Staircase Remodeling in Georgia

Staircase remodeling can mean replacing worn carpet with wood treads, swapping wood balusters for metal ones, refinishing a dated stair to match new floors, or rebuilding a stair that squeaks, sags or no longer feels safe. Because stairs are used every day and sit in the middle of the house, small details show. This page explains how stair projects are planned and built for homeowners in metro Atlanta, and the city pages are linked below.

What gets checked first

Before choosing finishes, the stair itself is examined. Under carpet there may be construction-grade treads that were never meant to be seen, or solid hardwood worth refinishing. Stringers, the boards that carry the treads, are checked for cracks or movement, and squeaks are traced to loose treads or risers. Railings are tested for wobble at the newel posts, the heavy posts at the ends of the rail.

Each step is measured too. Riser heights and tread depths should be consistent from top to bottom, because an uneven step is easy to trip on. Adding thicker treads changes the height of the top and bottom steps, which has to be accounted for.

Treads, risers and finish choices

Common upgrades include solid hardwood treads, often oak, with painted or stained risers. Retrofit treads are made to cover existing ones, while a full replacement removes the old treads and installs new ones on the stringers. Stain or finish is usually matched to nearby wood floors, and a test patch on the actual treads shows how the color will look. If carpet stays, it can be paired with a wood handrail and new balusters for a fresh look.

Railings, balusters and newel posts

The balustrade, meaning the handrail, balusters and posts, often makes the biggest visual change. Wood balusters can be turned or square; metal balusters come in many patterns. Handrail profile affects how it feels to grip. Building codes set requirements for handrail height, guard height on open sides and landings, and the spacing between balusters, so a replacement is laid out to meet them. Your building department can tell you which requirements apply to your home.

The order of work

Carpet and old trim are removed and the structure is repaired: loose treads are glued and screwed, cracked stringers reinforced, and squeaks fixed while the stair is open. New treads and risers go in next, then newel posts, handrail and balusters. Sanding, stain and finish follow, and the stair usually stays out of use, or is used with care, while finish coats dry, so plan for another way up or down where one exists.

What the written estimate should list

A clear estimate states the number of steps and landings, tread and riser material, whether treads are retrofit or replaced, the number of balusters and posts, the handrail type and length, any structural repairs, stain and finish, and removal of old materials. Repairs found once carpet or treads come off are explained and approved in writing before they are done.

Permits and related work

Rebuilding a stair, moving it or changing its rise and run alters the structure, and that may require a permit. Ask your city or county building department before starting. If the floors next to the stair are also changing, see our hardwood floor installation page; for refreshing existing wood treads along with the floors, the floor sanding and refinishing page.

Staircase remodeling by city

Select a city to read about staircase remodeling there.

Frequently asked questions about staircase remodeling

Can carpeted stairs be converted to hardwood?

Usually, yes. Once the carpet is removed, the existing treads are checked. If they are solid hardwood in decent shape, they may only need sanding and finishing. If they are rough construction-grade boards, they are either covered with retrofit treads or replaced with new hardwood treads, and the risers are painted or clad. The nosing at each step is shaped to match the new treads.

Can I replace balusters without replacing the handrail?

Often you can, if the handrail and newel posts are solid and the rail is at a usable height. The old balusters are cut out and new wood or metal ones are fitted into the rail and treads at the required spacing. If the rail wobbles, the posts are loose or you want a different rail profile, replacing the whole balustrade at once tends to give a cleaner result.

How do I stop my stairs from squeaking?

Squeaks come from treads or risers rubbing against each other, the stringers or nails. With access from below, glue blocks and screws can tighten the joints. From above, treads can be screwed down with concealed fasteners, or the noise is fixed while carpet is off or treads are being replaced. Finding the exact spot that moves is the first step.

Talk about your stairs

Call 404-409-4448 to describe your staircase and what you would like to change. We can come by to look at the structure, go through tread and railing options and prepare a written estimate.