Bench rests on vinyl plank flooring on Wyndy Grice's landing.
Vinyl plank flooring is a stylish, affordable alternative to wood.

Install flooring

These vinyl planks require a gap along the edges for expansion. Shoe molding covers it at the walls, but we add colored caulk along the handrail base to hide the gap there, and still remain flexible.

We also:

  • Replaced a light fixture
  • Painted drywall and new cabinetry
  • Stained Railings
  • Painted spindles
  • Installed a sconce
  • Added a table/desk to room

Costs

  • Railings: $298
  • Spindles: $55.28
  • Window Stool: $10
  • Crown: $17
  • Base: $30
  • Lumber: $431
  • Paint: $22/gallon (2)
  • Stain: $17/half-pint
  • Light Fixtures: upstairs, $89 per fixture (2); downstairs, $275
  • Sconce: $89
  • Flooring: $1.79/sq. ft.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf and Danny Lipford stand on a stair rail, looking down at the camera, along with Wyndy Grice, her daughter and her stepfather.
Danny Lipford and Chelsea Lipford Wolf, pictured with Wyndy Grice, her daughter Parker and her stepfather, Dana.

Post-Production Thoughts

Wyndy’s idea to expand the landing over her entryway was a great one but even after the structure was complete, she realized she was in over her head with some of the remaining details.

By re-working some of the existing handrail and adding several feet to it we’ve turned a novelty area into legitimate living space. And changing the rail stain from light to dark has taken years off this home.

The window seat and built-in shelves will make it functional for Parker but they’re also an attractive addition that will improve the value of this home in years to come.

And continuing the same flooring used throughout the house into this space not only completes it, but it also makes it feel like it’s always been here — and that was our goal.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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