PROJECT STORY · STAIR RENOVATION · KLEINBURG

The “Piano Stairs” Transformation in Kleinburg

The curved staircase in this Kleinburg home went from honey-coloured wood to dark treads and white risers. The contrasting finish follows the stairs through the winders and up to the landing—the source of its “piano stairs” nickname.

Kleinburg, OntarioHigh-contrast staircase and railing renovation

Location: Kleinburg, Ontario
Project: High-contrast staircase and railing transformation
Existing condition: Honey-toned wood stairs and railings with carpet at the upper landing
Design: Dark horizontal treads, white risers and coordinated railing contrast
Work: Tread, riser, stringer, handrail, post and baluster finish coordination
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The original staircase

The curves were already there

The original staircase swept up from the foyer in a broad curve. Honey-coloured treads, risers and railings blended together, with carpet at the upper landing.

We kept the staircase’s shape and changed the finishes across the steps and railing. Dark treads and white risers now pick out each step as the flight turns.

The main staircase before and after

Wide before view of the Kleinburg curved staircase with honey-toned treads, risers, handrails, posts and wood balusters. — The original honey-coloured staircase and curved wood railing.

High-contrast design

Dark treads, white risers

The alternating dark wood and white paint give the stairs their piano-key effect. Dark handrails follow the curves above, with white balusters around the upper landing.

The upper landing gained the same visual rhythm

Before view across the Kleinburg upper landing with honey-toned treads and matching curved wood railing. — The original upper landing continued the same warm wood tone through the stair edge, posts, handrail and balusters.

Kleinburg upper landing after renovation with dark stair surfaces, white trim and a coordinated curved railing. — The finished landing uses dark edges and handrails against white surfaces to connect both levels of the staircase.

Treads and risers

Following the turn

The winders—the wedge-shaped steps where the staircase turns—carry the same dark tread and white riser finish. The close view shows the dark nosing, or projecting tread edge, meeting the white face below.

A closer look at the stair edge

Close before view of the original honey-toned tread edge, riser and flooring transition on the Kleinburg staircase. — Before, the tread edge, riser and nearby wood floor shared a similar warm colour with limited separation.

Dark tread edge meeting a white riser and dark adjacent flooring after the Kleinburg renovation. — After, the dark nosing meets the white riser cleanly while coordinating with the darker floor beyond the stair.

Railing and posts

The railing through both levels

Dark posts and handrails outline the staircase against the pale walls. White balusters continue around the upper guard, while decorative metal details run along the lower flight.

Tall completed view of the Kleinburg piano stairs showing the curved flights, dark treads, white risers and contrasting railing details. — The piano-key rhythm continues through the lower curve, central landing and upper guard.

Curves and transitions

At the foot of the stairs

The lower flight meets the wood floor beside a square dark post. White-painted stringers, the sloping boards along the stair edges, frame the dark treads.

Finished lower flight of the Kleinburg staircase with curved dark handrail, dark treads, white risers and coordinated vertical railing elements. — Curved rail lines, changing tread shapes and contrasting vertical details meet along the lower flight.

Finish coordination

Where the stairs meet the floor

At the landing, the stair colour sits beside the darker wood floor. The white risers separate the steps without hiding the grain in the stained treads.

Finished result

The finished staircase

From the foyer, the dark handrail traces the full curve up to the landing. The traditional shape remains, with each step now clearly defined against the white risers.

Homeowner takeaways

Choosing contrasting finishes

Look at the staircase from both floors when choosing colours. The treads dominate the view from above; from below, the risers and railing are just as prominent.