PROJECT STORY · STAIR CAPPING · RICHMOND HILL
From Worn Carpet to Oak: A Dust-Controlled Stair Renovation in Richmond Hill
The homeowners had already removed the worn carpet before Strataline arrived. The renovation converted the sound existing staircase to finished oak while keeping dust and strong finishing odours carefully controlled inside the home.
- Location
- Richmond Hill, Ontario
- Project
- Carpet-to-oak stair capping renovation
- Existing condition
- Worn carpet had already been removed before work began.
- Priority
- Modernize the staircase while minimizing dust and strong finishing odours.
- Work
- Oak stair capping, white risers/stringers, new railing components, oak posts, metal balusters, staining and clear finishing.
- PLANNING A STAIR RENOVATION?
Why the carpet had to go
The carpet was already gone
The homeowners had removed the worn carpet before we arrived. The existing staircase remained, ready for new oak caps and a replacement railing.
The exposed staircase before capping
Why hard-surface stairs made sense
A sound staircase with dated finishes
We fitted oak caps to the existing steps and finished the risers and stringers in white. The staircase kept its shape, including the winders where the flight turns.
Preparing the existing staircase
Preparing the existing staircase
The exposed steps needed preparation before the oak caps could be fitted. Fasteners and residue had to be dealt with, and each cap needed a sound, even base.
Winder fitting
Fitting the winders
Winders change shape as the stairs turn. We fitted each oak piece to its own position, keeping the projecting nosing lines consistent beside the white risers and stringers.
Railing transformation
A railing for the capped staircase
New oak posts and black metal balusters replaced the old wood railing. We finished the posts and handrail darker than the treads, with white paint along the stair edges.
Dust control and finishing
Dust-controlled sanding and waterborne finishes
Sanding tools were connected to extraction, with barriers and coverings around the work area. We used waterborne stains and clear finishes to limit strong solvent odours inside the home.
Matching the surrounding floor
Coordinating the floor and stairs
The new treads meet the existing wood floor at the lower landing. Their warm stain sits beside the darker posts and handrail, with white risers separating each step.
Wood finish detail
Keeping the oak grain visible
The stained treads retain the oak’s visible grain. A clear finish protects the surface.
Finished result
A staircase that looks built in hardwood
Oak caps now cover the straight steps and winders. The white risers and stringers continue through the turn, with black metal balusters below the darker handrail.
The completed staircase from both levels
Homeowner takeaways
Planning a carpet-to-hardwood conversion
A site assessment determines whether the existing staircase can be kept and capped. The shape and condition of the steps, landing edges and railing all affect the work required.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
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