There’s no denying that stairs and railings are some of the most common fixtures in homes across the country. Not only are they functional, but they also serve as a welcoming centerpiece for your guests. As a result, there’s no wonder why you want them to look as good as possible.

However, when it comes to transforming the look of one’s home, many homeowners are left wondering if they should paint or stain their stairs and railings. And since making the wrong choice has the potential to ruin the overall style of one’s home, the internet is full of people asking just that. Luckily, we are here to help you decide which one works best for your home.

Consider the Time Investment

Let’s be honest — we can never get back our lost time. That’s why it’s important to determine the amount of time each project will take to complete. For example, painting requires a lot of prep-work, which involves the sanding of your stairs and railings in order to remove the shiny clear coat. Then, a special primer is applied which is usually followed by at least two coats of glossy paint.

However, staining is even more time-consuming and more costly, since it requires the stripping of existing paint. Not only that but your stairs and railings also need sanding to get rid of any leftover coating. As a result, many homeowners prefer painting their fixtures instead of staining them.

The Overall Design of Your Home Matters

As previously mentioned, your stairs and railings are usually the centerpieces of your home. Therefore, they can enhance your home’s overall design, as long as you understand how painting and staining affect its appearance. For instance, older homes look much better with stained stairs, while fixtures painted in various colors are more suitable for modern homes. And in case you are having trouble deciding which one will improve your home the most, you can always ask a decorator.

Don’t Forget About Durability and Lifespan

Last but not least, you need to consider the amount of traffic that your stairs will endure daily. Stained stairs and railings are much more durable and can withstand heavy wear and tear for decades. In contrast, paint is prone to all sorts of damage, such as scratching and scuffing. But if you decide to go for paint, try to choose a darker color that makes damage less noticeable.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference. On the one hand, while staining is more time-consuming and costly, it’s also more durable. On the other hand, painting is more susceptible to wear and tear.

However, no matter which one you choose, you’ll need to count on a professional contractor, such as Mike’s Decorating and Painting. Thanks to our vast experience in the field, we are able to transform any old and worn staircase into a beautiful piece of art.

So stop wasting your time and money with low-quality contractors — it’s time to go pro!