Raleigh, Clayton, and the Triangle
Staircase Remodeling
Carpet-to-hardwood conversions, custom stair tread installation, stair refinishing, and railing upgrades. Substructure corrected, treads fitted with a consistent nosing profile, stained and finished to match your floors exactly. The most visible upgrade in a home, done once and done right.
What We Do
Staircase Remodeling Services
The staircase is one of the most visible elements of a home. Replacing dated carpet with hardwood treads is one of the most impactful upgrades a homeowner can make, and it pairs naturally with any floor installation or refinishing project.
Treads and risers are glued, nailed, and blind screwed where the structure allows. Handrails and newel posts are connected using the Zipbolt mechanical fastening system, which keeps railings rigid without exposed hardware or reliance on adhesive alone.
As a member of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) since 2002, every staircase project follows the same technical standards we apply to every hardwood floor we install.
Carpet-to-hardwood conversions.
Remove dated carpet from your stairs and replace it with hardwood treads and risers. One of the most impactful upgrades in a home and a natural extension of any floor installation or refinishing project.
Hardwood tread and riser installation.
Treads are cut to a consistent nosing profile, glued, nailed, and blind screwed into the stair substrate. Risers are fitted and fastened before treads are set. Every tread is checked for level, solid seating, and consistent overhang before moving to the next.
Stair tread refinishing.
When treads are structurally sound but the finish is worn or dated, refinishing restores the surface without replacement. We sand, stain, and apply Bona Traffic HD for maximum durability on the highest-traffic surface in the home.
Stain and finish matching.
We match the stain color and finish sheen of your existing hardwood floors so the staircase integrates seamlessly with the rest of the home.
Handrail and newel post upgrades.
Replacing builder-grade railings with clean contemporary or traditional alternatives transforms the look of your entryway. We use the Zipbolt mechanical fastening system on every handrail and newel post connection.
Structural repairs.
Squeaky, bouncy, or loose stair structures are corrected before new treads are installed. A stable substructure is the foundation of a long-lasting staircase installation.
Conversion Psychology
Why Homeowners Upgrade Their Staircases
Many older staircases become outdated long before the rest of the home. The carpet wears out, stains, and traps odor in a way that is hard to address without full replacement. The railing looks dated. The treads squeak. And the staircase sits in the most visible part of the house.
A professionally remodeled staircase can dramatically change the look and feel of a home's main living area. It is often the first thing buyers notice during a showing and the feature homeowners mention most after a whole-home flooring project is complete.
Common reasons homeowners remodel
Replace worn or stained carpet.
Carpeted stairs absorb spills, pet odor, and years of traffic in a way that cleaning cannot fully resolve. Hardwood treads do not.
Modernize the entryway.
The staircase is often the focal point of a home's entry. Updating it changes how the entire main living area reads.
Match new hardwood flooring.
Homeowners who install or refinish hardwood floors frequently choose to update the staircase in the same project for a seamless transition.
Improve resale appeal.
A hardwood staircase is one of the highest-impact visual features in a listing photo and an in-person showing.
Update railings and trim.
Builder-grade railings age quickly. Contemporary iron balusters, updated newel posts, and clean profiles significantly modernize the look.
Eliminate squeaks and damaged treads.
Loose, squeaky, or cracked treads are both a nuisance and a safety concern. Remodeling addresses the substructure permanently.
Tread Installation
Hardwood Stair Tread Installation
Custom hardwood stair treads are cut on-site to the exact width and depth of your stair structure, then finished in-place after installation. This is the only way to achieve an exact color and sheen match to your existing hardwood floors. Pre-finished treads always read differently because the sheen and color formulation cannot be perfectly replicated after the fact.
Every tread is checked for level, solid seating, and consistent nosing overhang across the entire run before any finish is applied. A run of stairs where the nosing depth varies from tread to tread is immediately visible and cannot be corrected after the finish is down.
We finish stair treads with Bona Traffic HD, the same commercial-grade water-based finish we use on hardwood floors. Stairs take more concentrated traffic than any other floor surface in the home. The finish system needs to match.
Species we install
White oak.
Our most requested stair species. Tight grain, Janka hardness of 1360, and takes both light and dark stains cleanly. The top choice for transitional and contemporary staircases in the Triangle.
Red oak.
The classic American staircase wood. More open grain than white oak, slightly warmer tone, and one of the most reliably available domestic species. Janka hardness 1290.
Hickory.
The hardest domestic species we install, Janka 1820. Striking grain variation. Best paired with a natural or very light stain to let the character show.
Poplar (painted risers).
For projects with painted white risers, poplar is a cost-effective choice that takes paint cleanly and holds it well.
Most Requested Service
Carpet to Hardwood Stair Conversion
Carpet-to-hardwood stair conversions are one of the highest-impact upgrades a Triangle homeowner can make. The staircase is visible from the entry, the living room, and often the kitchen. Replacing worn carpet with hardwood treads changes how the entire main level reads.
When carpet comes off a staircase, what is underneath is almost never flat, clean, or ready for hardwood. Tack strip nail holes. Staples from the pad. Filler that has shrunk. A stringer that was never intended to be exposed. The prep work determines whether the finished staircase looks custom or looks like an afterthought. We assess the substructure before any carpet comes off and build the prep scope into the written estimate.
The top-of-run landing condition, where the last tread meets the landing floor, is where most carpet-to-hardwood projects either succeed or fail visually. The transition has to be tight, flat, and matched in stain and species. We plan the approach during the free in-home visit and confirm it before any work begins.
What the conversion involves
Carpet, pad, and tack strip removal.
All existing carpet and underlayment are removed and disposed of. Tack strips are pulled and nail holes filled before any structural assessment begins.
Substructure assessment and correction.
We inspect every stair for flatness, fastener condition, and structural integrity. Loose subframes, soft spots, and out-of-level conditions are corrected before treads go down.
Nosing profile and consistent overhang.
Tread nosing is cut to a consistent profile across the entire run. Standard overhang is 3/4 to 1 inch. Consistency across every tread is what makes the staircase look designed rather than assembled.
Riser selection.
Painted white risers with stained treads is the most requested look right now. Full stained-and-finished risers are also available. We discuss and agree on the approach before any work begins.
Site-finished treads for exact color match.
Stain and finish are applied after installation so the color match to your adjacent floors is exact. Multiple finish coats with light sanding between each.
Restore Without Replacing
Stair Refinishing Services
Not every stair project requires full tread replacement. When the wood is structurally sound but the finish is worn, scratched, or the color no longer matches the rest of the home, stair refinishing restores the surface at a lower cost and shorter timeline than replacement.
We sand the existing tread surface to bare wood, apply stain if a color change is desired, and finish with Bona Traffic HD. Stairs take more concentrated impact and abrasion than any other floor surface in the home. Using a commercial-grade finish system is not optional if you want the result to hold.
Stair refinishing is often scheduled as part of a whole-home hardwood floor refinishing project so the treads and floors share the same color and finish system throughout. We assess wear layer depth on the existing treads during the free in-home visit to confirm refinishing is viable.
When refinishing is right
Treads are structurally sound.
No cracks, splits, or soft spots. The tread can handle additional sanding without losing structural integrity.
Finish is worn but wood is intact.
Surface scratches and finish wear that have not cut through to the bare wood are ideal refinishing candidates.
Color update is wanted.
A stain change on stairs is achievable through refinishing if there is adequate sanding wear layer remaining.
Matching newly refinished floors.
If the main floor hardwood is being refinished to a new stain color, the stair treads need to be refinished to the same formulation for a consistent result.
When treads are too thin to refinish or structurally compromised, board-level repair or full tread replacement is the right path. We assess this during the free in-home visit.
Contemporary Design
Modern Staircase Remodeling
The most-requested staircase aesthetic in the Triangle right now: white risers with natural or light-stained hardwood treads, iron balusters, and clean simple nosing profiles. A high-contrast, contemporary look that reads well in both traditional and modern homes.
White risers, stained treads.
The highest-contrast stair aesthetic currently. Painted white risers paired with natural or medium-stained hardwood treads create a clean, design-forward look that photographs well and holds up under daily use.
White oak treads.
White oak is the most-requested stair species in the Triangle. Its tight, consistent grain and slightly cool undertone pair exceptionally well with both natural finishes and medium brown stains. It reads contemporary without being trendy.
Iron and metal balusters.
Metal balusters, whether square, round, or twisted, pair cleanly with hardwood treads and give the staircase a more contemporary profile than traditional wood spindles.
Wood and iron combinations.
A hardwood handrail combined with metal balusters and a clean newel post profile is the most requested railing configuration we install. Warm and structural at the same time.
Open stair aesthetics.
Open-riser staircase designs, where the riser is removed or left open, create a lighter, more architectural look. We assess structural feasibility during the in-home visit.
Integrated whole-home design.
The strongest staircase remodels are designed as part of the full flooring project: tread species, stain color, and finish system matched exactly to the main floor throughout the home.
Real Results
Staircase Projects in the Triangle
Three recent staircase remodels. Each was assessed in person, quoted in writing, and completed with a site-finished hardwood tread system.
Before
After
Raleigh, NC
Carpet to Hardwood Stair Remodel
Full carpet removal from a 16-step staircase. Substructure corrected, white oak treads installed with painted white risers, iron balusters, and Bona Traffic HD finish matched to adjacent hardwood floors.
Before
After
Cary, NC
White Oak Staircase Remodel
White oak tread replacement integrated with a whole-home hardwood installation project. Treads site-finished to match the main level white oak floors with a natural stain. Iron baluster upgrade included.
Before
After
Clayton, NC
Stair Refinishing Project
Existing red oak treads refinished to a darker stain color to match newly refinished main-level floors. Bona Traffic HD applied for high-traffic durability. Completed as part of the same project.
The Detail Work
What the Transformation Actually Involves
The nosing, the front edge of each tread that extends over the riser below, has to be cut and fitted to a tight, consistent profile. Too shallow and the tread looks cheap. Too deep and it catches a foot. We work to a consistent overhang across every tread on the run so the staircase reads as a single designed element, not a series of individual pieces.
The top-of-run landing condition is where most staircase renovation projects either succeed or fail visually. Where the last tread meets the landing floor, the transition has to be tight, flat, and matched in stain and species. We assess this during the free in-home visit and plan the approach before any carpet comes off.
Treads are stained and finished after installation, not pre-finished. This allows us to match color exactly to the adjoining hardwood floors and apply multiple finish coats with sanding between each for a surface built for the highest-traffic use in the home.
Demo and substrate assessment.
Carpet, pad, and tack strips are removed. The stair substrate is assessed for flatness, structural integrity, and fastener condition. We shim, fill, and correct before any tread goes down.
Nosing profile and overhang.
Tread nosing is cut to a consistent profile across the entire run. The standard overhang is 3/4 to 1 inch. We work to a consistent dimension throughout so every tread reads the same from the landing.
Riser integration.
Risers are fitted and fastened before treads are set on top. On closed designs, painted risers contrast with stained treads for a clean, high-contrast look. We discuss and agree on the approach before any work begins.
Landing transition.
The point where the top tread meets the landing floor is the most scrutinized detail in any staircase remodel. We plan the transition during the assessment and execute it so the seam is tight and the heights match exactly.
Site-finished stair system.
Treads are stained and finished in-place, not pre-finished. This is the only way to achieve an exact match to adjacent hardwood floors, and it produces a more durable finished surface than factory-applied coatings.
Free Consultation
Planning a Staircase Remodel?
Visit our Clayton showroom or schedule an in-home consultation to discuss stair tread options, stain colors, railing updates, and flooring integration for your home. We bring samples to you when you cannot come to us.
How We Work
Our Staircase Remodeling Process
Free In-Home Assessment
We evaluate the stair structure, identify any subframe issues, discuss your style and species preferences, and review options for treads, risers, and railing. You receive a written estimate before any work begins.
Demo and Prep
Existing carpet, pad, and tack strips are removed. The stair substrate is inspected and any structural repairs or shim work needed to achieve flat, level tread surfaces is completed.
Tread and Riser Installation
Treads are cut to precise fit, then glued, nailed, and blind screwed where the structure allows. Risers are installed and finished to coordinate with the treads. Each tread is checked for level and solid seating before moving on.
Stain and Finish Application
We apply stain matched to your existing floors and finish with Bona Traffic HD, the most durable water-based finish available. Multiple coats are applied with light sanding between each for a surface built for high daily traffic.
Railing Work
Handrail and newel post upgrades are installed where included in the scope. All railing connections use Zipbolt mechanical fastening and are checked for structural integrity.
Final Inspection and Walkthrough
We inspect every tread for squeak, movement, and finish quality. We walk you through the completed staircase and do not leave until you are satisfied.
Our Standard
Zipbolt Fastening for Handrails and Newel Posts
Handrails and newel posts are the parts of a staircase that take the most lateral stress. A wobbly newel post or a railing that shifts underhand is both a safety concern and a sign of poor installation. Most contractors rely on adhesive and a single fastener. We use the Zipbolt mechanical fastening system on every handrail and newel post connection.
Zipbolt creates a hidden, rigid mechanical joint that holds under lateral load without exposed hardware. The connection stays tight as the wood moves seasonally, which adhesive alone cannot guarantee over time.
Rigid under lateral load.
Handrails and newel posts take sideways pressure every time someone grabs them. Zipbolt holds that joint tight where adhesive alone would eventually give.
No exposed hardware.
The mechanical connection is hidden inside the joint. Nothing visible on the finished surface.
Stable through seasonal movement.
Wood moves with humidity year-round. Zipbolt maintains the connection as the wood expands and contracts in ways adhesive cannot.
Treads secured with glue, nail, and blind screw.
Treads and risers are installed using construction adhesive, nailing, and blind screwing where the stair structure allows. That combination prevents the movement that causes squeaks.
Our Work
Serving the Triangle
Staircase Remodeling in Raleigh and the Triangle
Based in Clayton, 12th And Oak Floor Co. provides staircase remodeling and hardwood stair services for homeowners throughout Raleigh, Clayton, Cary, Apex, Garner, Wake Forest, and across the Triangle. We help homeowners update outdated staircases with custom hardwood treads, site-finished stair systems, modern railing upgrades, and detail-focused craftsmanship.
Staircase remodeling projects are most often integrated with a whole-home hardwood installation or refinishing project. Coordinating the stair treads and main floor in a single project produces the most consistent color and finish result.
Visit our Clayton showroom to review stain samples and tread species options in person before committing to a project.
Reputation
What Our Customers Say
“The team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. They seamlessly matched the new stairs to my existing hardwood floors. You cannot tell where one ends and the other begins.”
Tiffany Arthur
“Izral and his crew did an amazing job with the floors in our new to us house! We had our entire downstairs redone -- existing hardwood refinished, new hardwood put down, and everything stained to match. Izral was incredibly knowledgeable and easy to work with throughout the whole process.”
Olivia Vandeveer
“12th And Oak Floor Co did the most amazing job on both installation of new hardwood floors and refinishing existing hardwood floors. Izral provided us with a detailed estimate and a thorough explanation of exactly how the job would be done.”
Rick Chapman
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Staircase remodeling pricing in Raleigh and the Triangle varies by tread species, number of stairs, riser scope, railing work, and whether the project includes stain and finish application. We provide written estimates after a free in-home assessment with no surprises.
Yes. When the tread structure is sound but the finish is worn, scratched, or discolored, refinishing is a strong option. We sand the existing tread surface, apply stain if needed, and finish with multiple coats of Bona Traffic HD, the most durable water-based finish on the market. Refinishing is faster and less expensive than tread replacement when the wood itself is in good condition.
White oak is our most requested stair species right now. It has a tight grain, excellent hardness, and takes both light and dark stains beautifully. Red oak is a classic choice with slightly more pronounced grain. For painted risers, poplar is a cost-effective option. For maximum durability under heavy foot traffic, species with a Janka rating above 1200 are preferable. We walk you through the options during the free in-home visit.
Most stair refinishing projects are completed in one to two days. Light foot traffic is possible within 24 hours. Full cure with Bona Traffic HD takes three days. We schedule refinishing work to minimize disruption to the main staircase.
Yes. A hardwood staircase is one of the most visually impactful elements of a home's main living area, and buyers notice it immediately. In the Triangle market, carpet-to-hardwood conversions consistently improve resale appeal, particularly when the staircase is visible from the entryway. Matching the stair treads to the main floor hardwood produces the strongest overall impression.
Yes. Carpet-to-hardwood staircase conversions are one of our most requested services. We remove the existing carpet and pad, prepare the substructure, and install hardwood treads and risers that match or complement your existing floors.
Zipbolt is a mechanical fastening system we use for handrail and newel post connections. It creates a rigid, hidden mechanical joint that keeps railings and posts tight over time without relying on adhesive or exposed hardware. For treads and risers, we use a combination of construction adhesive, nailing, and blind screwing where the stair structure allows.
Yes. We can match species, stain color, and finish to your existing floors so the staircase reads as a continuous, integrated part of the home rather than a separate afterthought.
We can do both. Some projects call for tread replacement only with painted risers. Others require full tread and riser replacement. We assess the existing structure and discuss options with you during the free in-home assessment.
Squeaky stairs are almost always caused by movement between the tread and the riser or stringer. We install treads using construction adhesive, nailing, and blind screwing where the structure allows. That combination eliminates the movement that causes squeaks. We also assess and correct any existing structural issues in the stair subframe before installing new treads.
12th And Oak Floor Co. handles carpet-to-hardwood staircase conversions, custom tread and riser installation, stair refinishing, and handrail and newel post upgrades throughout Clayton, Raleigh, and the Triangle. Zipbolt fastening on all handrail connections. 5.0 Google rating, 49 verified reviews. Call 984-400-4OAK or schedule a free in-home assessment online.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a FreeIn-Home Assessment
Serving Clayton, Garner, Raleigh, Cary, and communities throughout Johnston, Wake, and Durham Counties. We respond within one business day.
After you request an assessment, we review your project details, confirm your location, and schedule an in-home visit. You will receive a written proposal with the scope, products, timeline, and warranty clearly explained.
Want to see our work first? Browse the portfolio →
Continue Exploring
Related Services
Hardwood Floor Installation→
Match your new staircase treads to freshly installed hardwood floors throughout the home. Site-finished for a seamless result.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing→
Refinish worn stair treads and adjacent floors together for a consistent color and finish throughout the home.
Custom Floor Vents→
CNC flush-mount floor vents manufactured in Clayton, NC to match your hardwood or LVP floors exactly.
Where We Work
Serving the Triangle Since 2002
Based in Clayton, NC. We travel throughout Johnston, Wake, and Durham Counties. Call to confirm your specific location.
Johnston County
Home Base- Clayton
- Garner
- Smithfield
- Selma
- Four Oaks
- Benson
- Kenly
- Princeton
Wake County
- Raleigh
- Garner
- Cary
- Apex
- Fuquay-Varina
- Holly Springs
- Wake Forest
- Knightdale
- Wendell
- Zebulon
Durham County
- Durham
- Chapel Hill
- Hillsborough
Don't see your city? Call us. We consider jobs outside these areas on a case-by-case basis, particularly for larger projects.
984-400-4OAKWant to see stain colors, hardwood samples, and tread species options in person? Visit our Clayton showroom by appointment.
Call to Book →Get Started
Ready to Transform Your Staircase?
Schedule a free in-home assessment and we will evaluate your staircase, discuss tread options and railing styles, and provide a written estimate.
Staircase remodeling is priced by scope after the in-home assessment. Species, riser scope, railing work, and finish are all factored into the written estimate.
After you request an assessment, we review your project details, confirm your location, and schedule an in-home visit. You will receive a written proposal with the scope, products, timeline, and warranty clearly explained.
113 State Ave #103 · Clayton, NC 27520 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · By appointment only