homebuyers.
chippendale_rail_01
Play

How To Build a Chippendale Railing

Kevin O’Connor and Jeff Sweenor demonstrate how to assemble and install a Chippendale railing for the Rhode Island Beach House
Two men installing wooden stairs up to a porch.
Play

Everything You Need to Know to Build Porch Stairs

This step-by-step guide will show you how to build a safe and solid set of porch steps that are more accessible for someone with mobility issues.
tom_attic_stairs
Play

How to Replace a Pull-Down Attic Staircase

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva removes an old attic staircase and replaces it with a new one.
Lead_Entry
Play

How to Replace a Stair Railing

Need to replace or install a new staircase balustrade? In our guide and video, we share tricks for installing a new, sturdy stair railing.
Stairs_iStock_1199675025
Play

How To Build Granite Porch Stairs

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to create durable, beautiful stone steps out of granite slabs.
Tom Silva fixes a wobbly newel post
Play

How to Repair a Wobbly Newel Post

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to stabilize an unsteady staircase post
carpet stair runner
Play

How to Install a Stair Runner

Use a stock runner (or two) to add a splash of color and cushiony comfort to bare wood stairs.
Stair_iStock_1304395738
Play

How To Repair a Broken Wooden Stair Tread

A cracked or broken stair tread can lead to someone tripping and falling. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva reveals his quick fix for cracked wooden steps.
Tom Silva using a drill to work on fixing a loose newel post.
Play

How to Repair a Loose Newel Post in a Few Simple Steps

Is your staircase post wobbling? Bolster a newel post with these simple tips, using tools you probably already have in your home.
install_atticstairs_x
Play

Installing Attic Stairs

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to make attic stairs safe and sturdy
A railing with a baluster at the end.
Play

How to Repair a Damaged Baluster in 7 Simple Steps

A busted baluster can lead to unsafe situations, especially if you have young children. Luckily, it's a relatively simple DIY fix.
install_atticstairs_x
Play

How to Install Attic Stairs

Step-by-step instructions to help you install folding attic stairs for easier access to your attic.
Stairs_Headroom_Screenshot
Play

How To Add Headroom to a Stairway

Watch This Old House's Tom Silva show you how to change the dimensions of a staircase to keep you from bumping your head.
Handrail_iStock_468659116
Play

How To Install a Stair Handrail: A Step by Step Guide

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows us how to install a professional-looking handrail that meets building code requirements.