Combining Stairs & Hardwood Floors

1. , get samples of each to be sure that the stain and sheen matches.
2. What grade and color of wood are you planning to use for the hardwood floors and the stairway?
   • can vary greatly in color; how much color variation will you accept? Jatoba tends to be either a deep rich red or a light brown - knowing which one your supplier is providing you with is important.
   • is stunning for a floor, but quartersawing loses some of its effect when it is turned on a lathe to make stair parts.
3. and you want the stairs to match, look to a custom stair manufacturer who has the skills to do this.
4. Get the trades talking. If it you have separate people and companies installing your floors and your stairs, make sure they plan to work together. Otherwise, where the materials meet you may end up with filler and skinny strips of wood because the two trades are pointing fingers at who is responsible.

Common Design Trends: Combining Stairs & Hardwood Floors

1. Combining carpeted stairs with wood flooring. .
2. Matching wood stairs. to the second floor.
3. Dark wood stairs. stairs provide an inspiring design element as well.
4. Wood stairs with a carpet runner. in the stairs tie them nicely into the flooring design throughout the rest of the first floor.

How to Give Your Stairs Some Extra Personality

1. Put tile on the hardwood staircase to create a unique look – plus it can help prevent scuffmarks. Or, if you want to be even more creative, paint them! You can use a solid color to match or contrast your walls, or you can create a fun design like a faux carpet, numbers or nature.
2. Whether curvy and whimsical or straight with vertical and horizontal lines, an interesting banister can transform your wood staircase into a work of art. Although it’s generally best to pick a design that complements the staircase, some homeowners choose to be bold and contrast with their steps to create a stunning look. Don’t be afraid to add texture or incorporate different materials, too, such as glass, rope or steel.
3. hardwood staircases are up against a wall, there’s a lot of creativity you can let loose by putting your steps center stage. Consider different shapes like curved, spiral or switchback, and put them in the middle of the space to divide a large room while keeping an open feel.