Q: I read (and kept) your April 9 column "Restore wooden steps to preserve beauty." I, too, own a Victorian house, in Oakland, with wooden stairs that need to be restored. Your article was very ...

Changing out carpeted steps for wood treads is a great way to add value to your home. It can also upgrade the look of your boring staircase, such as the one leading to a basement. However, hiring a ...

Q: My puppy chewed through the wood on a stair tread. My husband put in some wood filler as a temporary fix, but it’s white and looks awful. Then the puppy chewed the wood filler, so some of it is now ...