Leaside Staircase Transformation: A Smarter Alternative to Full Replacement

A Leaside Renovation, Revisited

We first renovated this home on Sutherland Drive over 15 years ago. Recently, the homeowners asked us to return to refresh and update their space. Along with refinishing their kitchen cabinetry, adding a new backsplash and countertop, and installing wide engineered maple flooring throughout the home, the main focus of this project was redoing their staircase.

Although the staircase was the highlight of this project, the homeowners also asked us to revisit the kitchen we originally renovated years ago. To modernize it without a full remodel, we:

• Repainted the existing cabinetry.
• Installed a new backsplash.
• Added a fresh countertop.

These touches, combined with the new flooring and staircase, have given the home a complete refresh while respecting its original character.

Why This Leaside Staircase Deserved a New Look

The original staircase had served the family well, but the carpet was completely worn and no longer matched the improvements elsewhere in the home. Updating the staircase was the final touch to bring everything together.

Our Approach: Cap, Refinish, and Refresh

Rather than replacing the entire staircase—a process that often involves unnecessary cost and structural complications—we used an approach we recommend often:

• Treads: New maple treads were installed, carefully stained to match the new engineered flooring.
• Risers: Painted in crisp white for contrast and a clean, modern look.
• Railings & Pickets: Updated with natural maple rails and wrought iron pickets with minimal detailing, giving a timeless, transitional style.
• Runner: A durable wool carpet was selected. Similar to the one the family had previously enjoyed for many years, it adds warmth, safety, and long-lasting durability.

Throughout the home, we installed wide engineered maple flooring. By retaining the existing subfloor and carefully matching the staircase finish, the entire main floor now flows seamlessly from room to room.

Why Refacing a Staircase Is a Smart Choice

This project is a great example of how refacing a staircase—adding new treads, painting risers, updating railings, and installing a new runner—can make it look just as good as new without the structural challenges and costs of a full replacement.

At Ashton Renovations, we use this method often, saving clients both money and disruption while achieving stunning results.

The staircase now feels fresh, durable, and perfectly in line with the rest of the home’s updates. The homeowners were thrilled with how the project respected their original maple staircase while giving it a new life for the next 15 years.

Whether it’s part of a larger renovation or a standalone project, staircase refurbishing can dramatically change the look of your home. If you’d like to explore your options, contact us today to learn more.