Is it possible to give this existing staircase a 'facelift'? - with pic

[JayneH]

Hi,

We are in the process of buying this house and one of the first things I'd like to do is address the hallway. It's a victorian property and so I'd really like this horrible 1960s staircase sorted out so we have something that suits the property.

Rather than rip it out and buy a new one, I was wondering if it would be possible to work with what's already there are it's pretty solid wood. I was thinking of removing all of the left hand side handrails, adding wooden panels to the back of each stair to close them off, then change the spindels and posts. Finally box in underneath the stairs with a door to give some storage?

Does that sound do-able? Attached is a pic of the stairs now, and a pic of how I would like them to look (more or less).
Thanks

 

[Tigercubrider]

Looks to me like the spindles actually support the treads?

Anything is possible, but it might be cheaper to just buy a ready made one.

Burbage? Used to make a dress up kit for stairs consisting of over panels for the treads and risers

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Aye I'd agree, probably easier and cheaper to just fit a new stair - and would look better too. What would you end up actually saving by modifying? Some treads and that's it by the looks.

 

[Gerrydelasel]

Does that sound do-able?

Yes and no. If you intend to paint and carpet it then I would do as you describe and fill the open risers with ply, box underneath the stairs with MDF and moulding, and fit new spindles/banister. Cheap, easy and looks the part. Paint that terrible panelling while you're at it!
However, the second photo you provided shows a stripped wood staircase. If you want that effect then you're better off starting from scratch as others have said. It will cost more. You will still want to paint or remove that terrible panelling!

 

[JayneH]

Thanks!

Oh that wood panelling is coming straight off too and the whole hall re-plastering if needs be! It's probably hiding a few damp patches I reckon but nothing that can't be sorted.
I would want the stairs carpeting after so we'll see how we get on