How to Dress Up Stair Risers
A stair riser is the vertical support board that helps hold the actual steps in place -- adding stability to the stairs. Most stairs have at least one visible riser along one side, and some staircases have a stair riser visible on either side. There are a few ways to decorate a stair riser to make it look more attractive. If your risers are outdoors, you can only use paint, but indoors, additional options are available. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pattern paper -- available at sewing and craft stores
- Scissors
- Fabric
- Spray adhesive
- Soap
- Stiff scrub brush
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Small art or photos
- Nails
- Hammer
- Sticky putty
Instructions
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Fabric
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1
Trace the outline of the riser onto a piece of pattern paper. Cut out the pattern, and transfer it to a piece of cloth.
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2
Cut out the cloth outline of the stair riser.
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3
Spray the surface of the stair riser with spray adhesive.
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4
Glue the fabric over the stair riser to give it a "dressed up" appearance. Do not use this method of decoration for outdoor stair risers.
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5
If the staircase has two visible risers, repeat Steps 1 to 4 for the other riser.
Paint
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6
Clean the stair riser with soapy water and a stiff scrub brush. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.
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7
Paint the riser with primer, and allow it to dry 2 hours.
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8
Apply two to three coats of paint on the riser. Allow each coat to dry 24 hours.
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9
Paint designs or patterns onto the riser, if desired, to make it even more festive and dressy.
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10
If the staircase has two visible risers, repeat Steps 1 to 4 for the other riser.
Art
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11
Position small decorative items, photos or wall art along the risers.
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12
Hammer small nails into the risers, where you want to place the art or photos.
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13
Hang the items in place on the nails. Use sticky putty to hold them in place, so they don't move when someone climbs the stairs. Only use this method indoors.
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1
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images
