Staircase Remodeling, Stairs & Railings

Signs your staircase needs an update

Stair carpet that is matted or worn on the front edge of each step, wood spindles with chipped paint, a railing that wobbles or an entry that feels plain compared with the rest of the home are all common reasons families call us. Because the staircase is often the first thing guests see, updating it changes the impression of the entire house in a short amount of time.

Carpet to hardwood, step by step

We start by removing the carpet, pad and tack strips and checking the existing stair structure for squeaks and loose spots. New hardwood treads are measured and cut for each individual step, usually with a rounded nosing on the front edge, and installed with adhesive and fasteners for a solid, quiet feel.

Risers — the vertical faces between steps — are covered with new material and either painted, often white for contrast, or stained to match the treads. Finally, the wood is stained and sealed with a protective finish built to handle years of foot traffic.

Choosing balusters, rails and posts

Iron balusters are the fastest way to make a staircase feel custom. Plain bars feel clean and modern, single and double basket designs add classic detail and twists add subtle texture. Many homeowners mix plain and decorative balusters for rhythm along the rail. Satin black is the most popular finish today, with oil-rubbed bronze a warmer alternative.

Handrails can be refinished to match new treads or replaced with a new profile, and newel posts can be painted, stained or upgraded to substantial box posts. A stained rail with black iron balusters and white risers is a favorite combination in Texas homes.

• Every opening is spaced so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through — important with children and pets
• Open-sided stairs get finished tread returns so every visible edge looks complete
• Stain samples are tested on the actual tread material so the color relates to your floors

Living with the project

Most stair projects take a matter of days. The part that affects your family most is finish drying time, so we plan ahead with you: what you need upstairs for the night, a safe place for pets and the hours when the stairs need to stay clear. Cutting is done with dust control in mind, and surrounding floors are protected throughout.

Caring for hardwood stairs

Hardwood stairs are easy to live with. Sweep or vacuum weekly to remove grit, use a lightly damp microfiber mop with a wood-safe cleaner and avoid wax or oil soaps unless the finish manufacturer recommends them. If you need extra grip for toddlers, older dogs or grandparents, discreet clear treads add traction without hiding the wood. After years of use, a light screen-and-recoat refreshes the finish without full sanding.

Pairing stairs with the rest of the entry

A finished staircase often makes surrounding details stand out. Many families refresh the stairwell walls with new paint, update the entry light fixture or replace nearby flooring at the same time, so the entry feels completely new. We can coordinate these updates in the same project so finishes and colors relate to one another.