Whole-Room Projects
Staircase Renovations & Railings
The short answer
A staircase renovation replaces treads, risers, railings, newels and balusters, usually converting carpeted stairs to hardwood. It is the most technically demanding carpentry in a house because every component sits at a compound angle and building code governs riser height, tread depth, railing height and baluster spacing. Most stair renovations take one to three weeks.
Why stairs are the hardest carpentry in a house
A staircase is where geometry, code and finish carpentry all meet, and none of them forgive approximation.
The geometry is unforgiving because everything happens on a rake. Skirt boards run at an angle and must be scribed to each step. Balusters meet the handrail at that same angle and have to be cut individually. Landings interrupt the run and every component has to resolve cleanly at the transition.
The code is unforgiving because stairs are the most common site of serious injury in a home. Riser heights must be consistent — a variation of even a few millimetres between steps is a genuine trip hazard, and the code limits how much variation is permitted across a flight. Baluster spacing is limited so a small child cannot pass through. Handrail height and graspability are specified. These are not aesthetic preferences.
And the finish is unforgiving because a staircase is usually in the entry, at eye level, and looked at from below — which shows every joint from an angle that flatters nothing.
Get a free quote for stair renovations
We measure, draw and provide a fixed written price — no cost, no obligation.
Stair projects we take on
- Carpet to hardwood
- The most common request. Carpet comes off, the existing rough stringers and treads are assessed, and new hardwood treads and risers are fitted. Whether the existing structure can be re-clad or needs replacing is determined once the carpet is off.
- Railing and baluster replacement
- Replacing dated oak spindles with metal balusters, cable, glass or a contemporary timber profile. High visual impact, and often possible without touching the treads.
- Open-riser conversion
- Removing risers to create a floating look. Only possible where the structure supports it and where the resulting opening still complies with code — the gap between treads is regulated.
- Newel post replacement
- Newels anchor the whole railing structurally. Replacing them properly means fixing into structure, not just to the stair.
- Skirt boards and wall trim
- The trim running up the wall alongside the stair. Frequently missing or poorly done, and adding it markedly improves how a staircase reads.
- Basement stair finishing
- Basement stairs are often left as bare construction stringers. Cladding them to match the upper stairs is a comparatively small job that makes a basement feel connected to the house.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
- Can I convert my carpeted stairs to hardwood?
- Usually yes. Once the carpet is removed we assess the existing structure — many carpeted stairs were built from construction-grade lumber, and depending on condition and dimensions the treads are either re-clad with hardwood or replaced. Inconsistent riser heights hidden under carpet occasionally need correcting, which is a code matter as much as an aesthetic one.
- How much does a stair renovation cost?
- It is one of the more expensive carpentry projects per square metre because of the precision and the number of individually fitted components. Cost is driven by the number of steps, whether treads and risers are replaced or re-clad, the railing system, the material, and whether there are landings or winders. We quote after inspecting the existing stair.
- Do stair renovations need a permit?
- Replacing treads, risers and railings in the same configuration typically does not require a permit, but altering the stair structure, changing its geometry, or relocating it does. All stair work must comply with the building code regardless of whether a permit is required — riser consistency, baluster spacing and handrail height are code matters, not preferences.
- What are the current railing options?
- Metal balusters in a matte black or bronze finish remain the most requested update in Calgary. Cable and glass railings give a more open, contemporary feel and are common in infills. Traditional turned or square timber spindles suit heritage and traditional interiors. All must meet code for spacing and height regardless of style.
- Can you replace only the railing and leave the stairs?
- Yes, and it is a very common project. Replacing dated spindles and newels while keeping existing treads is far less disruptive and delivers a large share of the visual change at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.
- How long will my stairs be unusable?
- For a typical straight flight, stairs are generally usable outside working hours within a day or two, with some periods during the work where access is restricted. Finishing and curing add time when treads are site-finished. Where a household has no alternative route between floors, we plan the sequence around that.
Why homeowners choose us
Careful work, honestly quoted.
We would rather talk you out of the wrong project than sell you one. Everything below is something you can hold us to.
Fixed written quotes
You get a drawing and a fixed price before anything is built — not an hourly estimate that moves.
Built for this climate
Material and joinery chosen for Calgary’s dry winters, so joints stay closed when the humidity drops.
Shop-built, site-scribed
Components made in a controlled shop, then scribed to your actual walls rather than trimmed to hide gaps.
One point of contact
The person who measures your space is the person accountable for the finished work.
Where we work
Calgary Carpentry serves Calgary and the surrounding communities.
Thinking about stair renovations?
Send a few details and we will come and measure. Free, no obligation, and a fixed written price.