Transforming Our Stairway with Picture Frame Moulding

Revamping your home can breathe new life into your living space, and one of the most impactful ways to do so is by adding picture frame moulding. After successfully tackling a similar project in our primary bedroom, I was eager to extend the charm of picture frame moulding to another area of our home. Little did I know, this project would present its own set of challenges and rewards. I’ll take you through every stage of our journey, from preparing the surface to putting the finishing touches on our stunning stairway upgrade.

Apologies for dropping the ball on snapping some before pics that really captured the essence of our stairway and hallway before we dove into this project. I know visuals are key to really getting a feel for the space we were tackling. Check out these photos below to get a good feel for the space we were tackling.

Preparation: Removing Popcorn Ceiling

Our first hurdle? Saying goodbye to yet another popcorn ceiling. This time, the process wasn’t as straightforward as we’d hoped. Gone were the days of a simple misting followed by easy scraping. Why? Well, it turns out we had made the mistake of painting over the popcorn texture with oil-based paint years ago, forgetting the repercussions it would have on future removal efforts.

Fast forward to the present, and we found ourselves facing a stubborn ceiling that refused to yield to our efforts. Armed with a hot water and vinegar solution, we (mainly my hubby) spent a solid 10 hours scraping and chipping away at the textured surface. Once the bulk of it was removed, I took over, diligently patching and sanding until the ceiling was as smooth as possible and primed for a fresh coat of paint.

Navigating this stage of the project was particularly challenging, especially maneuvering on the stairs with a ladder in tow. While the ladder was a helpful ally, shifting it around to reach every nook and cranny proved to be quite the feat. Nevertheless, the satisfaction of completing this arduous task was palpable, marking a significant milestone in our project journey.

But as they say, the journey is far from over.

Planning: Mapping Out the Design

With the ceiling drama behind us, it was time to plan the layout of our picture frame moulding. Drawing inspiration from the spacing on the accent wall in our primary bedroom, I began planning the layout for each wall.

Here’s a breakdown of my approach:

1. Sketching the Walls: Armed with a piece of paper, I began by sketching each wall, envisioning them as simple rectangles. This served as a blueprint for mapping out the placement of the frames.
2. Taking Measurements: Next, I measured the height and width of each wall, transferring these dimensions onto my sketch. This step ensured accuracy in determining the size and spacing of each frame.
3. Spacing Considerations: Opting for a 4-inch spacing around each frame, I calculated the number of frames needed for each wall. For example, on a wall near the bathroom measuring 48 inches wide and 93 inches high, I decided on 2 frames wide by 2 frames high.
4. Calculating Panel Dimensions: To determine the dimensions of each panel, I followed a simple formula. With 3, 4-inch-wide horizontal spacings between frames, I subtracted this from the width of the wall(48 inches), resulting in 36 inches. Dividing this by 2 (the number of panels), each panel would be 18 inches wide. I repeated this process to calculate the height for each panel, which came out to 38.5 inches.

When mapping out your design, consider the size of the wall as a key factor. Depending on its dimensions, you might opt for one, two, three, or even four panels to create the desired aesthetic. Get creative and play around with the width and height of each panel to achieve the look that speaks to you. After all, this is your chance to let your imagination run wild and tailor the design to suit your unique style and vision.

Application: Securing the Mouldings

Alright, folks, it’s go-time! With our layout locked in, it was time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the exciting world of applying moulding. But hey, let’s be real, nothing’s ever perfect, right? So, a few minor adjustments were par for the course, especially when dealing with wonky walls.

With pencil in hand, I began the monumental task of transferring my meticulously calculated measurements onto the walls. And let me tell you, it was the start of something beautiful! But, of course, ensuring those frames hung just right required a trusty sidekick: the level. Talk about a game-changer in the quest for precision!

Now, I won’t lie, a fancy laser level would’ve been the bee’s knees, but we decided to keep it real with our budget-friendly option. Armed with both large and small levels (because size matters, folks), we tackled each wall with gusto.

Once all the frames were sketched out, it was time to get down and dirty with the cutting and installing. Using a miter saw, we sliced and diced each piece of moulding to a precise 45-degree angle. But let me tell you, things got a tad dicey when we hit the stairway cuts. Angles went rogue, and we had to call in reinforcements in the form of an angle finder. A few lengths of wasted mouldings later, and voila! We were back on track, angles and all.

Overcoming Obstacles: Tackling Angles

But here’s the kicker: we encountered a new challenge when faced with angles greater than 45 degrees on the miter saw. Thankfully, we stumbled upon a lifesaving YouTube video that showed us the ropes. If you find yourself in the same boat, watch this video: How to cut over 45 degrees on your miter saw!—it’s a game-changer!

With the hard part behind us (well, mostly), it was nail gun time! Securing the moulding to the walls was a breeze, although we did have to fudge the spacing a tad in some spots. Hey, imperfection is part of the charm, right?

Next up: caulking. We filled those pesky gaps with finesse, although I’ll admit, I initially opted for caulking to fill the nail holes. But word on the street is, spackling is where it’s at for a more durable finish. So, guess what? I’ll be giving spackling a spin on our next project to see how it stacks up.

Finishing Touches: Painting and Finalizing

As we approached the final phase of our project, the question of when to paint the walls arose. While some DIY enthusiasts suggested painting them first to minimize cutting around frames, I was skeptical about how much time and effort this would truly save.

Opting for a different approach, I decided to paint all the walls after the frames were caulked. This allowed for a more seamless process, with fewer interruptions and adjustments needed during painting.

For this project, I chose Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster in a satin finish, aiming to maintain consistency with the colour scheme of our primary bedroom. This shade of white exudes a timeless elegance, brightening the space while imparting a subtle warmth that enhances the overall ambiance.

Although I’m satisfied with the results of our current method, I’m open to experimenting with painting the walls first in future projects to determine if it indeed streamlines the process. After all, every DIY endeavour presents an opportunity to refine our techniques and discover new approaches.

The Final Reveal

After days of sweat, laughter, and maybe a few choice words (I won’t lie, those tricky angles tested our patience), we stepped back to admire our handiwork. And oh, what a sight it was! The once-neglected hallway and stairway now exuded elegance and charm, with each frame telling a story of perseverance and creativity. Sure, it wasn’t always smooth sailing (I mean, when is DIY ever really smooth sailing?), but the end result? Pure, unadulterated swoon.

Final Thoughts: DIY Dreams Do Come True

As I wrap up this DIY triumph, I can’t help but reflect on the journey we’ve been on. From popcorn ceilings to tricky angles, each obstacle was just another opportunity to flex our creative muscles and turn our vision into reality. So, to all my fellow DIY daredevils out there, I say this: embrace the mess, relish the challenges, and above all, never underestimate the power of a little elbow grease and a lot of imagination.

And with that, it’s time for me to sign off and start dreaming up my next DIY escapade. Until next time, happy crafting, friends!

Tools Used:

• Miter saw
• Level (both large and small)
• Angle finder
• Nail gun
• Caulk
• Spackling
• Paintbrushes
• Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint