DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Staircase problem:- My property was built in 1857, one of the staircases is covererd in a kind of black tar substance which is now cracking and falling off.Has anyhone come across this type of finish before? It would be impossible to try and strip the stairs back, I had considered refacing the stairs with wood, but some of the treads are 15inch wide. Any suggestions on how I can tidy up the appearance would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I see nobody's replied. I guess we don't really have any advice to offer.

It could well be a bitumen based product of some sort. Is it hard or very slightly flexible?

I don't think refacing would work. If stripping it in situ isn't an option (why not out of curiosity?) it sounds like you are into disguising it. Carpet, or another coat of black goo and call it sympathetic restoration?!

You might be lucky and have a friendly conservation officer at the council, or a local firm that specialise in restoration. Generally they are pretty willing to help if you ask nicely and can probably identify what you are dealing with, and perhaps even what to do next.

I'm being a bit useless I know, sorry.

Thanks for the reply Oddbod. I will try my local council they have been quite helpful in the past, hopefully as you suggest they may be able to point me in the right direction. The stone underneathe the black covering (which is rock hard) appears to be very uneven in parts, its a big staircase and the prospect of stripping it back would be quite daunting. I will let you know hoe I progress