Hardwood Stair Installation & Makeovers – Grades Hardwoods Serving North Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Apex
Your staircase is more than a way to get from one floor to another—it’s a design statement. At Grades Hardwoods, we install and transform hardwood stairs, treads, balusters, handrails, and newel posts for homeowners across the Greater Triangle area. Whether you’re replacing worn carpet, upgrading outdated railings, or installing a new staircase from scratch, we bring craftsmanship and attention to detail that elevates your home.
From Outdated Stairs to Hardwood Showpieces
in the Triangle
If your staircase feels dated, squeaky, or covered in carpet, Grades Hardwoods can give it new life. We specialize in removing old materials and installing premium hardwood treads, risers, and finishes that match or complement your flooring.
Using wood species like white oak, walnut, and hickory, we custom fit each tread for a seamless, high-quality look. In open floor plans, this makes your stairs feel like a natural extension of your home—perfect for homeowners in North Raleigh, Chapel Hill,
Carrboro, and Apex.
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Matching Hardwood Stair Treads & Risers to Your Floors
Grades Hardwoods is known for expertly matching stair treads to existing hardwood floors. Whether your floors are natural oil finished or coated with polyurethane, we get the color, grain, and finish just right.
Want a contrast instead? We can design white risers with stained treads for a timeless style, or pair light treads with dark floors for a modern edge. No matter your home’s style—from historic Carrboro charm to sleek North Raleigh contemporary—we’ll tailor your stairs to fit perfectly.

Balusters, Handrails & Newel Posts – Custom Staircase Details
Replacing your balusters, handrail, and newel posts can completely change the personality of your staircase. We install everything from classic turned wood spindles to modern square balusters, as well as sleek metal options for a contemporary look.
Key Staircase Features
- Treads: Our hardwood stair treads, available in oak, cherry, or walnut, are custom-cut for durability and comfort. Choose bullnose edges for elegance or textured finishes for safety.
- Risers: Closed or open risers add style and functionality. Opt for painted, tiled, or hardwood risers to complement your design, crafted to precise heights for ergonomic climbing.
- Handrails: Sleek, ergonomic handrails in wood or metal provide safety and sophistication. We offer wall-mounted or freestanding options, custom-shaped for straight, curved, or spiral stairs.
- Balusters: From classic wooden spindles to modern glass panels or iron scrolls, our balusters enhance safety and style. Custom spacing ensures code compliance and aesthetic appeal.
- Newel Posts: Anchor your staircase with sturdy, beautifully crafted newel posts, available in carved wood or minimalist metal designs.
- Materials & Finishes: We use only premium hardwoods and high-quality materials, finished with environmentally friendly natural oil finishes, stains, seals, or non-slip coatings to protect and beautify your staircase for years to come.
We craft and install sturdy, perfectly aligned handrails, and anchor newel posts that bring stability and style to your entryway. With Grades Hardwoods, every detail ties together beautifully.
Craftsmanship That Lasts for Decades
At Grades Hardwoods, stair installation is more than just a project—it’s a craft. We take precise measurements, hand-fit each piece, and choose finishes that enhance natural beauty while standing up to everyday use.
A Staircase for Every Style and Space
- Straight Staircases: Timeless and versatile, our straight staircases are perfect for any home. Customize with hardwood treads, decorative balusters, or modern handrails for a personalized touch.
- Spiral Staircases: Ideal for small spaces, our custom spiral staircases combine functionality with striking design. Choose from open or closed risers, with materials like hardwood or galvanized steel.
- Curved Staircases: Add elegance with a sweeping curved staircase, tailored to your home’s architecture. Perfect for grand foyers or luxurious interiors.
- Floating Staircases: Create a modern, airy look with floating stairs featuring cantilevered treads or cable supports. Glass or metal balusters enhance the minimalist aesthetic.
- L-Shaped & Winder Stairs: Maximize space with L-shaped or winder staircases, designed for smooth transitions and efficient layouts.
- Bifurcated Stairs: Make a grand statement with bifurcated staircases, featuring a wide base that splits into two elegant flights, ideal for large entryways.
Many of our customers in Chapel Hill and Apex choose natural oil finishes for their stairs because they’re eco-friendly, low-VOC, and bring out the richness of the wood grain.

Staircases Designed for Your Home’s Style
We design and install staircases that fit your home’s architecture. From classic Southern charm in Chapel Hill to rustic farmhouse warmth in Apex, our designs integrate seamlessly with your interior.
Custom Staircase Installation:
- Design and install the staircase of your dreams with our custom solutions. From sleek straight stairs to space-saving spiral staircases, we use premium hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut to create durable, stunning designs tailored to your home.
- Our expert installers craft staircases that meet your style and space requirements, including straight, L-shaped, curved, floating, and spiral designs. Every project adheres to local building codes for safety and longevity.
Staircase Refinishing & Restoration:
- Revive your existing staircase with our professional refinishing services. We sand, stain, and seal hardwood treads, risers, and handrails to restore their natural beauty or update their look to match your home’s aesthetic.
- Transform worn or outdated stairs into a focal point with custom stains, non-slip finishes, or modern touches like glass balusters.
Staircase Repair & Upgrades:
- From squeaky treads to wobbly handrails, our repair services ensure your staircase is safe and sturdy. We replace damaged treads, risers, or balusters and upgrade components for enhanced style and functionality.
- Add custom handrails, decorative balusters, or newel posts to refresh your staircase’s look without a full replacement.
Specialty Staircase Designs:
- Make a bold statement with unique staircase designs like floating stairs with hidden supports, elegant curved staircases, or compact spiral stairs for tight spaces. Our team brings your vision to life with precision and artistry.
- Explore custom options like open risers, cable balusters, or bifurcated stairs for grand entrances, all crafted with premium materials and expert installation.
We think about every connection—how treads meet the landing, how railings align with posts, and how the stairs flow into the floors above and below. The result is a staircase that feels like it has always belonged in your home.
A Clean, Respectful Installation Process
We treat every home like it’s our own. That means covering and protecting your floors, controlling dust with professional equipment, and cleaning up daily. We keep you informed at every stage, so you always know what’s happening next.
From first measurement to final polish, Grades Hardwoods ensures a smooth, stress-free experience for homeowners in the Greater Triangle.
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Ready to Transform Your Stairs? Contact Grades Hardwoods Today
If you’re ready to replace old carpet with hardwood treads, upgrade your railings, or completely redesign your staircase, we’re here to make it happen. Grades Hardwoods proudly serves North Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Apex, and surrounding Triangle communities.
We bring exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and local expertise to every project—so your staircase becomes one of your home’s most beautiful features.