Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard residential stair renovations are completed in 3 to 5 working days. A straightforward carpet-to-hardwood conversion or stair refacing can often be completed in 2 to 3 days. More complex projects involving structural work, custom railings, or multi-flight staircases may take 5 to 7 days. We provide a clear timeline in your quote and communicate any changes promptly.

Stair refacing, also known as stair capping or stair overlay, is a renovation technique where new hardwood tread caps and riser panels are installed directly over your existing staircase structure. This approach delivers the same beautiful hardwood result as a complete rebuild but with less mess, lower cost, and faster completion. It is ideal for homes where the existing staircase structure is sound but the surface appearance needs updating.

Yes, carpet-to-hardwood stair conversion is one of our most popular services. We remove the existing carpet, underpad, and tack strips, prepare the substructure, and install premium hardwood treads and risers. The result eliminates carpet allergens, is easier to maintain, and dramatically modernizes the appearance of your staircase. We offer multiple wood species and stain colours to match your existing flooring.

RenewStairs serves homeowners across 25 or more Ontario communities. Our service areas include Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills, Barrie, Newmarket, Aurora, Stouffville, King City, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Innisfil, Orillia, and Collingwood. We cover York Region, Peel Region, Halton Region, Durham Region, and Simcoe County. Contact us to confirm availability in your specific area.

Yes, every project begins with a free in-home consultation. We visit your home, assess your existing staircase, discuss your design preferences, show you material samples, and provide a detailed written quote. There is no obligation and no pressure. Call us at (416) 908-4338 or use our online contact form to schedule your free estimate.

We work with premium hardwood species sourced from trusted Ontario suppliers. Our most popular options include red oak (classic grain, excellent durability), white oak (trending for modern and farmhouse styles), hard maple (clean, consistent grain), and walnut (rich dark tones). We also offer hickory and custom species on request. All wood is kiln-dried and graded for staircase applications.

Yes, RenewStairs carries comprehensive general liability insurance and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage. We are fully insured for all work performed in your home. We also provide a written craftsmanship warranty on every project, giving you confidence that your investment is protected.

Absolutely. We plan our work to maintain access between floors throughout the project. Our team sets up dust containment, works efficiently during business hours, and cleans up at the end of each working day. Most homeowners find the disruption to be minimal and manageable.

In most cases, yes. We carry an extensive range of wood species and stain colours and can custom-mix stains to achieve a close match. We always test stain on a sample area of your actual staircase wood before committing to the full application. Due to natural wood variation and aging of existing floors, a perfect identical match is not always possible, but we consistently achieve excellent results.

Refinishing involves sanding down your existing hardwood staircase to remove old finish and damage, then applying new stain and protective coats. It preserves the original wood. Refacing (or capping) involves installing new hardwood tread caps and riser panels over your existing staircase. Refacing is better when the existing surface is too damaged for sanding or when carpet needs to be replaced with hardwood.

Yes. Every RenewStairs project comes with a written craftsmanship warranty. This covers the installation work performed by our team. The materials we use also carry their own manufacturer warranties. Specific warranty terms are included in your written quote so you know exactly what is covered before the project begins.

The Ontario Building Code sets specific requirements for residential staircases including minimum handrail height of 865mm (34 inches), maximum baluster spacing of 100mm (4 inches) to prevent children from passing through, minimum tread depth of 210mm (8.25 inches), consistent riser heights between 125mm and 200mm, and proper nosing projections. All RenewStairs installations meet or exceed these requirements. Our team is thoroughly familiar with current code requirements and ensures every renovation is compliant, giving you confidence in both the safety and legality of the finished work.

The most popular wood species for stair renovations in Ontario are red oak, white oak, hard maple, and walnut. Red oak is the classic choice with excellent durability, attractive grain, and superior stain absorption — it works well with virtually any stain colour. White oak has become increasingly popular for its compatibility with modern grey and natural tones, and its higher tannin content provides better water resistance. Hard maple offers a clean, contemporary appearance with fine, consistent grain. Walnut provides rich dark tones naturally without requiring heavy staining. Less common options include hickory, which is extremely hard and durable, and birch, which offers an affordable alternative. We bring samples of all species to your home during the consultation so you can compare options against your existing decor.

Stair capping (also called overlay or refacing) installs new hardwood tread caps and riser panels directly over your existing staircase. Full replacement removes the existing treads and risers and installs entirely new components. Capping is faster (2 to 3 days vs. 3 to 5 days), less expensive ($1,800 to $4,500 vs. $2,500 to $7,500), and produces less mess since there is no structural demolition. Both methods deliver a beautiful hardwood result. Capping works best when the existing staircase structure is sound. Full replacement is recommended when the underlying structure needs repair or when you want to change the tread dimensions. We assess your staircase during the free consultation and recommend the best approach.