Stair remodeling in Charlotte
A stair remodel replaces the visible parts of an existing staircase: treads, risers, balusters, newel posts and handrail, usually after removing carpet. The structure stays; the finish changes completely. MDO Contracting remodels stairs across Charlotte, NC.
A carpeted builder staircase is often the last thing left from the original house after the floors have been redone. Redoing it is a few days of work and it is the first thing anyone sees from the front door.
What the job involves
- Carpet, pad and staples removed, old treads reused or replaced
- New hardwood or retro-fit treads, painted or stained risers
- Iron or wood balusters, new newel posts, handrail and fittings
- Stair nosing and landing flooring tied into the existing floors
- Fill, sand, stain or paint, and finish to match
How the work runs
- 01
Check the structure
Stringers and framing are checked and any squeak or movement fixed while the treads are off.
- 02
Treads and risers
New treads are cut and fitted one at a time, since no two are the same size on an older stair.
- 03
Balusters and rail
Newels set, balusters laid out to code spacing, handrail fitted and secured.
- 04
Finish
Stain or paint, sealed, and the stair is back in service.
Stair remodels questions
- Can the stairs be used during the work?
- Yes, with care. Work is sequenced so the stair is passable at the end of each day.
- Wood or iron balusters?
- Iron balusters are the most common update in Charlotte houses because they swap in without rebuilding the rail. Wood suits traditional homes and paints or stains to match.
- Can new treads go over the old ones?
- Retro-fit treads cap the existing ones and are the faster option. Full replacement is better when the old treads are damaged or the nosing needs to change.
- Will the new treads match my hardwood floors?
- Treads are stained on site to match the floor they meet, and the landing is tied in so there is no visible break.
- Are there code rules for balusters?
- Yes. Spacing, rail height and how the rail is fixed all have to meet code, and the layout is done to that rather than to a picture.
Stair remodels across the Charlotte area
MDO Contracting works Charlotte and roughly 50 miles out from it.