A client of mine has been completing a home redesign over the past few years, adding modern touches throughout their space. I worked with her to create a new fireplace mantle and surround and when it came time to address the staircase she called me again. She had already replaced the flooring with an updated look and now needed to add the modern style to the staircase design.

Since I had worked with her on the fireplace mantle, I was familiar with the wood stain color and design she was going for. Ensuring the architectural details in your home complement each other helps each room make sense in the scheme of the whole house. So, my clients wanted to bring that same wood element to the updated staircase design.

There was some discussion about what to do with the original steps, which were made of stone. Removing them would have been cost prohibitive so we thought about covering them with wood. However, in the end, the stone complemented the modern look they were going for, so she kept it. The staircase remodel then took the form of replacing the posts, handrail and balusters.

I provided my client with resources for ready-made metal balusters to help her find her style. She went in a very different direction than what I was envisioning – a good reminder that I am a craftsman, not a designer! I think the balusters look great and are an example of how my clients and I work well as a team.

This staircase remodel was a bit more straight forward than others since we were not replacing the stairs. However, that does not mean the project was easy. The newel post was the typical skinny, acorn-topped variety that is popular in 1980s and 90s homes. To bring the clean-lined modern style, I had to custom-build a sleeve for the existing post. A well-built staircase is crafted with the post going down into the subfloor and attaching to the floor joists. To replace it, I would have to tear out the flooring, which she had just replaced. Creating a sleeve to go over the existing post allows me to take advantage of the strong structure without tearing up the house. I make the post sleeve custom to the necessary specifications; I want to be able to barely slide over the old one to ensure a solid feel.

I also crafted the new handrail with a rectangular, clean line and stained it to match the newel post. All of this sawdust and fume-based work happens offsite in my workshop. It is my intention to be in my client’s home for the least amount of time possible.

That being said, drilling the holes for the metal Balusters installation must be done on-site to ensure they end up being straight and level. It is very easy to see when the balusters are off. Yet another example of how important good craftsmanship is to the success of a project.

If you are considering a bringing a new staircase design into your home, send me an email or give me a call at (317) 679-5890.