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
Stair Renovation in 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Outdated carpet was removed and replaced with solid oak tread caps, paired with white risers and an updated railing system.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
REAL PROJECTS
More real staircase transformations.
Detailed stair refinishing, tread-capping and railing stories with the starting conditions and finished results.
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.
- 01 Photo review
- 02 Site assessment
- 03 Scope and samples
- 04 Renovation
- 05 Final 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.
Client reviews
What clients say about working with Strataline
Feedback from homeowners and project partners across the GTA, collected from Google and Facebook.
1–3 of 15
Read full reviewI love my new stairs! I am so happy I chose Strataline to renovate the staircase in my house.
Read full reviewThis is the second time Max has done some work at our home. The first time was to remove popcorn from our hallway ceilings. We were so very impressed with the results and it was truly dust-free.
Read full reviewMax 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.
Read full reviewThe 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.
Read full reviewWe 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.
Read full reviewMax of Strataline Inc. did an exceptional job creating 1) a custom inside railing for a winding grand staircase and 2) installing outdoor railings.
Read full reviewWe had great experience working with Max. He was very attentive to all our concerns and requests, easy communication and quality of workmanship is outstanding!
Read full reviewAmazing team, they painted my entire home , extremely attentive to the details, they cover and mask everything to avoid dust and mess ( I am super picky and OCD and hard to please but Galina and Maxim nailed it).
Read full reviewExcellent services: customer service, expertise, pricing policy. Impressive scheduling and delivering services by expected date of completion.
Read full reviewExcellent team , top notch quality! Very happy with their work!
Read full reviewMy wife and I used the services to paint our entire condo, including the ceilings, walls and baseboards. In addition, they installed new kick boards under our kitchen island, counters and in the bathrooms.
Read full reviewWe 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.
Read full reviewWOW! Just WOW! Max removed all the popcorn from our 1800 sq ft town home, repainted from top to bottom plus did some carpentry repairs on our floors…and the final result is spectacular!
Read full reviewMaxim at Strataline did a very professional job in removing our hallway popcorn/stucco ceiling. The end result was a completely smooth surface and not only that, they totally sealed off the area so absolutely not dust penetrated other areas of the house.
Read full reviewMy husband and I are unbelievably happy with the work that Max and his team did on our ceilings in the house. The professionalism of this team is incredible.
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.
REAL PROJECTS
Staircase projects by city
Explore original photographs and completed stair work in each project location. Compare the existing conditions, finishes and railing details, then discuss the scope and scheduling for your address.
How We Modernized a Curved Staircase in Aurora
Red-oak caps, white risers and black metal balusters replaced the old visible finish. A handmade railing curl and matching bullnose returns corrected the entrance details.
View Aurora staircase work
Round decorative balusters with a shoe-free detail
Round decorative metal balusters repeat single- and double-knuckle double-leaf motifs. A close view records a direct-drilled installation without bottom shoes.
View Brampton staircase work
How We Refinished an Etobicoke Staircase and Replaced the Railing
The treads and landings were refinished dark. Risers and stringers were finished white, and replacement square posts, a dark handrail and white square balusters completed the railing.
View Etobicoke staircase work
Bilateral Handrails & Exterior Accessibility Railing in Fort Erie
A corresponding handrail was added on the opposite wall. Outside, aluminum railing was installed over the front steps and connected visually with the porch railing.
View Fort Erie staircase work
The original solid-oak staircase, uncovered and restored
The oak was sanded back and stained to coordinate with new flooring. Square oak posts, satin-black spindles, white risers and white stringers completed the visible stair treatment.
View Georgetown staircase work
The “Piano Stairs” Transformation in Kleinburg
Dark horizontal treads, white risers and coordinated handrail, post and baluster finishes created the piano-key contrast. The upper landing received the same visual rhythm.
View Kleinburg staircase work
Square posts, custom gold inserts and satin-black balusters
Square posts with custom gold inserts anchor the dark wood handrail. Satin-black decorative balusters and square bottom shoes complete the visible system.
View Markham staircase work
A new handrail and black-metal stair guard
The open stair side was finished with a new handrail, square posts and black metal balusters.
View Milton staircase work
Red-oak caps with stainless-steel railing details
Red-oak caps, new pie-shaped treads, a landing and risers were fitted. The vinyl-clad railing was replaced with red-oak handrails, posts with stainless-steel inserts and shoe-free stainless-steel balusters.
View Mississauga staircase work
Opening Up an Oakville Home With a New Railing, Smooth Ceilings and Coordinated Floors
The half wall was removed and a custom open railing installed. Hardwood, tile, finish carpentry and ceiling finishing were completed within the connected renovation.
View Oakville staircase work
From Worn Carpet to Oak: A Dust-Controlled Stair Renovation in Richmond Hill
Oak caps were fitted through the straight steps and winders. Risers and stringers were finished white, with new oak posts, darker railing components and black metal balusters.
View Richmond Hill staircase work
How We Rescued a Poorly Stained Staircase at Bayview & Lawrence
Containment and dust-controlled sanding established a clean starting point. A light base and grey colour layer were developed on site before the protective finish was rebuilt.
View Toronto staircase work
Wall-mounted stainless-steel basement handrail
A tubular stainless-steel handrail was mounted on wall brackets along the basement stair.
View Uxbridge staircase work
Dark-stained stairs with white risers and new metal spindles
Stairs were refinished dark, the risers and stringers finished white, and new posts and metal spindles installed.
View Woodbridge staircase workService 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