When we first bought our home in Mississauga, the flooring felt like an afterthought. Years of wear had left their mark, and the main staircase, clad in worn-out carpet, was more of a functional necessity than a design feature. Our vision was ambitious but clear: a complete floor renovation that would flow seamlessly throughout the house, anchored by a new staircase that would serve as the heart of our home, all unified in warm, nature oak wood colours. It was about creating a cohesive, elegant foundation for our family’s life.
This is the story of how we transformed our disjointed floors and dated stairs into a single, harmonious design statement.
Project Quick Facts
- Project: Grand Staircase & Full-Home Flooring Overhaul
- Location: Mississauga, Ontario
- Scope: Demolition of existing carpet and mixed flooring. Installation of new engineered hardwood on main and upper levels. Complete replacement of the central staircase with solid oak treads, risers, newel posts, and handrails. Installation of modern wrought iron pickets.
- Duration: 2-3 weeks
- Key Materials: Solid Red Oak, Engineered Hardwood in Natural Oak, Wrought Iron Spindles
The Design Vision: From Disconnected to Cohesive
Our home, a lovely two-storey in a quiet Mississauga neighbourhood, had great bones but lacked a consistent design language. The main floor was a patchwork of aging laminate and tile, while the upstairs was covered in beige carpet that had seen better days. The staircase connecting them was the biggest offender—creaky, narrow-feeling, and wrapped in the same tired carpet, with a wobbly, dated wooden banister. It felt dark and acted as a visual barrier between the entryway and the rest of the home.
Our goal was to create a sense of unity and warmth. We wanted a design that felt both modern and timeless, something that would grow with our family. The vision was centered on the concept of “flow.” We imagined a continuous river of beautiful oak running from the front door, up the stairs, and throughout the second-floor hallway and bedrooms.
The staircase, in our vision, would be transformed from a simple utility into a stunning architectural feature. We wanted to open it up, bringing in more light and creating a grander sense of arrival. This meant replacing the bulky wooden balusters with something sleeker and swapping the carpeted treads for the solid, enduring beauty of real wood. The “nature oak wood colour” palette was chosen for its versatility and warmth; it feels clean and contemporary but also has a classic, organic appeal that brings a touch of the outdoors inside.
Safety was also a major driver. With young children, the old, wobbly railing was a constant source of worry. A new, professionally installed staircase, built to exceed the Ontario Building Code, would give us invaluable peace of mind.
Materials & Specifications: The Building Blocks of Beauty
Choosing the right materials was the most critical step in bringing our vision to life. We needed materials that not only looked beautiful together but could also withstand the rigours of family life in a four-season climate.
Staircase: Solid Red Oak
For the structural and visible components of the staircase—the treads, risers, newel posts, and handrail—we chose Solid Red Oak. There was no substitute for the real thing. Oak is renowned for its hardness and durability, making it the perfect choice for a high-traffic area like a staircase. Its prominent grain pattern is beautiful and accepts stain wonderfully, allowing us to achieve the exact warm, natural tone we wanted. We opted for a clean, square profile for the newel posts and handrail to maintain a modern aesthetic.
Main & Upper Level Flooring: Engineered Hardwood
To create that seamless flow, we needed flooring that would perfectly complement the solid oak stairs. We selected a high-quality engineered hardwood with a Red Oak top layer, finished in the same natural colour family. Using engineered hardwood throughout the house was a strategic choice for our Ontario home. Its layered construction provides superior dimensional stability, making it more resistant to the expansion and contraction caused by seasonal humidity shifts than solid hardwood. This ensures a tight, consistent fit from the main floor to the upper level.
Railing System: Wrought Iron Pickets
To achieve the open, airy feeling we craved, we moved away from traditional wood balusters. We chose simple, elegant wrought iron spindles in a matte black finish. This choice provides a stunning visual contrast against the warmth of the oak, adding a touch of modern industrial flair. The slim profile of the iron spindles immediately made the entire stairwell feel wider and brighter, allowing light to pass through freely. Most importantly, they are incredibly strong and were installed to meet strict Ontario Building Code requirements for spacing, ensuring no small children could slip through.
Finish: Commercial-Grade Polyurethane
The entire system—stairs and floors—was protected with a commercial-grade, low-sheen polyurethane finish. This durable topcoat is designed to resist scratches, scuffs, and spills while providing a subtle lustre that highlights the natural beauty of the wood without being overly glossy.
The Process & Timeline: A 3-Week Transformation
A project of this scale can feel daunting, but our renovation team laid out a clear, phased approach that made the 2-3 week timeline manageable.
Week 1: Demolition and Meticulous Prep
The first few days were the loudest and dustiest, but also the most satisfying. The crew systematically removed all the old carpet and flooring, exposing the subfloor beneath. This is a step that can’t be rushed. They carefully inspected every inch of the subfloor, screwing down any loose panels and levelling uneven spots to eliminate squeaks and ensure a perfect foundation for the new floors. The old staircase was carefully dismantled piece by piece, opening up the space and revealing the project’s true potential.
Week 1-2: The Staircase Takes Shape
With a clean slate, the master carpenters began their work. Building a staircase is a feat of precision engineering. They installed the new stringers, ensuring the rise and run of every single step was perfectly uniform and compliant with the Ontario Building Code for safety and comfort. Next came the solid oak treads and risers, each one custom-cut and fitted with painstaking care. Simultaneously, the engineered hardwood installation began on the second floor, allowing us to maintain access to different parts of the home.
Week 2-3: Finishing and Final Assembly
This phase was all about bringing the details to life. The newly built staircase was sanded to a flawless finish and the custom stain was applied, bringing out the rich, warm tones of the oak. While the stain and initial coats of finish cured, the team completed the flooring installation on the main level.
The final major step was the installation of the railing system. The sturdy oak newel posts were anchored securely, the handrail was mounted at the precise, code-mandated height, and each wrought iron spindle was meticulously fitted. Once everything was assembled, the final protective coats of polyurethane were applied. The team finished the job by installing new, modern baseboards throughout the house, caulking and filling every seam for a polished, professional look. A thorough cleaning left the space sparkling and ready for us to enjoy.
The Final Look: A Home Reimagined
Walking through our front door now is a completely different experience. The first thing you see is the magnificent oak staircase, which now stands as a proud centerpiece. The combination of the warm wood and the sleek black iron draws your eye upward, making the entryway feel taller and more grand. Light from the second-storey window now pours down into the foyer, illuminating the beautiful grain of the wood.
The sense of flow is incredible. The natural oak colour is consistent from the living room, through the dining area, up the stairs, and into the bedrooms. The house feels unified, larger, and infinitely more sophisticated. And the silence is golden—the once-persistent creaks and groans of the old stairs have been replaced by the solid, reassuring sound of footsteps on quality craftsmanship. Holding the smooth, sturdy oak handrail as you ascend or descend is a simple daily pleasure that reminds us of the quality of the work.
This renovation did more than just update our floors; it redefined the character of our entire home.
Design Takeaways for Your Renovation
- Prioritize Flow and Cohesion: Using a single type of flooring, or materials from the same colour family, across an entire level or home creates a powerful sense of unity and makes spaces feel larger.
- Invest in Your Staircase: Don’t treat your stairs as just a way to get from A to B. It’s one of the largest and most permanent fixtures in your home. Investing in quality materials like solid wood and a professional design can dramatically increase your home’s value and your daily enjoyment of it.
- Contrast Creates Interest: The classic pairing of warm wood with cool, dark metal is a timeless design choice. It adds visual depth and a modern edge that prevents a full-wood design from looking dated.
- Function First: A beautiful staircase is nothing if it isn’t safe. Always work with professionals who understand and build to the latest Ontario Building Code, ensuring proper handrail height, baluster spacing, and tread dimensions.
Maintenance Tips for Your New Hardwood
Keeping our new floors and stairs looking pristine is a priority. Here’s the simple routine we follow:
- Regular Dusting: We use a microfiber mop or a vacuum with a soft brush head a few times a week to pick up dust and grit that can scratch the finish.
- Strategic Mats: High-quality mats at all entry doors are non-negotiable. They trap the vast majority of dirt, water, and salt before it ever reaches the wood.
- Wipe Spills Immediately: Water is wood’s enemy. We clean up any spills right away with a soft, dry cloth to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
- Use Furniture Pads: Every piece of furniture, from the sofa to the side tables, has felt pads on its feet to prevent scratches when things get moved.
- Gentle Cleaning: For a deeper clean, we use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors, applied with a lightly dampened mop. Never use a steam mop or a soaking wet mop on hardwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a complete staircase and flooring renovation cost in the Mississauga area?
The cost can vary significantly based on the total square footage, the complexity of the staircase, and the specific materials you choose. Solid oak and high-quality engineered hardwood are premium materials. A project of this scope is a significant investment, but one that adds substantial value to your home. The best course of action is to schedule a consultation for a detailed, itemized quote based on your specific home and design goals.
Are there specific Ontario Building Code requirements I need to know for a stair renovation?
Absolutely, and they are critical for safety. The Ontario Building Code dictates specifics like the minimum depth of treads and maximum height of risers for comfortable use. It also mandates handrail height (typically between 900mm and 1070mm) and the spacing between balusters, which must be less than 100mm (4 inches) to prevent a child’s head from passing through. A reputable contractor will be an expert in these codes and ensure your project is fully compliant.
Can I live in my house during a complete floor and stair renovation?
While it is technically possible, it presents significant challenges. The demolition phase is very dusty, and there will be constant noise. The most difficult part is when the staircase itself is being removed and rebuilt, as this will cut off access to the upper floor for a few days. We chose to stay with family nearby for the most disruptive parts of the project, which we highly recommend if it’s an option.
What’s the benefit of using solid wood for the stairs but engineered hardwood for the floors?
This is a “best of both worlds” approach. Stairs endure incredibly concentrated and heavy foot traffic, and solid wood’s thickness and durability make it the ultimate choice for longevity—it can be sanded and refinished many times over the decades. Engineered hardwood offers superior stability against humidity changes across the wide, open spans of a room, which is ideal for the Greater Toronto Area’s climate. Using an engineered product with a matching real wood veneer on top provides a perfect visual match with added stability.
This renovation was a transformative experience. It was an investment in our home’s beauty, function, and safety that has paid dividends every single day since. If you’re standing on worn-out floors and dreaming of a more cohesive and elegant space, we can’t recommend the journey enough.
Ready to start your own transformation? Let’s talk about how we can bring a new level of warmth and style to your home. Request your free, no-obligation quote today.