Your 4 Main Stair Renovation Options
Most GTA homeowners choose one of four approaches, depending on the condition of their existing stairs, their budget, and their aesthetic goals.
Option 1: Refinish Existing Treads
Sand down your existing hardwood treads and apply new stain and finish. The most cost-effective way to transform your staircase.
From $125/step
Requires structurally sound hardwood treads
Option 2: Install New Hardwood Treads
Remove old treads (carpet, damaged wood, or MDF) and install new solid hardwood stair treads. Best results, longest lifespan.
From $185/step (straight) · $225/step (pie/bullnose)
Works on any existing staircase structure
Option 3: Vinyl Stair Caps (Overlays)
Waterproof vinyl overlays that fit directly over your existing treads. No demolition needed — fast, budget-friendly, matches your LVP flooring.
Most budget-friendly option
Contact us for vinyl cap pricing
Option 4: Full Staircase Renovation
New treads + new railings + new balusters/pickets. Complete transformation from dated colonial to modern open-riser or traditional custom design.
$3,500–$6,000+ for full 13-step renovation
Includes treads, rails, pickets, and nosings
Complete Staircase Pricing Breakdown
All BBS Flooring stair pricing is per-item with no hidden fees. Here's the full menu:
| Service | Unit | BBS Price |
|---|---|---|
| Stair Tread Refinishing (Sand & Restain) | per step | $125 |
| New Straight Stair Treads (Installed) | per step | $185 |
| New Pie / Triangle / Bullnose Steps | per step | $225 |
| Sand & Restain Rails | per linear foot | $25 |
| New Iron or Wood Pickets (Installed with Material) | per piece | $25 |
| Stair Nosing Refinish (Sand & Restain) | per linear foot | $25 |
| New Stair Nosing (Installed) | per linear foot | $30 |
📊 Sample Project Estimates
Refinish 13-step staircase (sand, stain, rails + nosing)
13 steps × $125 + ~8 lf rails × $25 + ~8 lf nosing × $25
New treads — 13-step carpet-to-hardwood conversion
13 steps × $185 + carpet removal + nosings
Full renovation — new treads + iron pickets + new rail
13 treads × $185 + 39 pickets × $25 + rail materials
Note: Estimates above assume standard-width straight treads. Wider treads, pie steps, and open-riser designs add cost. All pricing includes labour and standard materials — no hidden fees. Carpet removal on stairs is quoted separately.
Refinish vs Replace: Which Is Right for You?
✅ Refinish If...
- ✓Your existing treads are solid hardwood (tap-test — they sound solid, not hollow)
- ✓The treads are structurally sound (no cracks, warping, or rot)
- ✓Surface damage is cosmetic — scratches, worn finish, light dents
- ✓The treads are thick enough to sand (at least ¾" before sanding)
- ✓You want to save 30–40% vs full replacement
🔄 Replace If...
- →Treads are carpet-covered and you don't know what's underneath
- →Existing treads are MDF, particleboard, or composite
- →Treads have deep gouges, structural cracks, or are too thin to sand
- →You want a different wood species (e.g., pine stairs → white oak)
- →You want wider treads for a more open, modern look
💡 Pro Tip: The Carpet Mystery
If your stairs are carpeted, you won't know what's underneath until the carpet comes off. In our experience across hundreds of Markham and Toronto homes, about 60% of carpeted stairs have acceptable hardwood treads underneath — refinishable at $125/step. The other 40% have MDF or damaged wood that needs replacement. Our free in-home estimate includes peeling back a corner of carpet to check before you commit.
Best Wood Species for Stair Treads
Stairs take more concentrated traffic and impact than floors. Species choice matters more here than anywhere else in the house.
| Species | Janka Hardness | Stain Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Oak ⭐ | 1,360 lbf | All stains, esp. grey/brown tones | Modern homes, open-riser designs, matching current floors |
| Hickory | 1,820 lbf | Natural/light stains only (strong grain) | Maximum durability, rustic/organic aesthetics |
| Hard Maple | 1,450 lbf | Light/blonde, contemporary stains | Scandinavian/modern interiors, light colour palettes |
| Red Oak | 1,290 lbf | Traditional warm tones, most stains | Budget-conscious, traditional interiors, classic look |
| Walnut | 1,010 lbf | Natural walnut (rarely stained) | Luxury aesthetics — use only in low-traffic areas |
Our Recommendation
White oak dominates 2026 GTA renovation projects — it's hard enough for stair traffic, takes the full range of modern stains (especially the popular grey-brown tones), and matches the majority of current hardwood floor species. If you have red oak floors, we recommend red oak treads for consistency. Hickory is the choice when you have large dogs or extremely heavy traffic.
Railing & Baluster Options
The railing system makes as much visual impact as the treads. Here's what we offer:
🔩 Iron / Metal Pickets
The dominant choice in 2026. Thinner profile opens up the staircase visually, zero maintenance (no refinishing ever), available in matte black, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze. Straight, twisted, or basket designs.
$25/piece installed (includes material)
🪵 Wood Balusters
Classic and traditional. Available in square, turned (colonial), and craftsman styles. Painted white is the most common finish. Match or contrast with your tread species. Require refinishing every 10–15 years.
$25/piece installed (includes material)
🪟 Glass Panels
Frameless or framed tempered glass panels create a sleek, ultra-modern look with maximum light flow. Popular in contemporary and luxury renovations. Requires custom fabrication — lead time applies.
Custom quote required
🔄 Handrail Refinishing
If your existing handrail is solid wood in good condition, refinishing (sand, stain, new finish coat) is often the best bang-for-buck upgrade. Takes 1 day, dramatically refreshes the look.
$25/linear foot
Vinyl Stair Caps: The Budget-Friendly Option
Vinyl stair caps (also called stair covers or overlays) fit directly over your existing treads without any demolition. They're the fastest and most affordable way to upgrade carpeted or worn stairs — especially when you're doing a full vinyl plank installation throughout the home.
100% Waterproof
Same waterproof performance as your LVP floors — ideal for pet households
Colour-Matched
Available in coordinating colours that match your vinyl plank flooring for a seamless look
Fast Installation
No demolition, no subfloor prep — most staircases done in a single day
When Vinyl Caps Make Sense
- →You're installing vinyl plank throughout and want a matching staircase
- →Budget is the primary concern and hardwood is not a priority
- →You have pets and want a fully waterproof staircase solution
- →The existing tread structure is solid but cosmetically worn
- →Rental property renovation — maximum durability, minimum cost
Converting Carpet Stairs to Hardwood: The Full Process
Carpet-to-hardwood stair conversion is one of our most popular projects — and for good reason. The transformation is dramatic, and the result lasts decades instead of years.
Free In-Home Assessment
We peel back a corner of carpet to check what's underneath before you commit. About 60% of carpeted stairs in GTA homes have usable hardwood treads — meaning you qualify for refinishing at $125/step instead of new treads at $185/step. We'll tell you upfront.
Carpet & Tack Strip Removal
We remove all carpet, padding, tack strips, and staples from every step. This is billed separately from the tread work.
Subfloor Assessment
If existing treads are usable → refinish (sand, stain, finish). If treads are MDF or damaged → install new solid hardwood treads.
Tread Work (Refinish or Install)
Refinishing: 2–3 sand passes, stain, 2–3 finish coats. New treads: cut to width, fasten securely, fill nail holes, finish with matching stain and sealer.
Risers, Nosings & Transitions
New risers (painted white is standard), nosing installation or refinishing, and all transition pieces to connect the staircase to adjacent flooring.
Optional: Railing Upgrade
While we have the staircase open, many clients add new iron pickets or handrail refinishing. Cost-effective to combine with tread work — one visit, one disruption.
What to Expect: Project Timeline
| Project Type | Duration | Walkable After |
|---|---|---|
| Refinish only (sand + stain + finish) | 2–3 days | Socks OK after 24 hrs; shoes after 48–72 hrs |
| New treads (straight staircase) | 1–2 days | Following day with care |
| Vinyl stair caps | 1 day | Same day |
| Full renovation (treads + rails + pickets) | 3–5 days | 2–3 days for tread portions |
| Carpet removal + new treads + rail upgrade | 4–6 days | Day 2–3 for treads; day 4–5 for full use |
📅 Booking & Lead Time
From initial contact to project start is typically 7–14 days depending on season. Spring (April–June) is our busiest period — book early for summer timelines. Free in-home estimates are available within 2–3 business days of your call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a staircase renovation cost in Toronto?
Refinishing runs $125/step; new straight treads $185/step; specialty steps $225/step. Iron pickets add $25/piece. A full 13-step carpet-to-hardwood conversion with new treads runs $2,700–$3,200. A complete renovation with rails and pickets runs $4,500–$6,000+. We provide free in-home estimates with line-item pricing.
Can I match new stair treads to my existing hardwood floors?
Yes. We carry white oak, red oak, maple, and hickory treads and can stain-match to your existing floors within 1–2 shades. For perfect matches, we recommend doing stairs and adjacent flooring in the same project, using the same stain batch.
What's included in the per-step price?
The per-step price covers labour and standard tread materials. Carpet removal, riser replacement, nosings, and railing work are quoted separately as line items. Our free estimate gives you a full breakdown before you commit to anything.
How long do refinished stairs last?
Refinished hardwood stairs typically look great for 10–15 years before needing another sand-and-refinish. Factors that extend life: proper finish (3 coats of oil-modified polyurethane), no grit tracked in from outside (use mats), and periodic re-coating (every 5–7 years) without full sanding.
Are you WSIB insured for staircase work?
Yes. BBS Flooring carries full WSIB coverage for all flooring and stair renovation work throughout the GTA. We are also fully insured against property damage. Certificates available on request.
Ready to Transform Your Staircase?
Get a free, no-obligation in-home estimate. We'll assess your stairs, check what's under the carpet, and give you a line-item quote on the spot.
BBS Flooring · 6061 Highway 7, Unit B, Markham · (647) 428-1111