Stairs
There are several options to consider when selecting stairs and balusters. Among the style types are Colonial, which is one of the most common styles as it offers versatility with most decorating styles. Victorian balusters and the Victorian railing system, also known as over-the-post railing, are typically more expensive due to the extra carved fitting parts and additional assembling labor. The Craftsman style banister is typically a paint-grade system with oak hand railing. Finally, one of the most popular as of late are the Wood and Iron stairs. Most commonly used now and more expensive is the decorative iron which is of much higher quality than the utility grade typically used in homes from the 1960’s through the 1980’s.
Along with Stair Styles, there are also Stair system types to consider. “In the Rough” is one of the most simple and economical systems of installation. Typically the stair balusters and newel posts are mounted underneath the carpet. This is lower in cost because it usually eliminates the need for any additional tread work.
Another option is “Stairs on a Shoe Rail”, which is similar to “In the Rough” in that the posts are mounted directly into the rough tread/flooring, but the balusters are mounted on a suspended “shoe rail” rather than directly into the floor. Another system is “Stairs on Wall” in which the stairs are mounted on a knee wall. Finally, the “Tread Ends” system is when the rough treads are covered with carpet and give the appearance of full solid treads, but are less expensive than solid wood, full treads.
