Staircase Upgrades

We have upgraded over 300 staircases in the greater Seattle area over the past 30 years. The housing boom of the late 90's created many "ho-hum" staircases that are now ready for upgrading. We can offer consultation, demolition of existing components and half walls, manufacture and install of a large variety of components. While we don't personally do any staining or painting, we can refer you to painters on request.

Below is brief terminology with supporting pictures to help you understand what the different components are called. These pictures can also aid in deciding what style or combination of styles would be best for your home. Have a look, and contact us if a Staircase Upgrade is in your future.

Paint Grade Skirtboards and Risers

Full Cherry

Open False Treads

Paint Grade Skirtboards and Risers

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Skirtboard, Riser and Tread Styles.

Terminology:

Skirtboards are the diagonals that run up the stair on the wall. They can be paint grade or stain grade. If desired, scrolls can add a decorative element as well.

Risers are the verticals under the Treads. Paint grade or stain grade, generally the same material as the skirtboards, but not always.

Treads are what is stepped on. Open treads create the stairstep look, while closed treads are wall to wall/curb, and the tread ends are not seen from the side. We make our treads custom, in all dimensions and species.

Curbs (or kneewalls) are elevated and capped, creating a more straight line look up the stairs. They can be paint grade or stain grade.

False Treads are just a visible hardwood end of a carpeted tread, creating the look of a full tread with carpet runner.

Walnut Box Newels

Lamb Tongue Starting Fittings

Paint Grade Flat Panel Box Newels

Walnut Box Newels

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Newel Post and Handrail Styles

Terminology:

Newel Posts are at the end of each run, and at transitions. This is where the strength of the stair system comes from. They can be Box Newels, or Turned Newels.

We offer Paint Grade or Stain Grade Newels, in all different styles and sizes, (flat panel, recessed panel, trims and collars, caps and turnings.

Handrails are the grippable part of the system, either on walls (wall rails) or over turned Newel Posts (over-the-post) or spanning from one Newel to another (post-to-post).

We have over 60 different rail profiles to choose from, and offer them in most any species.

IMG_1532

Welded horizontal metal

Standard Spacing Square Balusters

Stock Paint Grade

IMG_1532

Welded horizontal metal

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Skirtboard, Riser and Tread Styles.

Terminology:

Skirtboards are the diagonals that run up the stair on the wall. They can be paint grade or stain grade. If desired, scrolls can add a decorative element as well.

Risers are the verticals under the Treads. Paint grade or stain grade, generally the same material as the skirtboards, but not always.

Treads are what is stepped on. Open treads create the stairstep look, while closed treads are wall to wall/curb, and the tread ends are not seen from the side. We make our treads custom, in all dimensions and species.

Curbs (or kneewalls) are elevated and capped, creating a more straight line look up the stairs. They can be paint grade or stain grade.

False Treads are just a visible hardwood end of a carpeted tread, creating the look of a full tread with carpet runner.

Newel Post and Handrail Styles

Terminology:

Newel Posts are at the end of each run, and at transitions. This is where the strength of the stair system comes from. They can be Box Newels, or Turned Newels.

We offer Paint Grade or Stain Grade Newels, in all different styles and sizes, (flat panel, recessed panel, trims and collars, caps and turnings.

Handrails are the grippable part of the system, either on walls (wall rails) or over turned Newel Posts (over-the-post) or spanning from one Newel to another (post-to-post).

We have over 60 different rail profiles to choose from, and offer them in most any species.

Baluster Styles

Terminology:

Balusters (spindles, pickets) are the intermediate verticals from Tread or Curb, to underside of handrail.

We offer many different styles in metal or wood, stock or custom.

Skirtboard, Riser and Tread Styles.

Terminology:

Skirtboards are the diagonals that run up the stair on the wall. They can be paint grade or stain grade. If desired, scrolls can add a decorative element as well.

Risers are the verticals under the Treads. Paint grade or stain grade, generally the same material as the skirtboards, but not always.

Treads are what is stepped on. Open treads create the stairstep look, while closed treads are wall to wall/curb, and the tread ends are not seen from the side. We make our treads custom, in all dimensions and species.

Curbs (or kneewalls) are elevated and capped, creating a more straight line look up the stairs. They can be paint grade or stain grade.

False Treads are just a visible hardwood end of a carpeted tread, creating the look of a full tread with carpet runner.

​

Newel Post and Handrail Styles

Terminology:

Newel Posts are at the end of each run, and at transitions. This is where the strength of the stair system comes from. They can be Box Newels, or Turned Newels.

We offer Paint Grade or Stain Grade Newels, in all different styles and sizes, (flat panel, recessed panel, trims and collars, caps and turnings.

Handrails are the grippable part of the system, either on walls (wall rails) or over turned Newel Posts (over-the-post) or spanning from one Newel to another (post-to-post).

We have over 60 different rail profiles to choose from, and offer them in most any species.

Baluster Styles

​Terminology:

Balusters (spindles, pickets) are the intermediate verticals from Tread or Curb, to underside of handrail.

We offer many different styles in metal or wood, stock or custom.

Terminology: