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Hardwood Staircase Installation: Replacing Carpet With Wood Treads Using An Easy-To-Make Template For Pie Steps or Curved Staircases

Last Fall, we tackled the renovation of our home’s foyer. The biggest project was replacing the old carpet on the staircase with hardwood treads and white risers. While it seemed a pretty straight-forward project in the beginning, it ended up being the one project we couldn’t get a contractor to do. No one wanted the job.

The problem? Our staircase is angled and features a “pie step” or curved landing. This created an issue because these “pie steps” could not be outfitted with a standard stair tread. So we figured out how to DIY the job. In doing so, we saved thousands of dollars! Today, I’m showing you how I created a template to create the deeper stair treads that pie step landing required so you can do it yourself!

When we moved into this house, almost two years ago, we knew immediately that we’d be replacing the carpet running down the stairs. While photos might convey a different look, it was old and super dingy. Then, to make matters even worse, our cats had taken to treating it as a scratching post and it was beginning to shred. It was so bad that we’d actually taped sections back together, using packaging tape! Ahhh… the miracle of selective editing!

Since we’d begun planning to prep the house for resale, we knew that this had to be addressed. After all, the staircase is at the very front of our house and empties into the foyer. This is going to be the first impression a buyer gets when they tour our home. So we needed to make it as impressive as possible!

This is just one of a few other projects we tackled during this renovation. We also installed hardwood throughout the upstairs hallway, added a stair runner, and installed grasscloth wallpaper.

You can see the full project reveal here: Updated Suburban Entryway Reveal

How Standard Stair Treads and Risers Are Installed

The good news is that, unless your entire staircase is curved or spiraled, your modifications are going to be minimal for the majority of this project. You will only need to modify the treads on the steps that are extra deep or angled.

Luckily, there are dozens of tutorials on installing stair treads and risers on standard staircases. I will throw in this information: For this project, I used a very specific stair tread and riser. It’s imperative that you use the same treads and risers for your entire project. For moving forward with this project, a stair and riser kit with a decorative lip or overhang will not work.

Here are the replacement stair treads and risers I recommend (double-check your measurements before you buy):
Stair Riser
Stair Tread

Building stairs is easy when it’s a straight shot from the bottom to top.

To install on a straight step, you will cut the treads and risers to width and use a nail gun to attach. Here’s a video to explain the process for standard (straight) steps: Installing Unfinished Hardwood Stairs. Once they are installed, you will apply caulk, paint, and stain.

That’s the easy part.

There were two tricky parts of this stair installation:

Preparing the staircase base (under the carpet) was a feat in itself. You see, the stair was built with a lipped edge (vs. waterfall). This means that the tread, built of construction lumber, extended approximately one inch past the riser. In order to install a solid hardwood tread over the existing tread, we had to first rip back the overlap.

We did this by using a reciprocating saw to trim the excess inch off the front of each step. Here, you can see my sweet wife and (often unenthusiastic) helper, Christine doing just that.

The second issue goes back to the angled return. Midway up the flight of stairs, the staircase takes a turn of approximately 60 degrees. In order to accommodate a tread on the three affected stairs whose treads are not the same depth on each side. Here’s my solution;

The Easiest Way To Make A Template For Your REPLACEMENT Stair Treads

Since there’s such an array of angles and necessary cuts for these treads, I opted to create a template for each individual stair tread. The material? Masking tape.

I simply used a length of tape for each side. I taped them directly onto the existing tread base. Then I lifted from the base and applied to the hardwood treads that were prepared for cutting, allowing for a 1” overhand at the front of the tread (curved front).

For the step that required a deeper tread than was standard, I used to treads, glued and binder with biscuits, then placed the template on top and marked my cut lines with a pencil.

My cuts were made with a table saw and a circular saw. Here I am, looking possibly my worst, but cutting the heck outta that wood.

PS. wedged between two saws is my Happy Place.

Once my cuts were made, I installed these treads with framing nails, taking special precaution to secure both of the original pieces in place to avoid shifting. Since I knew I’d be installing a runner, I opted to nail most of the board down the center.

I followed the same technique for all three angled (pie stair) treads.

And then I finished it all off with stain, paint and a permanent runner (which is actually just 3 store-bought runners, trimmed and secured in place with a staple gun).

So there you have it! If you intend to replace your carpeted staircase with hardwoods but your contractors all say it’s too challenging because of a “pie step” or angled return, you can always just do it yourself and save the money!

I’m incredibly happy with the results of our stairs makeover. In the end, it was well worth the time and energy we spent and since we didn’t have labor costs, we only had to pay for the stair parts! I love a good DIY when it saves me money!

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YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS + I’VE GOT ANSWERS.

Commenting on this post is disabled after 24 hours so I can focus on our upcoming projects + client designs. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to hear from you. Send me your questions and comments on Instagram by either commenting on my latest post or sending me a direct message. I really love to chat it out! xoxo

HAPPY RENOVATING!!

xoxo
Teri

The post DIY Hardwood Staircase Makeover: Replacing Carpet With Wood Treads On Pie Steps And Curved Landings appeared first on Fortune House Shop.

DIY HOME DECORATING TIPS

If you’ve seen that image of our bedroom on Instagram, you’ve been deceived. This shot looks so peaceful and calm. You’d probably guess this is a completed room. But it’s not. In fact, we’ve not really done anything in this room. We plopped down existing furniture, replaced our old headboard, and called it a day. We don’t even have a duvet cover on the bed! IT. IS TIME. This is Priority Number One for our next “finish this house” project.

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How To Decorate a Boring Suburban Bedroom
Step One – Choose Your Colors

You can see that we really need to add some personality to this room. It’s actually quite a lovely space, underneath the boring suburban bedroom vibes. It’s got the best light in the whole house and the ceilings are to die for. Right now, it’s just.. meh. I want to add some life, a little color, and some sophistication. Like this bedroom, from Randi Garrett Design (whose blog is just amazing,  by the way). 

I love how the color subtly enhances the neutrals, without feeling abrasive. I thought, at some point, that I hated pastels. But I think I’m starting to fall back in love with those airier shades of color. I’m also really leaning towards a cornflower or French blue with a warmer, peachier accent color. Like this inspiration from Rita Chan Interiors. 

I genuinely love an upholstered headboard, especially in a light linen color. Christine loves blue. This could actually be exactly what this room needs. With this inspiration in mind, I originally set off to design a bedroom that feels feminine but not too fussy. Relaxing but not boring. 

Honestly, that’s probably too much pink/peach for Christine’s taste. Which is fine because I’m not looking to totally steal someone else’s design. I just want to get a similar vibe. So I already have most of the furniture we need. It just requires some alterations and a little accessorizing to spice it up. 

That’s our dresser. It’s big and sturdy and has survived (mostly survived) a million moves. Unfortunately, it’s also boring. So I need to figure out how to make it feel more updated. Maybe new drawer pulls? I’m not throwing it away because it’s from Pottery Barn and Mama don’t spend money like that on pieces she’s going to toss in a decade. Christine would never agree to painting it. So I guess new hardware it is!

These may be simple but their 16” size will make a massive impact when added to a dresser or cabinet door. Since we have such a limited laundry space, I love the idea of using them to hang our dedicate clothing to air dry too!

We also have these amazing matching bedside tables which are vintage and have a delightful inlay wood pattern. I plan to paint them and build a new base for them because they’re a little too low for our giant ADJUSTABLE bed and World’s Most Comfortable mattress. It took all last Summer to find a good bed. We finally landed on this adjustable base with massage and basically everything you could ever ask for in a base found here. Then we ordered and subsequently returned, I swear I’m not joking, FOUR MATTRESSES. We just couldn’t find the right one for us. Those “buy online” mattresses just didn’t work for us. And we have a whole horror story about Loom & Leaf that I won’t even get into. We’d given up and were sleeping out our 165 day trial on the worst mattress ever when we stayed at The Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando. The first morning we woke there, my back didn’t hurt. Christine’s back didn’t hurt. And we’d both slept comfortably through the night without waking in actual sweats. So immediately, I ripped the sheets off the bed and googled the mattress. We ended up ordering the exact same one they have at the resorts and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. You can find it here. So after all that, we’re definitely not giving up the bed to accommodate a nightstand. 

Also on our “keep” list is this gorgeous headboard I received for Christmas from Christine last year. That’s right. I got a headboard for Christmas because of course I did. It’s my dream. I’d wanted one for the longest time. After the bed debacle, Christine felt it was finally time to let me have the bed of my design dreams and I love it. You can find it here. So really, we just need a new rug, curtains, bedding, and decor. Our sheets stay too because they’re the best sheets I’ve ever owned but they’ve been discontinued so we have to wear them out. 

This is how my bedroom looks on an average day. It’s not terrible. But you can see how it might not induce the feelings of a sanctuary for me. Plus, where the designer in this room? It’s like the hairdresser with the terrible hair. Have I already used that comparison before? Well, it’s true. I would be ashamed for my clients to see how I live. (Hey, guys!)

While that rug reads French Blue in this photo, it’s definitely a teal in person. I’m not married to it. I’m actually kind of apathetic to it in general. If I get to the point of apathy, it’s probably time to let it go. I am very passionate and excitable. Apathy is a bad thing for me. 

THE CURVEBALL

With this idea and palette in mind, I set out to find everything on our “must have” list;

New rug
New flooring
New paint color
Wallpaper
Moulding
Bedside tables paint color
Duvet cover
Quilt / throw
Throw pillows
Shams
Curtains
Curtain rods
Artwork – over bed
Artwork – between windows?
Bench – foot of bed
New chair/chaise
Hardware – dresser
Hardware – bedside tables

Then I casually mentioned it to Christine and she noted that our next home (which hopefully we’ll be buying sometime in May) will likely have a totally different feel. We want it that way. I never decorate the same home twice. She mentioned that it would be a complete waste of money to buy a ton of furnishings for our bedroom that we won’t reuse and can’t sell with the house.

Okay, she has a point.

So now I’m basically back to Square One but I do have a good idea of a color way I want to use that can translate to the next space AND would appeal to Christine’s neutral-loving ways.

The inspiration, as usual, came from a piece of art. This art, from Atlanta artist Christina Kwan:

I love that it’s full of expression and passion and moodiness but still feels tender and there are moments of calm all wrapped up in it. This is exactly how I want my bedroom to feel.

Here are the pieces I’m eyeing to compliment this gorgeous palette (and Christina’s powerful work):

CLICK IMAGES TO SHOP

Every bedroom requires wall sconces, in my opinion, and these are my personal favorite. I love how they engage both our feminine and masculine sensibilities. Plus it’s not often you find pieces that nod at nature but maintain real high-end appeal! 

Paint is so 2007. I absolutely love wallpaper for accenting a space. If it’s a high-end designer look you’re after, choosing a good wallpaper and applying it minimally, is the biggest bang you’ll achieve for your buck.

I’m still undecided about whether I want to go with an inexpensive printed paper, a mid-level grasscloth (like my foyer), or this printed grasscloth which is blowing my freaking mind. Either way you slice it, I’m definitely installing wallpaper behind my headboard.

Okay, I’ll admit it. I have a type. This chair is nearly identical to the one I currently have only its completely different. This chair is substantial enough for a good cozy afternoon but its modern lines don’t overwhelm the space. I also love how the nailhead shines off the fabric. It’s the perfect juxtaposition to achieve exactly the layered look all well-designed rooms require.

The more textiles you add to a space, the more layered it appears. I like to extend the look of a bed by adding a bench at the footboard. This one knocks my socks off with its fully upholstered base. The lack of tufting on the top keeps it fresh and unfussy. It’s the perfect transitional accent.

I like a bed that’s layered with different textures and colors. Adding all this extra stuff can make it feel busy. So I tread lightly with a very basic duvet cover as the foundation. The one thing I won’t hold back on? Natural materials like linen and cotton are an absolute must for my bed!

Quilts are wonderful accent pieces that will also keep your bed cozy. Adding prints is unnecessary when you can find diamond and basket weave patterns like these. The impact is layered and textural but it won’t confuse the eye with contrast.

Velvet is the ultimate in luxurious fabrics. While many people consider this textile for a dining room, I’m all about pulling this softness into a bedroom. The added benefit is that the thickness is extra sound-deafening which is perfect for achieving a peaceful slumber.

People often mistakenly assume throw pillows are purely decorative objects but I disagree. Any object that touches your body should bring you comfort. I like to keep even my “decorative” textiles natural and soft. Especially in my bedroom.

I tell my clients the same thing about rugs: Buy the best material you can afford in the size you require for your room. Don’t skimp on size. Always aim for silk. THIS SILK RUG IS UNDER $1,000 FOR A 9X12! I need it like yesterday.

So I feel like I have a good idea of the direction I’m headed. I’m going to take the week to put together a concept and I’ll get back to you guys. What do you think? Are you Team ALL THE BLUE or do you think we can move forward with a neutral palette?

xoxo
Teri

WE MOVED! WANT TO SEE HOW THIS ROOM TURNED OUT?

UPDATE 2019: WE’VE MOVED INTO A SMALLER HOME BUT OUR SUBURBAN HOME’S LEGACY LIVES ON!

YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS + I’VE GOT ANSWERS.

Commenting on this post is disabled after 24 hours so I can focus on our upcoming projects + client designs. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to hear from you. Send me your questions and comments on Instagram by either commenting on my latest post or sending me a direct message. I really love to chat it out! xoxo

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Dollar Store Crafts – DIY Succulent Decor That Only Succs A Little

Today, I’m showing you how to use faux succulents from the dollar store to create 5 unique home decor displays that you can’t kill!

I was browsing the local dollar store last weekend and stumbled upon something surprising. A small display of faux succulents that actually didn’t look too bad and were only $1 each! 

My first thought was “If a trend is discovered at the Dollar Tree and no one’s around to see you buy it, is it still a trend?” Then I cast aside the notion that I shouldn’t invest money in fleeting trends because EVERYTHING IS A DOLLAR HERE and emptied the display into my cart.

Well, not really. Some of them looked pretty fake. I parked it in front of the display and sorted out the more realistic ones. Obviously, they’re not going to be perfect but, considering they’re likely comprised of 100% lead, I am pretty impressed. 

While I was there, I also picked up a few floral foam cubes,  a floral foam wreath form, a bag of white rocks, two plastic hanging bubbles, and a small plastic shallow dish. The whole way home, I was giddy with inspiration for making these succers look fancy. 

First, I just threw them all into a wooden crate so I could take photos to alert everyone I know that THE DOLLA STORE HAS SUCCULENTS. Then I got down to business. Below, I’ve detailed five ways to use these dollar store succulents. The goal was to keep these projects as low-cost as possible. Let me know how you think I did in the comments below. 

THROW THEM IN A BOWL. DRINK WINE. 
(wine is optional but encouraged)

No artistic talents? No interest in honing your crafting skills? No worries. Just throw these bad boys in a bowl. Make sure the stems aren’t showing. Now pour yourself a glass of wine and recline. You’ve got a cheap, cute, trendy plant arrangement to show off to your friends. 

SPRUCE UP YOUR WINTER WREATH. DRINK WINE.

 
I keep a wreath on my front door year-round. It’s a pretty realistic faux cedar wreath that’s no longer sold anywhere online, as far as I can tell. But here’s a pretty cool fern leaf wreath that’s about the same size. 

Wreaths make wonderful inviting statements for guests, but seasonal wreaths take up valuable storage space. My solution is to use the same basic wreath all year round and spruce it up every season with accent pieces. Here, I’ve found faux succulents from the dollar store and am using them to infuse Spring color into my front door. 

1. Take down your wreath and pull out any winter greenery. Allow this greenery to soak in a 1/1 part solution of white vinegar and water. Once dry, place in a plastic zipped bag for out of season storage. When the weather begins to chill in the Fall, your greenery will be ready to be added. back to your wreath. No waste! Minimal storage!

2. Lay out all of your Dollar Store succulents and group by height and shape. 

3. Starting with the longest pieces first, begin adding your succulents to the wreath by tucking the stems under the floral wire that holds your wreath together. You may need to press down slightly on the wreath, while pulling the wire forward. Do this gently so as to not break your vines and this wreath will last for years. 

4. Count the number of succulents you have of each type and divide the wreath accordingly. For instance, if you have 4 long pieces, draw an imaginary line down the vertical and horizontal centers of the wreath, creating quarters. Each piece of like greenery should be tucked in to separate quarters. This will insure your wreath has a consistent and symmetrical appearance.

5. Once all of your long pieces have been added, fill in the empty spaces with wide and flat greenery. Use the same principals of consistency and symmetry to place the pieces about the wreath. Make sure you stagger the placement and feel free to group smaller pieces with larger ones, as this will give your wreath depth and dimension. 

6. Once you feel your wreath has sufficient accents, step back five feet and take a look. Note any bald spots and add additional succulents where applicable. 

CREATE A SUCCULENT WREATH USING ONLY DOLLAR STORE SUPPLIES AND WINE. 

I figured I should at least show you one craft at was entirely comprised of supplies from the dollar store. Otherwise, can we really call this a Dollar Store Craft? Wouldn’t we have to call it Is Anyone Else Drunk Off All This Wine Yet?

1. Gather up all of the succulents from your local dollar store. Sort by by height and shape. 

2. Cut the stems of any grouped succulents by running your scissors along the plastic tubing to slice it. Once the metal wire is exposed, bend the stem back and forth until the wire snaps. 

3. Purchase a foam wreath form at your local dollar store. 

4. Count the number of succulents you have of each type and divide the wreath accordingly. For instance, if you have 4 long pieces, draw an imaginary line down the vertical and horizontal centers of the wreath, creating quarters. Each piece of like greenery should be tucked in to separate quarters. This will insure your wreath has a consistent and symmetrical appearance. Starting with the longest pieces first, begin adding your succulents to the wreath form by pressing the stems into the foam. Make sure you stagger the placement and feel free to group smaller pieces with larger ones, as this will give your wreath depth and dimension. 

5. Once you feel your wreath has sufficient accents, step back five feet and take a look. Note any bald spots and add additional succulents where applicable. 

6. Hang your wreath and admire your handy work every time you invite a guest inside.

STICK THAT WREATH YOU JUST MADE IN A HEXAGONAL BOX AND PUT IT ON A TABLE OR HANG IT ON A DOOR.

 
Also, eat a slice of bread for goodness sake. You’re getting sloppy.

I found this simple hexagonal box shelf at Target for $6. If you’ve already made your succulent wreath from dollar store items, you can simply place it in the shelf and hang it. 
If you haven’t, please go back and read the tutorial on making a succulent wreath using Dollar Store items located here. 

You may need to rearrange some of your succulent stems on the outside of the wreath in order to accommodate the size of the wooden box. Do this by removing the stems that obstruct the box and replace them to fill in gaps once the wreath has been tucked into the box. 

The shadow box has pre-installed hooks for hanging on the backside, making this project super simple. 

But you can always just place the box on any horizontal surface in need of a little Spring spruce-up. I like the way it looks grouped with my other house plants (all fake, byt he way, because I’m a plant murderer). 

This mimics the look of this succulent shadow box I spotted at Target, but is $10 cheaper and looks far more modern. 

CREATE HANGING SUCCULENT GLOBES THAT WILL MAKE YOUR HOUSE SMELL LESS LIKE ALL THAT WINE YOU JUST DRANK. 

Using essential oils and the rocks I found at the dollar store, I added a nice fresh spring scent to my kitchen. No flame necessary.

Supplies Needed:
3 – 5 Dollar Store succulents, varying sizes and colors
1 bag Dollar Store vase filler rocks
2 Dollar Store Hanging Floral Globes
Essential Oils
Glass bowl
Spatula
Fishing Wire or String (for hanging)
Scissors

1. Rinse the rocks under warm water for 5 minutes. Lay out to dry. 
2. Once rocks are dry, place them in a glass or ceramic bowl, leaving room for stirring. 
3. Sprinkle approximately 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (my favorite – affiliate link) over the rocks and stir well, using silicone spatula. Allow rocks to dry for half an hour.

4. Once rocks are dry, fill the floral globes about 1/3 of the way (approximately 1/2 cup). 

5. Add succulents to your liking. Make sure you completely bury the stems in the rocks for a more realistic look.

6. Tie string around the plastic hook at top of globe, leaving 2 feet for adjustments.

7. Hang from curtain rod over window. 

Comment below and tell me what you plan to do with your Dollar Store succulents. I’ll feature my favorite answer on Instagram this coming Friday. 

Happy Spring!!
xoxo
Teri

YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS + I’VE GOT ANSWERS.

Commenting on this post is disabled after 24 hours so I can focus on our upcoming projects + client designs. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to hear from you. Send me your questions and comments on Instagram by either commenting on my latest post or sending me a direct message. I really love to chat it out! xoxo

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The post Dollar Store Crafts – DIY Succulent Decor Five Ways appeared first on Fortune House Shop.