Stairs and railings are both a finish carpentry showcase and a safety item. A loose handrail is one of the more important small repairs in any home, especially with kids or older family members.
Common stair projects
- Loose handrails and newel posts: usually fixed by re-anchoring brackets into framing or adding concealed fasteners at the newel.
- Squeaky treads: fixed from below with blocking or glue blocks if the underside is accessible, or from above with specialty screws.
- Carpet-to-hardwood conversions: often new treads and risers, because the original treads under carpet are frequently construction-grade.
- Baluster replacement: swapping wood balusters for iron or updated wood styles.
- Exterior steps: rebuilding rotted wood stairs at decks and porches.
Code basics worth knowing
Residential codes commonly limit baluster spacing so a 4-inch sphere can't pass through, set handrail heights of roughly 34–38 inches measured from the tread nosing, and require graspable handrails. Older homes may not meet current code; repairs don't always trigger upgrades, but replacements usually should follow current rules. Ask us when we quote the job.
Questions about stairs & railings
Can I convert carpeted stairs to hardwood?
Yes. The usual approach is new hardwood treads and painted risers over or in place of the originals, because the original treads under carpet are often not finish-grade.