I have a pretty ugly 1950's, hardboard covered staircase which I'd like to replace. I want to add spindles and maybe a sweeping bannister but I'm unsure as to what to do with the newel posts.
There are 4 and a half posts in total (bottom, top, turn left top, left again then half into the wall - if you understand what I mean) and they sit below the ceiling line.
Would I have to rip them out completely (beyond my capabilities) or would they be strong enough if I cut them down and then put a new newel into them?
Worst case I have to leave the big ugly things and just replace the base rail, banister and the spindles but I'm not sure if it will still look crap.
Any help/ideas?
I've stuck some photos up here:
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs1.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs2.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs3.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs4.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs5.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs6.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs7.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs8.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs9.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs10.jpg
There are 4 and a half posts in total (bottom, top, turn left top, left again then half into the wall - if you understand what I mean) and they sit below the ceiling line.
Would I have to rip them out completely (beyond my capabilities) or would they be strong enough if I cut them down and then put a new newel into them?
Worst case I have to leave the big ugly things and just replace the base rail, banister and the spindles but I'm not sure if it will still look crap.
Any help/ideas?
I've stuck some photos up here:
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs1.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs2.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs3.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs4.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs5.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs6.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs7.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs8.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs9.jpg
www.diamondair.co.uk/stairs/stairs10.jpg