Carpet to Hardwood Stair Conversion in Toronto & the GTA

Remove outdated carpet from your stairs and install premium hardwood treads. The most popular stair upgrade in Ontario.

About This Service

Removing carpet from stairs and replacing it with hardwood is one of the most popular home improvements in Ontario. Carpet on stairs collects dust, allergens, and pet dander, shows wear patterns quickly, and dates the appearance of your home. Converting to hardwood treads and risers delivers a cleaner, more durable, and dramatically more attractive result that adds measurable value to your property.

The conversion process begins with careful removal of existing carpet, underpad, and carpet tack strips. We inspect the underlying structure for any damage, moisture issues, or structural concerns. In most homes, the substructure beneath the carpet is plywood or particleboard with rough dimensional lumber stringers, all of which provide a solid foundation for hardwood installation.

We offer two primary approaches for carpet-to-hardwood conversion. The first is a full tread and riser replacement, where we remove the existing plywood treads and install new solid hardwood treads and risers. The second is the refacing or capping method, where new hardwood caps are installed over the existing treads. Both methods deliver an excellent result, and we recommend the best approach based on your staircase's condition and construction.

Wood species selection is an important decision. Red oak is the most popular choice for its durability, attractive grain pattern, and excellent stain absorption. White oak has become increasingly popular for its compatibility with modern grey and natural-toned stains. Maple offers a clean, contemporary look with its fine, consistent grain. Walnut provides a rich, dark appearance without requiring dark stain. We bring samples to your home so you can compare options against your existing decor.

Every carpet-to-hardwood conversion includes proper finishing. Treads can be stained to match your existing hardwood floors or finished in a contrasting colour for a design statement. Risers are typically painted white for a classic look, though stained risers are available for homeowners who prefer a uniform wood appearance. We apply professional-grade topcoats that protect the wood from daily traffic.

Key Benefits

Eliminates carpet allergens, dust, and pet hair from your staircase
Dramatically modernizes the appearance of your home
Easier to clean and maintain than carpet
Lasts decades compared to 5 to 10 years for carpet
Increases your home's resale value
Wide selection of wood species and stain colours

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Carpet to Hardwood Stairs Cost in Ontario

The cost of converting carpet stairs to hardwood depends on whether we use the refacing (capping) method or full tread replacement, plus your choice of wood species. Here are typical price ranges for a standard 13-step staircase in Ontario.

Refacing method (hardwood caps over existing treads)$1,800 – $3,500

Full replacement (new solid hardwood treads and risers)$3,000 – $5,500

Premium species (walnut, white oak) with staining$4,500 – $7,000

Add railing upgrade during conversion$1,200 – $3,500

Prices are approximate ranges for a standard 13-step staircase in Ontario (2026). Your actual quote may vary based on staircase configuration, materials selected, and project complexity. We provide free detailed quotes with no hidden fees.

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Our Hardwood Stairs Process

Consultation

We assess your carpeted staircase, discuss the best conversion method, and help you select wood species and finish colours.

Carpet Removal

Old carpet, underpad, and tack strips are removed. The substructure is cleaned and inspected.

Surface Prep

Subfloor is repaired if needed, squeaks are addressed, and surfaces are prepared for hardwood installation.

Hardwood Installation

New treads and risers are precision-fitted and installed with adhesive and mechanical fasteners.

Finishing

Staining and protective coating are applied, transitions are completed, and a final walkthrough is conducted.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes. We carry a comprehensive range of wood species and stain colours. We bring samples to your home and can custom-mix stains to achieve a close match. Due to natural wood variation and aging of existing floors, a perfect match is not always possible, but we achieve excellent results.

For a standard 13-step staircase in Ontario: the refacing (capping) method typically costs $1,800 to $3,500, while full tread replacement costs $3,000 to $5,500. Premium wood species like walnut or white oak with custom staining range from $4,500 to $7,000. Adding a railing upgrade during the conversion is $1,200 to $3,500 additional. We provide free in-home estimates with detailed written quotes so you know the total cost before any work begins.

Properly finished hardwood stairs with a quality nosing profile provide good traction. We apply finishes with appropriate sheen levels and mill nosing profiles that provide a secure footing. For additional safety, we can install non-slip stair treads or runners that complement the hardwood.

We provide hardwood stairs services across Ontario, including Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Barrie, Newmarket, Oshawa, and Burlington. View all 20+ service areas.

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Get a free, no-obligation quote for your stair renovation project. Our team is ready to help you create the staircase of your dreams.

Get Your Free Quote (416) 908-4338