01
Refinish Existing Hardwood
Best for sound hardwood that can be repaired, sanded, stained and refinished.
See stair refinishing
Stair renovation · Toronto, Vaughan & the GTA
A stair renovation changes the whole room.
Refinish sound hardwood, convert carpeted stairs with solid oak tread caps, replace the railing, or coordinate the complete staircase as one project.
Choose the right approach
What does your staircase need?
02
Convert Carpet to Hardwood
Best for carpet-grade, worn or unsuitable treads that need solid hardwood tread caps.
See hardwood stair tread caps
03
Replace the Railing
Best when the treads can remain but the posts, handrail, balusters or landing guards need replacement.
See stair railing installation
04
Repair, Restore or Rebuild
Loose components, squeaks, finish damage and structural changes are assessed before the repair or rebuild scope is set.
Request a stair assessmentBefore & after
A curved stair can feel completely new without losing its shape.
The original curved geometry remained while dark treads, white risers and black metal balusters changed the visual weight of the staircase.
Project: Curved staircase · Stair refinishing and railing update
Stair capping before & after
Carpeted stairs → modern hardwood upgrade
Outdated carpet was removed and replaced with solid oak tread caps, paired with white risers and an updated railing system.
Staircase inspiration
Find the staircase direction that fits your home.
Your staircase
See a staircase direction you like?
Show us your existing stairs and we’ll explain which renovation approach fits.
Second transformation
Warm oak to dark stringers and metal balusters.
This Woodbridge project shows how tread finish, stringers, posts and railing details can be coordinated without changing the familiar stair layout.
Project: Stair refinishing and railing update · Woodbridge
Project stories
Three real transformations, each with a different starting point.
Carpeted stairs to hardwood
- Before
- Carpeted curved treads and wood spindles interrupted the relationship between the stair and the finished floor.
- After
- Hardwood treads, white risers, dark posts and metal balusters created one continuous staircase and landing.
Curved staircase refinishing and railing
- Before
- Warm wood treads, handrails and spindles made the curved stair read as one heavy block.
- After
- Dark treads, white risers and black metal balusters sharpened the curve from the first tread to the upper landing.
Custom stain match, square posts and metal balusters
- Before
- Carpeted treads and existing guards separated the stair from the surrounding hardwood floors.
- After
- Custom-matched oak treads, square posts and metal balusters were coordinated across the flight and landing.
“We had an excellent experience working with Maxim and Strataline Inc. Installing and perfectly matching a custom stain for our oak treads was no small task, and the addition of the square posts made it an even greater technical challenge—but everything was executed flawlessly.”
Taras Burban · Google review
Railing feature
The railing changes the entire staircase.
Posts, handrails, balusters and upper guards are planned together so the proportions, connections and finish read as one system.
Railing renovations use new posts. Existing wood spindles are not refinished. An existing handrail may remain only when suitable for the new system.
See stair railing installationScope & cost
A stair quote should account for the whole staircase.
The final price depends on the staircase itself, what can remain, what needs replacement and how the finish work is coordinated.
Compare quotes by what is included—not only by the price per step.Stair geometry
- Tread count and shape
- Straight, curved or open-sided layout
- Nosings and landings
Existing condition
- Carpet removal
- Repairs and squeaks
- Risers and stringers
Railing
- Posts
- Handrails
- Balusters
- Upper guards
Finish
- Stain samples
- Floor coordination
- Paint preparation
- Finish coats
Logistics
- Occupied-home protection
- Access
- Cleanup
Scope
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Sequencing
Owner-led process
One staircase. One accountable point of contact.
- 01Photo review
- 02Site assessment
- 03Scope and samples
- 04Renovation
- 05Final finish review
Maxim Sologub
Maxim Sologub reviews the staircase, develops the written scope and remains involved through measurements, stain samples, scheduling and final quality control.
Stair-focused reviews
What stair clients noticed.
Full customer reviews remain available in each card, with genuine customer photos where supplied.
Google review
Stairs & railings
I love my new stairs! I am so happy I chose Strataline to renovate the staircase in my house. The stairs never looked so good, even when they were new. I get compliments from my friends!
Google review
Stairs & railings
We had an excellent experience working with Maxim and Strataline Inc. Installing and perfectly matching a custom stain for our oak treads was no small task, and the addition of the square posts made it an even greater technical challenge—but everything was executed flawlessly. From staining to the installation of the railings, the craftsmanship and attention to detail were truly top-tier. The stairs and railings have become a standout feature in our home, and we constantly get compliments on them. What really stood out was the clean process—using low VOC finishes and a dust-free approach made a huge difference compared to typical construction projects. Highly recommend Maxim and his team to anyone looking for high-end results without the usual mess!
Google review
Stairs & railings
Max and his team at Strataline have done multiple home improvement projects for us, including stair refinishing, popcorn ceiling removal, new flooring and interior painting. From the start their team was professional and punctual. The stair refinishing completely transformed the look of our home. The popcorn ceiling removal was done cleanly and efficiently with great attention to minimize dust and mess. The team delivered on time and with no surprise budget increases. I would definitely recommend Max and his team at Strataline.
Google review
Stairs & railings
We initially contacted Max to remove the popcorn finish on our vaulted great room ceiling & to refinish/modernize our curved 'blonde-oak' finished stairway leading downstairs. Not only did he do an impeccable job making the ceiling look brand 'new', and with no detectable dust left anywhere, but he also re-located some potlights & installed new crown moulding that required meticulous precision due to several odd corner angles that other contactors insisted couldn't be done. It looked so good we ended up having our main hallway, front foyer, & sunroom ceilings re-done as well. The stairway & railing were re-finished in a darker oak stain that matched our dark hardwood flooring & the new modern metal spindles, and new trimwork have made it look better than ever & despite the hours of sanding off the old finish, there was no dust...!! In the end, we also had his team re-paint all of the above areas, which turned out perfectly as well... Our level of confidence with Max's professionalism & skilled expertise, not to mention being easy to deal with, is such that we would recommend his services to anyone, and should we need assistance from a contractor in the future, he'll be the first person we call, as it's clear he can handle just about anything...
Google review
Stairs & railings
The Popcorn removal was excellent and a very clean process. They also transformed our stairs from boring oak to a much more modern look. They handled repainting of the whole house and replacement of old tile floors with a beautiful new one. There were many additional small tasks which they handled very well. They have design skills if you need them. The house looks great. Very talented and reliable people. I should also say they are very professional providing detailed quotations and billing. John, Richmond Hill
Google review
Stairs & railings
Max of Strataline Inc. did an exceptional job creating 1) a custom inside railing for a winding grand staircase and 2) installing outdoor railings. He even used a 3D printer to create a custom handle for an outdoor railing that had to be installed on a slight diagonal. Max is punctual, neat and very professional. We will be hiring him for additional projects.
Photo quote
Start with staircase photos.
Send top, bottom and side views, plus landings, tread count, railings, damage and the floor or finish you want to coordinate.
Text staircase photos to (416) 471-5999.
FAQ
Stair renovation questions
Practical answers about methods, access, finish choices and quoting.
How much does stair renovation cost in Toronto and the GTA?
Stair renovation cost depends on the complete scope. Tread count and shape, layout, landings, carpet removal, repairs, finishing, railing changes, protection and access all affect a written quote.
Should I refinish the stairs or install tread caps?
Refinish sound hardwood that is suitable to repair and sand; use tread caps when carpet-grade, worn or unsuitable treads need a new hardwood surface.
What is the difference between stair renovation, restoration and rebuilding?
Renovation coordinates visible and functional upgrades, restoration preserves suitable existing components, and rebuilding changes structural components or layout after a separate assessment.
Can carpeted stairs be converted to hardwood?
Yes, when the existing structure is suitable. Carpet removal reveals the tread, nosing, risers, stringers and connections that determine whether tread caps or another method is appropriate.
Can the stain be matched to my floors?
A close stain match is often possible through samples. Wood species, age, existing finish, lighting and floor wear affect the final relationship.
How long will the renovation take, and can we use the stairs?
Timing and stair access depend on repairs, coatings, drying time and railing scope. The work sequence and any restricted-access periods are confirmed before work starts.
Can the railing be replaced without changing the treads?
Yes, when the existing treads are suitable to remain and the new posts, handrail, balusters and landing guards can be safely coordinated with them.
Can existing posts, handrails or wood spindles be reused?
New posts are used for Strataline railing renovations, and existing wood spindles are not refinished. An existing handrail may remain only when suitable for the new system.
Can squeaky or loose stairs be repaired?
Often, yes. The cause of movement and available access determine whether loose treads, gaps or connections can be repaired within the renovation scope.
Can curved and open-sided stairs be renovated?
Yes, subject to site conditions. Curved treads, custom nosings, railing geometry and open sides require more measuring and fitting than a standard straight flight.
Can risers and stringers be painted white?
Yes, when included in the scope. Preparation can include sanding, filling, selective caulking, primer and a durable coating.
How is stair-sanding dust controlled?
Stair sanding is dust-controlled, not dust-free. Extraction, containment, floor protection and cleanup are planned around the staircase and adjacent circulation areas.
What photos should I send?
Send clear views from the top, bottom and side, plus landings, tread count, posts, handrails, balusters, damaged areas and the floor or finish to be matched.
What should a written stair-renovation quote include?
A written quote should identify the staircase components, preparation, repairs, stain or paint scope, railing work, protection, finish coats, access, cleanup, sequencing and exclusions.
Service area
Stair renovation throughout Toronto and the GTA.
Service coverage is confirmed with the project address before an assessment is scheduled.
Vaughan & nearby
Vaughan · Woodbridge · Kleinburg · Maple · Thornhill
North GTA
Richmond Hill · Markham · King City
Toronto
Toronto · North York · Etobicoke
West GTA
Bolton / Caledon · Mississauga · Oakville · Burlington