Choosing a staircase style: oak, glass, or a restyle?

A staircase sits in the middle of the house and gets seen more than almost anything else you'll spend money on — so it's worth getting right.

Full replacement vs. restyle

If the existing staircase structure is sound, a restyle — over-boxing the treads and risers in solid oak and replacing the spindles and handrail — gives a completely new look in a matter of days, with far less disruption and cost than ripping the whole staircase out and starting again. A full replacement is usually only needed if you're changing the layout, or the existing structure has genuine structural issues.

Spindles or glass?

Traditional turned spindles suit period and traditional-style homes. Glass balustrade panels open the stairwell up and let more light through, which tends to suit more contemporary, open-plan houses — but they cost more and need to be measured and ordered precisely, which adds a little to the timescale.

Oak finish matters more than people expect

Solid oak varies a lot in colour and grain even within the same tree, so we always recommend seeing a sample of the actual timber (not just a photo) before committing, particularly if you're matching to existing oak flooring or doors elsewhere in the house.

Fancy a straight answer on what your staircase would cost to restyle? Give us a ring and we'll come and have a look.