I am thinking of having maple hardwood floors installed in my house. I am going to use 3 inches maple hardwood for the rooms. (the floor space is not big - it is an urban town house - 500 square feet/floor minus bathroom, kitchen, etc. - about 350 square feet per floor - 3 floors ) I am trying to decide whether to get the solid pieces for my staircase or to have it made of individual hardwood floor pieces (3 inches). What is the standard way? The company quoted a lot of money for solid pieces but I am wondering if without them the staircase will look cheap or ugly.

Thanks