Notes & Observations

A lot of customers ask us how our stairs hold up to canine traffic? One customer asked about his 2 Labradors that like to run up and down the stairs.

To answer this question: our treads are solid wood, minimum 3/4" thick, so theoretically, the nails holding up the stringers will dissolve before even the largest dog wears through them.

There is a quick and simple way to give your new stair installation a polished and complete look. Installing a handrail system and balusters in your home can be a difficult and time consuming task, but there is a simple way to finish off the job to give you the best possible overall appearance. If you installed a handrail system in your home you can use wood fillet to transition square top balusters into your handrail.

Sometimes you learn a thing or two just by hanging out with an ol' timer (or in this case, a third generation master flooring installer on a recent retro tread installation).

Earlier in the week I was on a job-site, shooting video footage of a staircase being remodeled with our retro stair treads with Shawn from Vision Installations

Here are some profiles of handrail and newel post configurations. Depending on the staircase will determine which parts and pieces you need whether it be post to post, or over the post. Here is a link to our Handrail and Newel Post.

I'm wondering how durable a wooden stair step is compared to the carpet we have now. We have two kids - one who rolls a rolling backup up the stairs every day - the carpet is horrible - and I can either replace the carpet, clean the carpet (which would require a miracle), or save money to redo the staircase in wood - I do not want to redo the staircase if it will just chip, and scrape, and scratch with repeated heavy use - - of course, we *could* be more careful with the backpack - but reality is reality... 

Polyurethane: Yellows, more durable, stronger odor, takes longer to dry, better for things you walk on, treads

Waterbourne / Water Based Finsih: clear, dries fast, not as durable, less odor, easier cleanup, better for decorative or stuff not walked on - risers, cove, handrail

All wood changes color over time depending on its environment, exposure to sunlight, and other factors, but sunlight has the biggest influence on wood - especially exotic wood species like Brazilian Cherry, Santos Mahogany, and Tigerwood. Domestic species like American Cherry, Walnut, Oaks, Maple and Hickory all amber as well but typically to as lesser degree than the exotic ones.

"Can solid wood treads be installed over existing concrete steps?" - It's rare that a day goes by and we're not asked this question, and the answer is more a choice of words... "can" they, or "should" they, and if I'm going to do it anyway, what's the "best" way?"

We don't recommend installing the treads over concrete and our warranty expressly excludes any failures relating from concrete moisture.

A modern stair handrail is more than just a safety feature—it plays a key role in your home’s overall design. Whether upgrading an outdated staircase or building a new one, the right handrail can create a sleek, sophisticated look that improves your space. With options like metal, glass, and minimalist wood designs, modern handrails blend functionality with style, making your staircase a stunning focal point.