Tips for Finding a Stair Contractor

Looking for the right stair contractor to install your staircase can be a very tough decision. Most people have a hard time finding an expert that’s both knowledgeable and reliable. Some installers may limit themselves to constructing only general staircases, whereas more complex designs are new to them.

Here are some good tips for selecting the right stair contractor:

Use the internet to search for reviews. Look specifically for reviews that have photos of their previous projects. See if you can find any testimonials from other homeowners. If not, you can always contact the stair contractor and ask for references. A good stair contractor will be proud of their work and they would have many photos, as well as references available.

Once you select a contractor to work on your staircase remodeling. Make sure to do your research on all the necessary parts. It’s always quality over quantity, so do your best to find materials that exemplify quality work.

Staircases are all incredibly different and they vary in different sizes. Always have the space for your new staircase correctly measured. That will be the best way to find out what parts you need. Work with your stair contractor to build a parts list.

A staircase in most houses is a focal point. But in order for it to be appealing, it will have to be designed properly. Most importantly, any staircase should be 100 percent safe. Safety is always a concern, and a well built staircase will surely provide maximum safety. Don’t ever work with a stair contractor who says it’s ok to cut corners when it comes to saving money.

Staircase Remodeling Ideas and Tips!

A staircase can be quite a focal point for anyone entering your house. As a homeowner, you need to be very careful when deciding to remodel your staircase. There are several possibilities, but you want to find the right for you. Staircases like many other home projects have designs that reflect the time period in which the house was built. Remodeling a staircase the right way can make your current staircase sturdier and far more attractive.

Here are some useful tips for homeowners looking to remodel their staircase:

Take some time to figure out what areas will be painted and what areas will be covered with wood.

When remodeling a staircase, always follow the rules and stay within the appropriate building codes. Depending on how you want your stairs built, building codes can cover numerous aspects of your home. In general, the codes are very easy to follow.

Begin your staircase remodeling project by selecting the type of stairs you want to build. You can choose from spiral, straight, winding L , double L, or U shaped stairs. Space is always the biggest consideration while making your choice. Remember that it is much easier to maintain or be creative with the same type of stair that is already present.

You can also get plenty of information from the websites on the internet that list building code models for cities and counties. Just note that your city or county may not be listed, and you might have to do a little more searching.

Furthermore, your local city or country building department can provide helpful information on the codes you’re looking for and can help point you in the right direction.

Another source of information can be from people you know who have successfully remodeled or built new staircases in their own homes. Always double check though to make sure the information is reliable.

Encinitas Stair Builder | Stair Contractor in Encinitas

Remodeling a new staircase can be difficult task. Before you meet with your stair contractor for staircase remodeling ideas you should familiarize yourself with the different parts in a custom staircase remodel. These parts will help you come up with a finalized staircase design.

Baluster: A vertical member used between railing and tread or floor. Balusters provide support, safety and stability to the balustrade.

Balustrade: The name for a complete assembled rail system.

Bow newel: A large square newel that is hollow inside, used at starting steps or in post to post balustrades.

Box stair: A stair where the stringers house the treads and risers, forming a box like unit.

Bracket: Generally referred to as a tread or stringer bracket; this is a scroll shaped ornament fastened to an open stringer.

Cap: The round portion of a fitting which flares, permitting the fitting to set onto the top of a newel post. Cap fittings are used in an over the post balustrade system.

Cove molding: A trim molding used to finish the joint where the face of the riser and the underside of the tread join.

Easing: That portion of a fitting which curves upward or downward, permitting the handrail to deviate from the rake of the staircase. Easing create a smooth transition, so that the hand can glide across the rail as it changes direction.

Fillet: A thin molding that is fitted into plowed handrail and shoe rail between balusters.

Gooseneck: A fitting used where the rake rail must rise vertically to meet a balcony or landing. Goosenecks can also facilitate directional changes.

Hand rail: The rail used as a hand hold or support in balustrade systems.

Landing newel: The longer newel post used at landing and balconies where the rake rail changes direction or pitch and then continues on. The length of the newel is governed by the number of risers at the point of vertical transition.

Landing tread: A nosed and rabbeted tread like molding used to form a finished surface at landing and balconies.

Level quarter turn: A fitting that permits level handrail to turn 90 or 135 degrees, available with or without cap.

Level rail: Handrail used on the level portion of a balustrade.

Newel: A vertical post used to start a post to post balustrade, also used at points of vertical and directional change. Newel posts provide the majority of the structural rigidity of a balustrade system.

Open stair: A staircase where the stringer has been cut out so that the stair treads are exposed on one or both sides of the staircase.

Over the post: A balustrade system which uses fittings on top of newel posts, creating an uninterrupted handrail.

Contact one of our experienced stair builders today for any questions you may have!

Irvine Stair Builder | Stair Contractor | Custom Staircase Builder

Sometimes a staircase can be taken for granted. Before you decide to have custom stairs built, remember that a staircase isn’t just a link between two floors. It is a grand architectural feature that can turn an ordinary entryway into a fabulous entrance. Although it is very generic, your staircase can help define your own style. It can also showcase your décor. By adding a unique staircase design, hand-crafted railings and solid materials, you can easily improve the overall look to guarantee it’s something you’re satisfied with.

When deciding what staircase to build, it’s vital you discuss your design interests with a stair contractor. Your top consideration should always be space. Stair builders come in different sizes, not every type fits in every home. For example, a double-sided staircase only works in large entryways. So for a smaller space, you should consider opting for a straight or L-shaped stair instead. After finalizing that function, you can then narrow down your options based on staircase designs. Talk to your contractor to figure out stair remodeling ideas. An elliptical or curved stair gives a touch of elegance. A spiral staircase is more exotic and considered to be a fun approach.

The staircase should be able to blend in with the rest of your house or office. It’s never a good idea to mix two dramatically different tones, such as traditional and modern designs. Carpet and stone also happen to be popular traditional materials. Steel and floating wood steps are trendier alternatives. You’ll also be able to get creative with the railing. An industrial-style rail can help make wood treads contemporary, or an ornate metal railing can provide you with a stylish feel. Ultimately, appearance is important, but safety should be your biggest concern when building or remodeling a staircase. If you have young kids then an open railing or hard metal steps are probably a bad idea. It can be a huge safety hazard. If you have dogs in the house, then expect them to scratch up the hardwood. Please contact one of our professional Irvine Stair Builders for any questions you may have.

Huntington Beach Stair Contractors | Stair Builders | Custom Stairs

View fullsize

Staircase builders specialize in many different architectural installations. A staircase is built with different designs and choosing the right rail can be a tricky situation. Here are some parts to look over if you are interested in a custom staircase remodel.

Plow: The channel in the bottom of a handrail and the top of a shoe rail that receives square balusters. A plow is finished with fillet.

Post to post: A balustrade system where handrail is fitted between newel posts. The flow of the handrail is interrupted by the decorative top of the newel post.

Rail fitting: Fittings are carved components whose profile matches a specific handrail. Fittings are assembled in various configurations to effect directional and elevation changes in over the post and post to post balustrades.

Rake: The angle or pitch of a stairs ascent to an upper level. The rake is established by the rise and run of the staircase.

Rake rail: Hand rail used on the ascending portion of a balustrade which matches the pitch or rise of the staircase.

Riser: The vertical component of a staircase that faces each step between stringer and tread, upon which the tread rests.

Rosette: A decorative wall plate, larger than the handrail profile, which may be round or oval. Rosettes serve as a decorative handrail anchor when handrail dead ends at a wall.

Shoe rail: A flat molding with a linear channel which receives square bottom balusters for assembly. The channel between balusters is then finished with fillet.

Starting easing: A fitting that starts a balustrade and introduces the user to the upward travel of the stair.

Starting newel: The vertical post used to start a post to post balustrade.

Starting step: A decorative first step of a staircase. Generally includes a tread and riser which is larger in length and depth than the basic stair. Design options include bull nosed, quarter circle and half circle patterns.

Stringer: A side member of a stair that provides structural support and a finished face. It is generally machined to receive the risers and treads for box stairs. In open staircases, the risers are mitered so that finished end treads rest on the mitered riser.

Tread: The horizontal component of a staircase upon which you walk.

Volute: An ornamental handrail fitting used to grace the opening of a staircase. A volute is carved to turn away from the opening in a nautilus like shape, resting on a volute newel and four or five balusters.

Wall rail: Handrail fastened directly to the wall with a mounting bracket. In a box staircase it may be the primary handrail. In a full balustrade a wall rail would be supplementary.