Staircase renovation

[jakesmith]

I live in Surrey, just had 2 big brand specialist companies in to quote for renovating a staircase. Quotes were £8k and £9.6k.
It's a simple staircase, 3 steps and a corner and 13 more. Glass balustrade on one side and 2x 2 metres of balcony balustrade at the top. Oak newels and veneer over strings
I costed this in parts at more like £1500. Although I may have overlooked some bits...
Is this really specialist work, replacing newel posts etc?
Or should a good chippie be able to do it?

[jakesmith]

I've just bought all the kit to do it myself, about £2000 all in including about £350 on tools! I am veneering the existing newels as it seems stupid to remove them really when they are in position & have the handrail mounting hardware attached already. The veneer is 15mm solid oak though so should be solid enough. Will post pics up! Big easter project & the Mrs. is nervous!!

[jakesmith]

Decided to DIY it, bought some cladding kits, baserails and handrails from Stairbox. £2.5k all in including glass, and about £250 on tools that I will keep

Before:



Nearly done... just waiting for the glass to come + relay carpet



Can add some during pics if of interest

[jakesmith]

Before:



First test fitting of the cladding kit



Another cladding kit in position, this one took a full day to measure up, cut & fit



Homemade jig for routing out the recess for the handle mounting plate



Stair string veneer (took about 4 hours to measure out & cut)



In position



Nearly done... just waiting for the glass to come + relay carpet

Edited by jakesmith on Wednesday 13th April 23:10

[jakesmith]

Kate Moss of course!

[jakesmith]

Forgot to update but here it is, with new carpet