Just finished a full cosmetic staircase renovation in our Whitby colonial. The original builder-grade pine stairs were beat up after 18 years. We didn’t need to touch the stringers — just everything visible.
Scope:
- 14 risers, painted white MDF
- New 3/4-inch red oak treads, natural stain (Rubio Monocoat)
- Removed all wood spindles, installed black iron balusters (3 per tread)
- New square newel posts (two at bottom landing, one at top)
- Refinished existing oak handrail to match treads
Contractor cost breakdown:
- Tread supply (oak blanks, pre-cut): $1,840
- Baluster and newel post hardware: $1,620 (42 iron balusters + 3 newels from Stair Parts Canada)
- Labour (tear-out, tread install, baluster install, painting risers): $4,200
- Handrail refinishing: $480
- Total: $8,140
This was cosmetic only — no stringers, no structural work. If you need new stringers, add $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the configuration.
The iron balusters completely transformed the feel of the main floor. Before and after is dramatic. Our real estate agent came through and immediately said the stairs were going to show very well.
Tip: buy 10% more balusters than calculated. We had 3 bent ones in the box and needed exact replacements — having extras on hand saved a return trip.