Stairs aren’t always on the top of everyone’s mind, but occasionally they will have to be resurfaced. The process for apartment staircase resurfacing can differ depending on the type of stairs, but the process can be generally similar. Resurfacing is not prohibitively expensive, but it can be messy and usually requires skills that are beyond the reach of an average DIYer. This type of project should have a professional leading it. Older apartment buildings are likely to need repairs and upgrades at some point.
One of the first steps when it comes to Apartment staircase waterproofing is to look at the structure itself, in order to make sure it is safe. Treads shouldn’t be too worn and the nosing needs to be secure. Railings should also be secure and the components of the staircase must be solid. If you find that your stairs aren’t safe, then you have a bigger problem on your hand than just resurfacing. Changing the physical design of the staircase may not be an option because it could mean major structural changes that can be time consuming and expensive. If it’s possible, try to also get underneath the stairs to see how they are secured.
Concrete Stairs
If the apartment stairs are made from concrete, then the process begins with removing any concrete that is loose and thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove any debris and dust. If there are missing edges, then there should be a wood repair in place to hold the cornet while it sets. Any surfaces that aren’t being repaired should be covered with tape. A cement mixture is made and then added to fill in any gaps. The cement should be smoothed as it sets. After the material has had a chance to set, then there should be a layer of concrete resurfacer added to the top. The resurfacer should be smoothed out first, then add some texture using a stiff brush in order to prevent users from slipping.
Wood Stairs
Wood stairs use a process similar to concrete steps. Cloths should be dropped on nearby structures to protect them from any dust, paint, and varnish. The first step is sanding, so that any existing finish is removed. The shape of the stairs shouldn’t be changed, so the sanding needs to be even and gentle. The sanded surfaces will need to be vacuumed in order to remove any debris and dust. A mineral spirit can be applied to ensure a clean finish and to help reveal any spots that may need additional sanding. For any stairs that are bowed, they will need to be sanded further. Once everything is dry, there needs to be a stain, paint, or vanish chosen for the stairs. There are a variety of shades available to match the building décor.
