Hardwood Stairs: What a Flooring Quote Should Include

Stairs are priced differently from flat floors. Many homes around Franklin, Cool Springs, and Brentwood have carpeted stairs over builder-grade treads, and converting them to hardwood is a popular upgrade.

Line items to expect

• Treads: new solid treads or retrofit treads over the existing ones, priced per step.
• Risers: painted or stained, wood or MDF.
• Nosing: matching stair nose at the top landing and any open edges.
• Open sides: return ends on stairs with an open side cost more.
• Landings: priced as floor area plus edges.
• Stain and finish to match the main floor.

Questions to ask

• Will the railing, balusters, or newel posts need to come off?
• Are carpet, tack strips, and staples removed and hauled away?
• How will the stain be matched to existing floors?
• How long before the stairs can be walked on?

Safety

Rise and run should stay consistent from step to step, and a slip-resistant finish or runner is worth considering for homes with kids, pets, or older adults.