Painting Stairs Walls
I painted our living room last summer and I ran into trouble when I had to paint the walls above the stairs. Our living room wall is 16' high so painting the wall along the stairs is a pain in this daddy's behind. Anyways, I did manage to paint the walls above our stairs and I thought I would share some options with you do-it-yourself dads and moms out there.
Painting Stairs Walls Options
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If you've got the money, save yourself the trouble and hire a professional painter to paint the high stairwell for you.
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Rent a scaffold from a place like Home Depot.
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Purchase a ladder leveler for $90.
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You can place one end of a plank on a step ladder and the other end on the stairs.
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Place the extended legs of a folding table on the lower part of the stairs and the folded legs on a higher part of the stairs (see photo below).
I didn't choose the first three options because those options cost money and that's goes against the Frugal Dad's creed. I thought about using a step ladder and a plank, but I would need a long plank for my stairs. That would make the plank too springy. Plus I wasn't sure if the plank could hold up the weight of the ladder with me on it.
I went with the folding table option because a table is sturdy and wide. Plus I have a folding table so it didn't cost me anything extra. However, I did have to build a platform from scrap lumber to level out the table for the extension ladder (see photo below).
Warning
- Use a sturdy table that is supported by a metal frame (underneath the table).
- Check the underside of the table for loose screws. Three screws popped out while I was standing on the table. I was lucky the table didn't collapse.
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Look at you go! I think that looks dangerously like a LOT of work…:)
Hugs,
Holly
.-= Holly Schwendiman´s last blog ..Sowing Seeds =-.
It was a lot of work to go up and down that ladder to cut in from the ceiling.
WOWWWW. I'm thinking with the ER bill it's cheaper for me to hire someone. :P
.-= Mrs. C´s last blog ..Elf Responds to "I Am Autism." =-.
It's a good thing I didn't mention my step ladder on top of a folding table, which was on top of another folding table on the stairs. I used that method to repair a 8' vertical crack at the edge of the wall. That method was an accident waiting to happen.
Being in the building trades and having very high ceilings I've gotta say I love the innovative scaffolding LOL Great job!!! ( But didn't you mean to say don't try this at home ;) Happy WW
At the very least, people should have someone around just in case of trouble.
I am so glad that you survived. While I have done just as crazy of stuff myself (in the name of saving money), I am seeing how this could have gone wrong in so many ways (LOL). Glad you survived! -Jason
.-= The Devoted Dad´s last blog ..Happy Fall Part II =-.
The scary part was climbing up and down the ladder.
we have stairs — getting the stairwell down to the basement painted was a TRIP – literally!!!! not fun. cool ladder gadget.
.-= jenx67´s last blog ..gen x halloween [1970s and politically incorrect] =-.
Wait until I show you my self-painting wall invention.
Now that looks dangerous! I have very high ceilings in my house, too. And repainting in is my very near future. I'll keep your "tricks" in mind!
.-= peepnroosmom´s last blog ..Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. =-.
It may look dangerous, but the table was very sturdy.
Wow, that ladder looks pretty sketchy balancing on that table!
There are many options to paint the wall and some warning to consider. Thanks for the information.