We are totally redoing stairs that are literally "crammed" into our entry hall (thank you "home designer") Replacing Golden Oak turned Newels with Box, White Balusters with simple ironwork, removing Tread Brackets & replacing with simple running board trim. In order to get a few more inches of space & be more in line with our taste, we are Eliminating Volute for a straight Starting Ease & reducing curve on first step. So my question, do I replace all of the steps and make them wood steps rather than the current carpeted steps. Oh, and the shiny white ceramic tile in pics is being replaced with a reclaimed brick and baseboards will be stained here...lots of changes. Anyone out there who currently has wood steps, your thoughts. Are they easy to live with? With kids? With elderly? Noisy? Slippery? Would you do it again or would you go with carpet down the center with wood trim on each side? Thanks for the help! These decisions are overwhelming!