A recent study by Jackson Woodturners found that 30% of UK homeowners never clean their staircases. While we often think of our stairs as simply a practical addition to the home, to get us from A to B, the staircase serves as much more than that. Because the staircase is often the first feature guests see when they enter your home, it’s important to ensure your stairs look their best, as they can go a long way in improving the overall aesthetic of your home. In this article, Jackson Woodturners explore some common practical and cosmetic staircase issues and highlight how to make the best first impression with the look of your staircase. 

So, how do you keep your stairs in the best condition possible? In our opinion, some of the best ways to keep your staircase in top condition are: 

• Performing frequent structural checks 
• Protecting wood with Hard Wax Oil 
• Creating a modern aesthetic with metal stair parts
• Using high-quality stair parts 
• Cleaning your staircase wisely 
• Cleaning liquid spills diligently 

Keep reading to learn more about maintaining your staircase so that it retains its quality and aesthetic for years to come. 

Here are some of our top tips to help you keep your stair parts looking as good as the day you installed them: 

Perform frequent structural checks

According to Jackson Woodturners’ recent survey, 80% of homeowners never check their stair parts for damages, with only 18% revealing that they check their stair parts once every couple of months. 

“How often do you check your stair parts for damages?”

We recommend that you inspect the structure and look at your staircase frequently to make sure there are no damages or issues. For small imperfections, take a look at our multi-purpose wood filler to improve the overall appearance of your staircase. 

Take a look at our original insights to find out how safe the UK is when it comes to staircase safety. 

Protect the wood with hard wax oil

Using hard wax oil to protect your stairs ensures a hard-wearing and attractive finish. Treatex Hardwax Oil is a popular option that can be used to maintain wooden handrails. You’ll be happy to know that it is quick-drying and hard-wearing. Hard wax oils contain a blend of oils and waxes designed to protect the wood, including linseed oil, sunflower oil and beeswax. Applying hard wax oil makes wooden handrails stain-resistant and gives a lovely smooth finish to the surface. Take a look at our Treatex Natural Hardwax Oil Ultra today. 

Modern aesthetic with metal stair parts

Metal stair parts are easy to clean with a dusting cloth and are a great option if you are looking for low-maintenance stair parts that provide a minimalist, sleek aesthetic. A study by Jackson Woodturners found that 70% of homeowners stick to only one material for their staircase. However, by incorporating metal in your staircase, you can also enjoy a unique combination of metal and wood that provides a memorable impression. Take a look at our modern range of metal stair parts for more inspiration. 

As you can see in the example below, this staircase from our Elements Range, features a combination of oak and black metal. This combination strikes a wonderful balance of traditional and modern and is sure to get your visitors talking. Wood’s warmth and rustic charm paired with metal’s coolness, can create a harmonious look and feel to any staircase, breaking up any uniformity to bring a new dynamic to your home. 

We also offer wood stair parts in pine, hemlock and walnut. Get as creative as you can and pair different materials together to build a unique staircase. To read more about creating a statement staircase with metal stair parts, take a look at our latest article. 

Use high-quality stair parts 

When it comes to having a visually aesthetic, well-maintained staircase, keeping on top of the cleaning is only one aspect of the process. Using high-quality stair parts can go a long way in ensuring your staircase is reliable and provides a great first impression. Before beginning your staircase project, it’s important to choose a reputable stair part supplier with positive reviews and testimonials, as this will increase your chances of having durable and strong stair parts. Although you may be tempted to choose the cheapest option available to you, it may not always be the most cost-effective choice in the long-run. Generally, using cheap stair parts can increase the risk of chipping and splinters, stair parts becoming loose and other forms of wear and tear. 

Another survey carried out by Jackson Woodturners highlights that 90% of homeowners would consider buying high-quality stair parts that require less maintenance: 

“Would you consider high-quality stair parts that require less maintenance?”

Clean your staircase wisely 

Our final survey concluded that 100% of UK homeowners are not clued up on the best cleaning practices for staircases:

“Are you aware of the best cleaning practices for your staircase?”

Here are some of our top tips for cleaning your stair parts:

• Work your way from top to bottom - Start with a broom, sweeping your stairs and removing any dust or debris as you go towards the bottom.
• Wipe it down - Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down each step. Once you’ve finished, remember to dry the steps with a towel.
• Railings and balusters - Don’t forget to wipe down your railing and baluster individually, making sure to rinse out the cloth once it gets too dirty.
• Glass stair parts - If you have glass stair parts, such as glass panels, ensure you clean them gently. Be careful not to create scratches by applying too much pressure and consider using a soft microfibre cloth to buff the glass until it is dry. 

Be diligent about cleaning liquid spills

Liquid spills can happen in every household and are particularly common if you have children in your home. Clean any liquid spills immediately to avoid long-term damage to your staircase. Small tips such as avoiding using the stairs in damaging footwear, such as high heels, can also go a long way towards keeping your staircase looking its best. If you have noticeable marks on the walls around your stairway, a useful hack is to create a gallery wall for a quick and easy way to cover these. 

Take a look at the handy poster below to find out more about our top maintenance and cleaning tips for your staircase. 

Creating a statement staircase that is clean and well-maintained will wow your guests. As the largest piece of architecture in your home, it is imperative that a well-maintained staircase sets the tone for the rest of the house. Designing a statement staircase that is visually pleasing not only helps define an open space but can also create a dramatic entrance to a home of any size. 

When it comes to designing or decorating the home, it is vital to pay attention to small details, such as material texture and getting rid of scratches and dents. The other elements in interior design, such as colour and style, are also important; however, it is the little details that can make or break a guest’s positive first impression. Unsurprisingly, one study found that 40% of people admit that the first thing they notice when walking into someone’s home is how clean their staircase is. 

Common staircase problems 

Small details that can impact your staircase include liquid stains, cracks and dents, and even issues such as creaking stair treads. According to another study, 63% of homeowners admit to having stairs that creak: 

“Do any of the steps in your home creak?”

What’s even more worrying, is that 100% of our respondents admitted that they didn’t know how to fix this problem. Although this may not be an urgent issue, it can be irritating for you and your guests. Chipped paint and marks on the wall are other common problems that may be impacting the aesthetic of your stairs. 

A build-up of dirt and grease on handrails is another issue that can leave a sour taste. This problem also has safety implications. Slippery handrails as a result of grease and dirt can increase the likelihood of falling down the stairs. According to the NHS, factors such as uneven carpet can also increase the likelihood of falls and accidents on the stairs, as well as creating an unpleasant appearance. 

At Jackson Woodturners, we offer the best-quality wooden and metal stair parts, all manufactured in Sheffield. We know how important it is to make an impression with your staircase. With our team of stair experts on hand, we can advise and help you plan and design your stairs to make this a reality. We encourage creativity and innovation when it comes to designing your staircase, which is why we offer such a range of different stair parts and materials.

With trade prices available to all, we can help you build your staircase project efficiently and affordably. Our price promise guarantees that we’ll beat any like-for-like quote. 

Get in touch with our friendly team today for more information about your up-and-coming stair project.