Hi,

I am refurbishing an 1830's terrace with original staircase that has seen 
much better days from a cosmetic point of view. It is covered in i presume 
lead based paint that i aint going to scrape off but it is structurally 
sound and so i am reluctant to get rid of it. Also with it being a in an L 
shape the quotes to replace are between 1500 and 2000. Plus it is made 
from 1.75 inch wood that you don't get today.

What i am thinking of doing is somehow recovering it. The underneath was 
plaster and lath so should i just plasterboard and plaster or should i use 
wood sheets and which type. Also i am going to put a computer desk under the 
stairs so could i sink some lighs into it or would this cause a fire hazard 
because they get hot.

I then need to recover the exposed side and two insides with some nice wood 
that can be painted but what type of wood would you recommend. I would then 
fit a new banister and spindles.

I know the above may sound a bit daft (or obvious) but i would welcome any 
input from more experienced people,

Thanks

Simon