Stairscaping : a guide to buying, remodeling, and decorating interior and exterior staircases / Andrew Karre.

Part I: Home staircases : What's in a staircase? : Means to an end ; Conception ; What: stairway anatomy ; Typical layouts ; Vocabulary ; Where: siting stairs ; Traffic rules ; Multiple staircases ; How: building stairs ; Initial steps ; Doing it yourself -- Classic stairs : Right stairs, right place ; Formal stairs: The grand entrance ; Asymmetric elegance ; Casual stairs ; Comfort and convenience ; Quality material ; Secondary uses -- Contemporary stairs : Form follows material ; Reimagining the traditional ; Freestanding open stairs ; Stairs as sculpture ; The disappearing act ; The old substantial materials: new again -- Alternatives to staircases : Other means of ascent ; Spiral stairs ; Ladders ; Accessible alternatives -- Details : What trim contributes ; Starting steps and flares ; Winders ; Skirtboards ; Embellishments ; Balustrades ; Railings ; Lighting ; Landings ; Under the stairs -- Outdoor stairs : Front door stairs ; A little excitement for concrete stairs ; The garden ; Deck stairs -- Repairing and restoring stairs : Repairing squeaks ; Repairing balustrades ; The staircase makeover ; Do it yourself ; Project: installing a carpet runner with decorative rods ; Project: stenciling risers ; Project: installing picture-frame molding ; Project: installing a shadow rail -- Part II: What makes a great staircase? : Great stairs in detail : A bit of an enigma ; Cozy craftsman ; Garden wall stair ; Good design turned sideways ; Hanging curve ; Modern classic ; Neoclassical cascade ; New twist ; Singular spiral ; Stone pathway ; Study in curves ; Classic craftsman ; Elegant stairs in a flawed space ; Rough-hewn timber ; Modern geometry ; Outgoing enclosure ; A well-trimmed switchback ; Garden spiral ; Minimal approach ; Ladder to a loft ; A hand up ; Contemporary casual ; An outdoor stair with indoor flair ; Sunny back stair ; Spiral with style -- Glossary.