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sarah_cameron52

Staircase update help!

last year
last modified: last year

Hello, we had a flood and our main floor hardwood character maple floors, including the stair treads and landing are being replaced. We have decided on Mirage oak classic hardwood flooring in color ”Galena” (see picture of sample on the stair next to the maple cap) which is a warm/neutral red oak. We do not have budget from the insurer to replace the metal spindles, or maple railings and stair caps. These railings are also on either side of our upper floor landing so there is a lot of them! Stair treads will be replaced with new Mirage Galena. Thinking to replace the existing black granite risers with painted white risers and to have the maple stair caps painted white so that the new wood is not directly beside the old color. Am I on the right track? Any other ideas to make the best of blending new with old?

To add some additional context:

I am very hesitant to put maple back in, we are southern exposure with giant windows through the main floor. The existing maple is original and has oxidized to be VERY yellowed/almost orange in places. I’ve added a picture of the original maple, on top of the laid maple near the windows to show the color change, which we want to avoid. We see this as an opportunity to put in something more neutral while still being classic. As one commenter pointed out, the house is busy with architectural elements (all inherited when we bought it!) so each time we can afford to make an update, part of my goal is to tone it down. The granite medallion that is visible in some photos by the front door will be removed and plan is for wood up to the door.


I’ve added a picture of our kitchen, which has a red oak island and our stone fireplace that has some sort of live edge wood mantle, that is quite warm. As the house is very open, I’ve also considered these elements in the decision to switch to Oak.


Thanks in advance for all comments!













Comments (5)

  • PRO
    last year

    Well my first question is- why aren’t you just putting in maple on the first floor and leave the steps alone? It’s hard to tell in pictures how different the handrail will be than the new steps, have you put the samples next to the existing stair?

    Sarah Cameron thanked HALLETT & Co.
  • PRO
    last year
    last modified: last year

    IMO the insurer will do what was there before why are you changing what is IMO a much nicer wood for oak and for sure red oak which opens many cans of worms for matching maple . It seems to be the simple way to go then it all works as it was . Sometimes you need to fight a bit with insurance companies to get what should be done .

    Sarah Cameron thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • last year

    I agree. I would put in flooring to match your stairway, which I do like with the black risers. I dont see white looking good on there. I would prefer to see the flooring match what you already have.

    Sarah Cameron thanked cat_ky
  • last year

    I am not commenting on your choice to replace maple with red oak. Simply on the question you asked. I think you are in the right track and your proposed white paint is a better color scheme than what you currently have.


    Your home has a lot of busy architectural elements. White paint on the railings, posts, and risers will blend the staircase in to the rest of your open first floor. The current wood rails and black treads are just one more feature in a sea of way too many features. The white paint will be a definite win for your space. I'd do it even it you end up using maple treads.

    Sarah Cameron thanked Kendrah
  • PRO
    last year

    Well I certainly support removing the granite in the front hall!!! I only want to point out that all wood is affected by light- my oak floors (similar to your sample) are darker under my rugs than where they get sun. And yes maple does get very amber with time. As you’ve realized it’s tricky to mix newer cooler toned oak with older very amber maple. But that said if you refinished your maple it would match exactly either!

    Sarah Cameron thanked HALLETT & Co.