Ever since I bought this house, I knew these stairs needed some serious TLC. But, as a beginner, it took a while before I built up enough knowledge (and courage) to tackle a bigger, structural project like this DIY stair renovation.
The original stairs ever covered in poorly installed tiles. They were cracked, chipped, and literally lifted right off the step if you tried — some of them even fell off entirely! So these steps were not only an ugly eyesore, but also not very safe.
In this video, I finally take on the challenge of these stairs — removing the old tiles, prepping the construction stairs, and replacing the stair treads with new wooden stair tread caps and risers for a complete DIY stair makeover and a beautiful first impression of the house.
This project had its fair share of challenges, but the right tools — plus a little patience — made all the difference. I may or may not have even bought a new tool to help get the job done... 👀
Thank you so much for watching 🛠️ If you enjoyed this project, please consider liking this video and subscribing to the channel to help me make more content like this. There are always new projects in the works that you won’t want to miss!
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Video Chapters:
00:00-01:20 - Intro
01:20-03:03 - Stair demo
03:03-05:38 - Thinking through next steps
05:38-06:44 - Cutting the nosing
06:44-08:36 - Cleaning up the steps
08:36-13:16 - New risers & tool unboxing
13:16-14:48 - Stair tread jig demo
14:48-17:40 - Cutting the treads
17:40-18:31 - Finishing and painting
18:31 - 21:16 Riser and tread install
21:16-25:13 - Cutting and installing trim
25:13-26:08 - Finishing touches
26:08-28:05 - Final reveal & outro
Watch more videos like this!
Make the stair tread jig! - https://youtu.be/C50DCS45ABo
Mid-mod home office renovation - https://youtu.be/7A0Ypc5P-54
Building a toddler learning tower - https://youtu.be/N6pZHOkOqZc
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About My Grandfather’s Axe:
My Grandfather’s Axe (MGA for short) follows my beginner woodworking journey learning the craft from my late grandfather’s tools. It’s about inheriting his carpentry knowledge by building with his very tools, all while adding my own unique mark. This channel is built on authenticity, highlighting the real mistakes and frustrations of the learning process instead of hiding them. From home renovations, to carpentry, to fine woodworking, join the genuine (often chaotic) journey of a beginner learning the trade!
What is an axe-hole?:
An "axe-hole" comes from one of my grandpa’s favorite sayings: “Any Axe-Hole Can Buy A New One” (AACBANO). This phrase has been passed down in my family for generations and it represents a belief in self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and taking action.
My grandpa’s version of the saying wasn’t quite so PG (let’s just say his wording was a little more colorful), but the meaning remains the same: in a world full of disposable, mass-produced items often designed to fail, why not fix or build it yourself? Someone out there knows how — why can’t that someone be you?
So when I say, "don't be an axe-hole," I mean — don’t be the person who mindlessly buys cheap, throwaway junk. Instead, learn to build things that last and fix or reuse what you already have.
Find me on social!
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mygrandfathersaxe
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mygrandfathersaxe
Graphics design:
Instagram - @dewniversalstudios
Music:
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Sneaky Snitch by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/
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Way Home by Tokyo Music Walker | https://soundcloud.com/user-356546060
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Lo-Fi Lounge Chill Hip Hop CITY by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
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