When my partner and I bought our semi-detached home in Toronto, we fell in love with its character and location. What we didn’t love was the main staircase. It was a relic from another era—fully carpeted, with a heavy, dark wood railing that seemed to absorb all the natural light in our entryway. We knew a renovation was in our future, and our vision was clear: a modern set of stairs featuring medium-tone wood coloured hardwood flooring with glass partitions to completely transform the heart of our Toronto home.
Project Quick Facts
- Location: Toronto, ON
- Category: Staircase Renovation & Railing Replacement
- Key Features: White Oak treads and risers, custom stain-match, 12mm tempered glass guardrails, minimalist base shoe channel system, slim-profile wood handrail.
- Project Date: December 2023
- Duration: 2-3 weeks
Our Design Vision: Light, Air, and Flow
Living in a classic Toronto semi means that every square foot and every ray of sunshine counts. The original staircase was the biggest offender in making our main floor feel disconnected and dim. It created a solid visual barrier between the front door and the living space, and the upstairs hallway was perpetually dark.
Our primary goal was to reclaim that lost light. We wanted to create a feature that was not only functional but also an architectural statement—something that felt both modern and warm. The concept of glass railings was immediately appealing. It would allow light from the second-floor windows to pour down into the entryway and vice-versa, creating an incredible sense of openness and vertical space.
We didn’t want the design to feel cold or sterile, which can sometimes be a risk with glass. To balance the sleekness of the glass, we chose a medium-tone hardwood for the treads. This would provide warmth, texture, and a crucial link to the existing hardwood flooring throughout our home. The vision was a “floating” look, where the warm wood steps would be beautifully framed by crystal-clear glass, seamlessly connecting the two levels of our house.
Materials and Specifications: The Building Blocks of Beauty
Choosing the right materials was about finding the perfect blend of aesthetics, durability, and safety. We worked closely with our renovation team to select components that would not only look stunning but also stand up to the daily traffic of a busy home.
Treads and Handrail: The Warmth of White Oak
We opted for solid White Oak for the new stair treads, landings, and the slim handrail. White Oak is exceptionally durable and known for its beautiful, consistent grain, making it a perfect choice for high-traffic stairs. Instead of a standard pre-finished colour, we chose to have the wood custom-stained on-site. This allowed the team to create a perfect match to our existing main floor hardwood, ensuring a seamless and high-end finish that made the new staircase feel like it had always been part of the home.
Glass Panels: Clarity and Strength
Safety was our top priority, especially with the idea of large glass panels. The team specified 12mm tempered safety glass, which is incredibly strong and designed to withstand significant impact. To achieve the minimalist look we wanted, the glass panels were set into a low-profile aluminum base shoe that was concealed by wood trim. This method provides robust support without the need for bulky clips or posts, allowing for an unobstructed view and incredibly clean lines.
Code and Compliance
Our contractor was meticulous about adhering to the Ontario Building Code (OBC). Every detail, from the uniform height of the risers to the depth of the treads, was calculated for safety and comfort. The handrail was installed at the precise height required by the OBC, and its profile was chosen to be easily graspable. The glass guard itself met all height and load requirements, ensuring our beautiful new staircase was also completely safe and up to code for our Toronto home.
The Process and Timeline: A Three-Week Transformation
Seeing your main staircase disappear can be daunting, but our team laid out a clear plan that made the process feel manageable. The entire project was completed within the projected 2-3 weeks.
Week 1: Demolition, Prep, and Precision Measurement
The first few days were the loudest and dustiest. The crew carefully sealed off the work area with plastic sheeting to contain the dust. They systematically dismantled the old staircase, removing the worn carpet, the bulky balusters, and the old treads. Once the structure was exposed, they inspected the stair stringers (the diagonal supports) to ensure they were structurally sound.
With a clean slate, they took precise, laser-guided measurements for every single component. This was the most critical step, as the White Oak treads and, especially, the tempered glass panels would be custom-fabricated off-site. The order for the glass was placed immediately, as it has the longest lead time.
Week 2: The Wood Takes Shape
This week was all about craftsmanship. The new White Oak treads and risers were delivered and the installation began. Each piece was cut and fitted with incredible precision. The team also clad the original stringers with a matching White Oak veneer, giving the entire structure a solid, uniform look. Once all the wood was in place, the sanding and custom staining process began. This took a couple of days to allow for application and proper curing, but the result was a flawless match to our floors. The base shoe for the glass was also installed at this stage, ready for the final component.
Week 3: Glass Installation and Final Touches
The arrival of the custom-cut glass panels was the most exciting day. A specialized team came in to handle the installation. Watching them carefully lift and set each heavy panel into the base shoe was incredible. They were secured, and the slim White Oak handrail was mounted directly onto the glass. The final 48 hours were dedicated to finishing touches: painting the surrounding walls, final caulking and trim work, and a deep clean of the entire area.
The Final Look: A Breathtaking Difference
To say the change is dramatic is an understatement. Walking through our front door is now a completely different experience. The entryway, once dark and cramped, is now flooded with natural light. The staircase is no longer a bulky object to be navigated around; it’s a stunning, sculptural feature that draws the eye upward.
The combination of the warm, medium-tone wood and the clear glass is perfect. The wood provides a tactile, natural element that feels solid underfoot, while the glass provides an ethereal quality, making the whole structure feel lighter and more spacious. The flow between our home’s two levels is now visual as well as physical. We can be in the living room and see up to the second-floor hallway, making the entire home feel more connected and open. It has truly elevated the design of our entire main floor.
Design Takeaways for Your Own Renovation
Embarking on this project taught us a few valuable lessons that might help you if you’re considering a similar upgrade.
- Balance is Everything: Don’t be afraid of using modern materials like glass, even in a more traditional home. The key is balance. Pairing the sleekness of glass with the organic warmth of natural wood creates a timeless look that bridges contemporary and classic styles.
- Invest in a Cohesive Finish: The decision to custom-stain the stairs to match our existing floors was one of the best we made. It cost a bit more than using a standard pre-finished product, but it created a seamless, professionally designed look that significantly elevates the final result.
- Trust the Professionals with Code: Staircase safety is governed by strict building codes in Ontario. The regulations around riser height, tread depth, and guardrail construction are complex and non-negotiable. Working with an experienced, reputable contractor who understands Toronto’s specific requirements is essential for a safe, compliant, and beautiful outcome. If you’re unsure where to start, getting a professional assessment is a great first step. You can always request a free quote to understand the scope and possibilities for your space.
Simple Maintenance for Lasting Beauty
Keeping our new staircase looking its best is surprisingly simple.
- For the Wood: We use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a dry microfiber dust mop for regular cleaning. For deeper cleans, a pH-neutral cleaner designed for hardwood floors and a lightly dampened cloth is all that’s needed. We’ve been careful to avoid any harsh, oil-based soaps or abrasive cleaners.
- For the Glass: A simple solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle works wonders. We spray it on and wipe it clean with a squeegee or a lint-free microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. It’s much easier to keep clean than we ever imagined.
Frequently Asked Questions
How disruptive is a stair renovation in a busy Toronto home?
It’s definitely a significant project, and you should plan for a period of noise and dust. However, a professional team will take extensive measures to contain the mess to the immediate work area using plastic barriers and dust extractors. They should also clean up the site at the end of each day. While it’s an active construction zone for about three weeks, the process is well-managed and the stunning result is more than worth the temporary inconvenience.
Are glass railings a safe choice for a home with children?
This is a very common and important question. The answer is a resounding yes. The glass used for railings is tempered safety glass, which is four to five times stronger than regular glass. It’s the same type of glass used in car windows. Furthermore, the solid panels eliminate the gaps found between traditional spindles, which can actually be a climbing hazard or a risk for small children and pets.
Do I need a building permit to replace my staircase in Toronto?
It depends on the scope of your project. If you are simply replacing the treads, railings, and finishes without altering the staircase’s location or structural supports (the stringers), you often do not need a permit. However, if you are changing the location, shape, or structure of the stairs, a permit from the City of Toronto is absolutely required. Your contractor should be able to provide definitive guidance based on your specific plans.
Our staircase renovation has done more than just improve the look of our home; it has fundamentally changed how it feels. It’s brighter, more open, and more connected. If you’re living with a staircase that isn’t living up to its potential, we can’t recommend a transformation like this enough.
Ready to transform your own space? Contact us for a free quote and let’s discuss how we can bring more light and style into your home.