How to Renew a Worn Staircase

• Electric drill
• Hammer
• Nail set
• Ratchet wrench and sockets
• Palm or profile sander
• Vacuum with crevice tool

• Lag screws and washers
• Polyurethane
• Sandpaper
• Sponge sander
• Tack rag
• Brush
• Wood glue
• Finishing nails

Before You Begin

Below are the steps involved for this project. Don't want to do this job yourself? To find a contractor who has the skills and tools to do it right, click Home Advisor, a free referral service matching homeowners with local prescreened contractors.

• Step 1 : Tighten a loose baluster or stair tread

  Secure a loose baluster or stair tread using a 2-inch finishing nails drilled at an angle. First drill a pilot hole, then insert the nail and tap it into place using a nail set.

• Step 2 : Secure a newel post

  At the base of the newel drill a counterbore hole; then drill a screw shank clearance hole through the counterbore hole and into the framing behind the post. Put a washer on a lag screw and insert it into the hole and drive in the screw with a ratchet wrench and socket. Use a wood plug to conceal the screwhead and sand it smooth with the surface of the newel post.

• Step 3 : Fix a loose banister

  Refasten the wooden mounting plate that secures the banister to the wall by drilling a counterbore hole into the plate. Then drill a hole for a screw-shank hole through the plate and fasten the plate to the wall with a wood screw. Hide the screwhead with a wood plug and sand it smooth with the surface of the wooden plate.

• Step 4 : Sand worn stair treads and hand rails

  With a palm or profile sander or a sponge sander remove the finish. Work carefully to sand all the surfaces so they are smooth and free of the old finish. Then use a crevice tool of a vacuum to remove all the grit and dirt and wipe the surfaces clean with a tack rag.

• Step 5 : Apply polyurethane

  Use a brush to apply a coat of clear polyurethane and let it dry thoroughly.