Stairs

A dramatic update that adds style, character, and value to your home.

Your staircase is one of the most visible architectural features in your home.

Whether your project includes painting, staining, trim updates, or railing improvements, staircase work can create a major transformation with a relatively focused scope.

Because stairs are a functional pathway in the home, planning and temporary access expectations are especially important.

What This Service Includes

  • Painting risers, balusters, or railings
  • Staining or refinishing stair treads
  • Trim and skirt board updates
  • Railing or spindle improvements
  • Cosmetic staircase refreshes

Step 1: Design & Planning

We review your finish selections, project scope, and overall design goals.

Step 2: In-Home Measurement

Our team confirms all measurements and project details in your space.

Step 3: Protection & Prep

Adjacent flooring, walls, and surrounding areas are protected before work begins. Existing finishes are sanded, cleaned, or prepared for paint or stain.

Step 4: Painting / Staining / Installation

Selected finishes or components are installed and completed in phases.

Step 5: Detailing & Touch-Ups

Final details, caulking, adjustments, and touch-ups are completed.

Step 6: Final Review

We walk through the completed project to make sure everything is up to our standards.

MATERIALS & PROJECT DETAILS

Existing Stair Structure

Staircases are built into the structure of your home, so existing conditions may affect the project.

This can include:

  • Minor squeaks or movement
  • Uneven walls or trim lines
  • Previous repairs or patchwork
Paint & Stain Expectations

Painted and stained surfaces can vary based on the original material and existing finish.

Natural wood grain may remain visible, and stain color may vary slightly depending on wood species.
Access During the Project

Because staircases are functional pathways, temporary access limitations may be necessary while work is in progress or finishes are curing.

We will communicate these phases in advance whenever possible.
Custom Upgrades

Some staircase projects may include trim, railings, or additional carpentry details depending on scope.
Cabinet Overlays

An overlay refers to the amount of cabinet face the doors and drawer fronts cover. The amount of cabinet face frame or box visible when the doors and drawers are closed in called the reveal.

Framed cabinets offer three types of overlays: inset, standard, and full.

Inset: The door and drawer faces are slightly smaller than the openings and recessed to align with the face frame. This offers the largest reveal with the most amount of face frame visible.

Standard: The door and drawer faces are slightly larger than the openings, and slightly overlap the face frame. Standard overlays offer less reveal on the face frame and are more forgiving with door and drawer alignments.

Full: the door and drawer faces are larger than the openings and overlap the face frame, leaving only a small visible reveal.

In frameless cabinet construction, the door and drawer faces are nearly the same size as the cabinet box, leaving only the smallest portion visible. This maximizes cabinet space and allows for a streamline appearance.

Before Your Staircase Project

To prepare for your project:

  • Remove décor, wall art, and nearby furniture
  • Clear the staircase and surrounding landings
  • Plan for alternate traffic flow if possible
  • Keep pets and children away from the work zone

Understanding the Parts of Your Staircase

Every staircase project is a little different. This diagram highlights the common parts of a staircase so it’s easier to understand your estimate, project scope, and conversations throughout the process.

Depending on your project, we may be updating one component or several.

What to Expect During Your Project

  • Portions of your staircase may be unavailable at times
  • Some noise, dust, and movement are expected
  • Drying and cure times may affect stair usage
  • Our team will communicate access limitations ahead of time

Care & Maintenance

  • Clean with a soft cloth or approved floor cleaner
  • Avoid harsh or abrasive products
  • Use caution when moving heavy items on stairs
  • Protect finished surfaces from repeated impact

COMMON QUESTIONS

Will everything be perfectly level and square?

In many cases, partial access can be maintained, but some phases may require limited use or temporary closure.

We’ll communicate timing ahead of time.
Will there be dust?

Some dust is expected during sanding and prep work. We take steps to minimize and contain it as much as possible.
Will painted railings chip over time?

Like any painted high-touch surface, wear can occur over time. Proper care and touch-ups help maintain the finish.
Can old stairs look new again?

Many staircase projects create a dramatic improvement, but some existing character or age-related variation may remain depending on the starting condition.
Will everything be perfectly straight?

We aim for the best possible final result, but older homes often have natural movement and variation that can affect alignment.