Stair Recap

Why Recap?

In most renovation situations, replacing a staircase is simply not the most convenient or economical solution. Stair recapping has become the “go to” procedure for refreshing the look of your stairs because it does not disturb drywall, paint, or structure. Recapping usually ends up costing homeowners 15%-40% less than replacing a stair. On top of the cost savings, it is far more convenient, since at no point during the process are the stairs inaccessible. The process is not a simple, but with years of expertise behind us, we have it down to a science.

How Is It Done?

We start with removing the existing railing system, carpet, and any trim from the stair to be recapped. We then cut off all of the nosings (the part of the steps that overhangs) and install new 1/4″ plywood on the stringer (the side of the stair). The existing stringers can not be patched and painted. Any attempt to do so will result in patchwork showing through the paint down the road. We cover the stringers with new 1/4″ plywood. We can now start installing the new treads(the part you step on) and risers (the vertical board between treads). Once all of the treads and risers are installed, we install trim and veneer.

How Long Does It Take?

A standard stair recap takes 3-4 days and we go to great lengths to treat your home as if it were ours. Floors are covered, plastic sheets are put up around the work area to keep the home as clean as possible, and a thorough clean-up is done at the end of each work day. These steps are not taken by many companies, but we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to make our clients happy.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost for a recap is different for every stair and varies with the stair layout, material used, tread size, and even the finish to be applied. A good rule of thumb is to budget for $250-$350 per step. Most people also see this as a great opportunity to update the railing as well. If that is the case, you can count on adding $150-$250 per step depending on the styles chosen. With that being said, we have several ways of tailoring a job to fit any budget. We will be with you every step of the way to guide you through styles, costs, and design trends to ensure you end up with a finished product you will be happy with.