Wood Stairs in the DMV

No two staircases are built exactly the same, even within the same house, so the first real step on this job is measuring every single tread and riser rather than assuming they match. Once we have those measurements we remove the old carpet, tile, or worn treads and check the stringers underneath for any repairs needed before new wood goes on.

Each tread and riser is then cut to fit its own step, with the nosing overhang set to match the floor it runs into so the transition at the top of the stairs looks intentional instead of pieced together. We secure everything with glue and mechanical fasteners rather than nails alone, since nail-only stairs are one of the most common sources of the squeak that shows up six months after an install.

Matching the stain and species to your existing floor is usually the part homeowners care about most, and it is worth getting an exact sample checked in your own lighting before the job starts, since stain colors can read differently under stairwell light than they do on a flat floor.