Hardwood Stair Installation | Custom Stair Treads & Railings | Creative Oak Floors
Custom Staircase Design

Hardwood Stair Installation

Transform your staircase with beautiful hardwood treads, risers, and railings. Custom designs that match your floors perfectly. Expert installation meets building codes and safety standards. Stunning craftsmanship that lasts decades.

What Is Hardwood Stair Installation?

Complete staircase transformation from top to bottom

Custom Staircase Craftsmanship

Hardwood stair installation involves covering your existing staircase with beautiful hardwood treads, risers, and trim—or building a complete new hardwood staircase. This includes treads (the horizontal walking surface), risers (vertical face), handrails, newel posts, and balusters.

Professional stair installation requires precision carpentry skills and knowledge of building codes. Treads must be perfectly level and securely attached. Risers need exact measurements for consistent step heights. Railings must meet specific height and strength requirements for safety.

With 38 years of experience and NWFA certification, we create stunning staircases that match your hardwood floors perfectly. We handle everything—measurements, material selection, installation, finishing, and code compliance. The result is a beautiful, safe staircase that becomes a focal point of your home.

Professional hardwood stair installation with custom treads and railings

What We Install

Complete staircase systems from treads to railings

Hardwood Treads

The horizontal walking surface. We install solid hardwood treads in your choice of wood species, custom-cut to exact dimensions. Can match your floor species perfectly.

Risers

Vertical face between each step. Available in solid hardwood, painted hardwood, or matching your floor. Creates clean, finished appearance from all viewing angles.

Stair Nosing

The rounded front edge of each tread that overhangs the riser. Provides safety and visual finish. Available in bullnose or other profiles to match your style.

Handrails

The railing you hold when using stairs. Available in various profiles and wood species. Must meet building code heights and strength requirements for safety.

Newel Posts

Large vertical posts at staircase ends that support handrails. Structural and decorative element available in multiple styles from traditional to contemporary.

Balusters (Spindles)

Vertical supports between handrail and treads or floor. Options include turned wood, square profiles, iron balusters, or cable rails for modern look.

Why Choose Hardwood Stairs?

Beauty, durability, and value in every step

Matches Your Floors

Create seamless flow throughout your home by matching stair species and stain to your hardwood floors. Coordinated design increases visual appeal.

Increases Home Value

Hardwood stairs are a premium feature that appeals to buyers. Quality staircase installation provides strong return on investment when selling.

Long-Lasting Durability

Hardwood stairs last 50-100+ years with proper care. Significantly more durable than carpet which wears out in 5-10 years. Can be refinished multiple times.

Easy Maintenance

Simple sweeping and occasional damp mopping keeps hardwood stairs clean. No carpet to vacuum or stains to remove. Pet hair doesn't cling to smooth surfaces.

Custom Design Options

Choose wood species, stain colors, railing styles, and baluster designs to match your home's aesthetic. Unlimited customization from traditional to modern.

Better Air Quality

Unlike carpet, hardwood doesn't trap allergens, dust, or pet dander. Healthier choice for families with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

Professional Installation Process

Precision craftsmanship from design to completion

1

Design Consultation

We discuss your vision, measure existing stairs, review wood species and railing options. Show samples and photos to help you visualize the final result.

2

Precise Measurements

Detailed measurements of every tread, riser, and landing. Account for exact rise and run to ensure code compliance and comfortable ascent/descent.

3

Material Preparation

Custom-cut treads, risers, and trim pieces in our shop. All components are precisely sized and pre-finished if requested before installation day.

4

Stair Installation

Remove old carpet or covering. Install treads and risers using proper fastening methods. Ensure perfect fit, level placement, and structural integrity.

5

Railing Installation

Install newel posts, handrails, and balusters according to building codes. Ensure proper height, strength, and spacing for safety compliance.

6

Finishing & Inspection

Apply stain and finish to match your floors (if not pre-finished). Final inspection ensures quality, safety, and complete code compliance.

Expert Stair Craftsmanship

38 years of staircase installation in Sonoma & Marin County

NWFA Certified

Rick Lachmiller's certification ensures industry-leading installation techniques, proper measurements, and building code knowledge for safe staircases.

38 Years Experience

Since 1986, we've installed hundreds of hardwood staircases. Experience ensures perfect measurements, proper construction, and stunning results.

Precision Carpentry

Stair installation requires exacting measurements and cuts. Our craftsmen ensure perfect fit, consistent dimensions, and professional appearance.

Code Compliance

We know California building codes for stairs—proper rise/run ratios, handrail heights, baluster spacing. Pass inspections the first time.

Perfect Floor Matching

We match stair wood species and stain exactly to your floors. Seamless transitions create cohesive design throughout your home.

Licensed & Insured

CA License #991260, bonded and insured with $1M liability coverage for your complete protection and peace of mind.

Common Stair Questions

Everything you need to know about stair installation

How long does stair installation take?
Most stair installations take 3-5 days depending on the number of stairs and complexity of the railing system. Simple tread/riser installation may take 2-3 days, while complete custom railing systems add 2-3 more days. We'll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation.
Can you install hardwood over my existing stairs?
Yes, in most cases we can install hardwood treads and risers over existing wood stairs or concrete stairs. We remove carpet, inspect the structure, make any necessary repairs, then install new hardwood components. This is more cost-effective than complete stair replacement.
What wood species work best for stairs?
Oak and maple are most popular for stairs due to their hardness and durability. We typically recommend matching your floor species for visual cohesion. Hickory is excellent for high-traffic areas. Walnut and cherry create beautiful, premium looks but are slightly softer.
Do hardwood stairs meet building codes?
Yes, when properly installed by professionals. California building codes specify maximum riser height (7.75"), minimum tread depth (10"), handrail height (34-38"), and baluster spacing (4" maximum). We ensure all installations meet or exceed these requirements.
How much does hardwood stair installation cost?
Costs vary based on wood species, number of stairs, and railing complexity. Tread/riser installation typically runs $150-250 per step. Complete staircase with custom railings ranges from $5,000-15,000+ depending on design. We provide detailed estimates after measuring your stairs.
Are hardwood stairs slippery?
Properly finished hardwood stairs are not excessively slippery. We apply appropriate finish sheens (satin or semi-gloss provide better traction than high-gloss). Stair nosing provides natural grip. Non-slip tread options available if desired for extra safety.

Ready for Beautiful Hardwood Stairs?

Schedule your free consultation. We'll assess your staircase and provide design ideas with accurate pricing.

Serving Sonoma & Marin County

Professional stair installation throughout the North Bay