How We Modernized a Curved Staircase in Aurora

Each tread cap had to follow the curved flight and meet the riser below it. We checked the nosing line—the projecting front edge of the treads—along the staircase as the caps were fitted.

Light carpet covered the original steps. Honey-toned posts, rails and wood spindles continued around the flights and upper landings.

After removing the carpet and preparing the existing staircase, we fitted red-oak caps to the tread shapes. Dark stain on the treads and white risers define the curve from step to step.

Black metal balusters replaced the wood spindles on the stairs and upper guards. Their slimmer profiles leave more of the flights visible through the railing. We fitted the pattern through the curved sections and around the landings, retaining or modifying the existing handrail and post elements where suitable.

The two handrail ends met their posts differently. The left post extended above the handrail, while the right post sat below its curled end.

We shaped a corresponding curl by hand. It follows the curve on the opposite side while fitting the different post beneath it.

One end of the original first step had a rounded bullnose return; the other ended differently. We gave the opposite end a matching return, balancing the shape beneath the two starting posts.

The entrance floor was part of the same renovation because it meets the staircase at the base and landings. We replaced approximately 600 square feet of hardwood with large-format 2-by-2-foot marble tile. The lighter floor creates contrast beneath the dark stair components and continues across the landings.

We protected adjacent surfaces and connected HEPA extraction during dust-producing preparation. Tools and materials were kept organized around the staircase in the occupied home.

The entrance view now shows matching curls above the rounded ends of the first step. Dark treads and handrails follow the original staircase curves, with white risers, black metal balusters and lighter marble below.