Stairs are the most-used piece of carpentry in a two-storey home and often the first thing you see when you walk in. They are also a safety item: a loose handrail or a guard with wide gaps is a real hazard for kids and older family members. Cowgirl Construction updates and repairs stairs in Calgary homes, from a single wobbly newel post to a full carpet-to-hardwood conversion.
Railing and handrail replacement
Many Calgary homes from the 1990s and 2000s still have the original oak railing with turned spindles. Replacing the spindles with square or metal balusters, refinishing or replacing the rail and updating newel posts can modernize an entry dramatically. Whatever the style, the replacement has to meet the current building code for guard height and opening size. Our Alberta stair railing code guide summarizes the key numbers.
Carpet-to-hardwood stair conversions
Carpeted stairs wear out fast and clash with new hardwood or LVP floors. Converting them usually means removing the carpet and the rough tread, installing new hardwood treads and painted risers, adding or replacing skirt boards, and matching nosings to the floor. It pairs naturally with a flooring project.
Repairs: squeaks, loose treads and wobbly posts
Squeaks usually come from treads or risers rubbing against each other or the stringer. They can often be fixed from below in an open basement stair, or with concealed screws from above. Wobbly newel posts need proper blocking or a post-mounting kit; extra nails rarely hold for long.
Planning a stair project
- Decide on tread species and stain early so it matches nearby floors.
- Expect the stairs to be out of use for part of the job; we'll plan access with you.
- Older homes may have stairs with uneven riser heights. That can't always be corrected without rebuilding the stair, so we'll tell you what is realistic.
Frequently asked questions
How high does a stair railing need to be in Alberta?
Inside a house, the code sets handrail height between 865 mm and 1,070 mm, and guards at least 900 mm. Openings must be small enough that a 100 mm sphere cannot pass through. See our stair railing code guide for details and sources.
Can I keep my oak railing and just change the spindles?
Often, yes. If the rail and posts are solid, new balusters and a fresh finish can give a big change for less than full replacement.
Do stair renovations need a permit in Calgary?
Like-for-like replacement of finishes usually does not, but structural changes to a stair can. If your project changes the stair itself, check with the City of Calgary first and we will help you work out what applies.
