Restoring staircase

[Brigante]

Hi all,

I've just started a project that involves the restoration of an old staircase in our 1890's terraced house.

The staircase has been boxed in for almost 40 years, hiding the old spindles and newel posts.

Here's a photo of one of the boards taken off:

Untitled

• Brigante
• 16 Jul 2012
• 1

Here's a photo of the newel post (which has unfortunately been cut off) and the spindles:

Untitled

• Brigante
• 16 Jul 2012
• 1

Now to the issue I need advice on. I'm not sure what to do with the side of the staircase. I can't really tell if there's been an open string here and it's been cut down or not.

Here's a photo:

Untitled

• Brigante
• 16 Jul 2012
• 1

Do you think I should just fill and sand the side down then paint it? The other idea I had was to put some half round mouldings on the side of each step to imitate an open string, but not sure how good that would look.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Edit: Just realised I've posted this in the wrong forum. Really sorry! Maybe someone could please move it?

 

[BertyUK]

im no expert but it looks like they were originally open string and they were cut flush to fit on the box work. the ends look rough so I would suggest first trying as you say a bit of molding if you can find the right size, or at the very least a good sanding.

 

[Brigante]

Thanks for the reply BeryUK. Yes I think it must have been open string.

My latest plan is to cut MDF board and cover everything apart from the side of the tread up and put a bit of moulding on the side of each tread.

Will try to sand it a bit first though as it's really rough.

Will post pictures of the progress in case someone's interested.