--- title: "Designed Stairs — Staircases & Railings | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/designed-stairs-pfvwus-pf~93177789 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~93177789.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Designed Stairs" category: ["Staircases & Railings"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2493a81c031dc658_1761-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1480 E 6th Street, Sandwich, Illinois 60548, United States" latitude: 41.6353 longitude: -88.6393 phone: "(815) 786-7600" website: http://www.DesignedStairs.com rating: 5 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 47 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # Designed Stairs Original Houzz profile: [Designed Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/designed-stairs-pfvwus-pf~93177789) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Staircases & Railings - **Location:** Sandwich, IL - **Serves:** Naperville, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Oak Park, Wheaton, Elmhurst, Buffalo Grove, Bartlett, Park Ridge, Northbrook, Saint Charles, Highland Park, Morton Grove, Frankfort, Hinsdale, Prospect Heights, Winnetka, Barrington, Glencoe, Oak Brook, Northfield, Chicagoland, National - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Woman owned - 50+ years in business - Speaks English, Spanish Designed Stairs has successfully completed over 150,000 stair projects and provides custom stair products across the United States, and has exported to Japan, Europe and South America. Our designers, craftsmen and installation team have the technical expertise to create any staircase imaginable. ### Services Provided - Railing Installation - Stair Installation - Staircase Design - Baluster Installation - Railing Repair - Glass Railings - Stair Repair - Restoratoin ### Areas Served - Naperville - Arlington Heights - Des Plaines - Oak Park - Wheaton - Elmhurst - Buffalo Grove - Bartlett - Park Ridge - Northbrook - Saint Charles - Highland Park - Morton Grove - Frankfort - Hinsdale - Prospect Heights - Winnetka - Barrington - Glencoe - Oak Brook - Northfield - Chicagoland - National ### Typical Job Cost $3,000 - 150,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Designed Stairs | | Address | 1480 E 6th Street, Sandwich, Illinois 60548, United States | | Phone | (815) 786-7600 | | Website | http://www.DesignedStairs.com | | Followers on Houzz | 47 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/DesignedStairs/ - Blog — https://designedstairs.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Designed Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/designed-stairs-pfvwus-pf~93177789) - **Website:** http://www.DesignedStairs.com - **Phone:** (815) 786-7600 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Women's Business Enterprise - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2026), for Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Northern Illinois Home Builders Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/northern-illinois-home-builders-association-pfvwus-pf~252695556) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 16 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — OADLTD, LLC, June 2026** > We sourced custom wood railings for a large residential project and were very pleased with the materials and their customer service. **★★★★★ — Bob, Oct. 2025** > All I can say is I'm glad we found Design Stairs. From the beginning working with Jacob on the design and quote, to the installation scheduling with Angi, everyone was helpful, understanding to our needs and schedule. They both did everything possible to make it happen. As for the installation, Joe did an amazing job of removing the old stairs and installing the new stairs. His attention to detail was superb. > Thanks to everyone for the work and effort you guys provided. I'd highly recommend Design Stairs to anyone looking for a great company. **★★★★★ — HU-273867230, Sept. 2025** > A truly excellent job!! The craftsmanship of my stairs was amazing. Every measurement so precise! Best decision ever to go with Designed Stairs. Love their work and attention to detail. **★★★★★ — Elieser Salunga, April 2025** > If you are looking to do any home remodeling or new construction > that will involve staircase, Design Stairs is the one to go. I knew the company > since mid 1990's and I am still using their service till to these days. > I highly recommend Design Stairs for their professional and quality product. **★★★★★ — ELK Development, Feb. 2025** > I have used Designed Stairs as a builder over the years because they offer consulting advice on best practices and latest design trends, they are very detail oriented in thier design, their installation team are consistently perfectionists (Paul was the latest example), and they do not nickle and dime the customer. > I am happy to take a call from any prospective client to substantiate my recommendation. > > ed **★★★★★ — Alichia Sawitoski, Dec. 2024** > We hired Designed Stairs to do a new stairwell wall railing and upper stairwell railing (banisters, newel, etc.). Harburt was so great to work with, very patient and very informative. They had amazing choices and really were great partners through the whole process to help us get to our desired vision. Day of the install was quick, thorough and respectful of the space. Have gotten so many compliments on the work and absolutely recommend them to anyone in the Chicagoland area. **★★★★★ — M House Development, Nov. 2021** > We've been working with Designed Stairs for years and we absolutely enjoy working with all of them! Angie, Kristi, John and all of the rest of their staff and installers have always been so incredibly easy to work with and take such good care of us. It makes stairs a breeze for our houses and they always turn out stunning! They are truly artists! **★★★★★ — Trinity Design & Build, July 2021** > Designed Stairs was great to work with. From the service to the finished product we were very happy with them. The staircase was built to the exact specifications and is absolutely stunning. It's such an amazing focal point in this house. **★★★★★ — Ira Hanan, Sept. 2019** > Designed stairs was the best contractor we used on the construction of our new home. We had an unusual contemporary floating staircase with built in LED lighting where we needed considerable design help. The owner, John Ressler personally helped us thru the design process and followed up with us numerous times to ensure that everything on the project was going well. Not only was the service outstanding, but the quality was also excellent. And the best part was their price was considerably less than two other companies we received quotes from. I would strongly recommend this company for any interior custom staircase. You won’t be disappointed! **★★★★★ — Linda Mackinder, Aug. 2019** > You will find the people at Designed Stairs to be quite friendly, professional and easy to work with. They take pride in their workmanship and make you feel like you are a part of their family. No job is too small or large. They are efficient on the site and everything is cleaned up at the completion. The entire process was simple and stress free. I highly recommend you giving them a call for your next project. **★★★★★ — Integrity Custom Home Improvement, April 2019** > If the highest quality is what you want, stop your search with Designed Stairs. They genuinely care about homeowners, builders and their product. > I have used numerous other sources for product in the past and NONE compare in quality to what Designed Stairs gives me on every single job. > Designed Stairs cares deeply that my company is successful and that my clients are thrilled with the product I install. > They aren't \#1 by accident, they dedicate time and energy into constantly improving their already superior product so that they are never stagnant in a changing industry. > If you can dream it, they can create it for you. > Seriously...stop looking for someone better, they don't exist. **★★★★★ — Stonewood Properties and Development LLC, April 2019** > Designed Stairs has partnered with us for over 30 years. The relationship that has developed over that time with the owner and the employees is one of trust. From sales to service to installation they are committed to doing things the right way; always providing a high quality product. ## Selected projects - [Murphy Trail](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/murphy-trail-pj-vj~7596119) - Location: Oak Brook, IL - Photos: 8 - [Saxon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saxon-pj-vj~7569244) - Location: Rockford, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: We updated these double curved entry staircase with new starting treads, custom newel posts, K style handrail, HF 16.6.10 iron balusters in a custom pattern, and repairs and updates to the stringers. - [Spring Creek](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spring-creek-pj-vj~7555861) - Location: Rockford, IL - Photos: 10 - Description: open end stringers, square nose wire brushed white oak treads with standard cove, K style handrail, iron newel post, \#11 and \#12 iron balusters - [Hawthorne](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hawthorne-pj-vj~7514197) - Location: Wheaton, IL - Photos: 7 - [Cornerstone Cubbies](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cornerstone-cubbies-pj-vj~7479334) - Location: Buffalo Grove, IL - Photos: 6 - [Carlisle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carlisle-pj-vj~7442800) - Location: Deerfield, IL - Photos: 8 - [Dickens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dickens-pj-vj~7422788) - Location: Northfield, IL - Photos: 6 - [Cabernet](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cabernet-pj-vj~7411980) - Location: Burr Ridge, IL - Photos: 8 - [Rabbit Creek](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rabbit-creek-pj-vj~7404435) - Location: Anchorage, AK - Photos: 6 - Description: Curved open end stair with F7 trimmed newel posts, Y style hand rail, and M style balusters. This stair was assembled and sent for installation by builder in Anchorage, Alaska. - [Monroe II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/monroe-ii-pj-vj~7402382) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 8 - [Monroe I](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/monroe-i-pj-vj~7394773) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 6 - Description: White Oak waterfall treads and risers with Poplar contemporary closed-end stringers painted black, RRF E style handrail and newel posts, \#10 round iron balusters in satin black finish, and White Oak slat wall - [Thackeray](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thackeray-pj-vj~7387217) - Location: Northfield, IL - Photos: 9 - Description: Floating curved stair in Red Oak with contemporary closed-end stringers, square nosed treads with square cove, U style handrail, E7 starting newels with E5 newels at the second floor, and \#11 square iron balusters - [Firenze](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/firenze-pj-vj~7112174) - Location: Oak Brook, IL - Photos: 5 - [Boston](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boston-pj-vj~6097713) - Location: Lexington, MA - Photos: 2 - [Museum of Science and Industry: Smart Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/museum-of-science-and-industry-smart-home-pj-vj~2884938) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 2 - [Hand-Carved Railings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hand-carved-railings-pj-vj~2844857) - Location: Wilmette, IL - Photos: 6 - [Lighted Way](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lighted-way-pj-vj~2844827) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 3 - [Square Symmetry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/square-symmetry-pj-vj~2844839) - Location: Glencoe, IL - Photos: 2 - [Iron Web](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/iron-web-pj-vj~2844809) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 7 - [Panel Paradise](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/panel-paradise-pj-vj~5538221) - Location: Wheaton, IL - Photos: 6 [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/designed-stairs-pfvwus-pf~93177789) ## Ideabooks - [Featured stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24715384/list/featured-stairs) — 5 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/designedstairs) ## Community Q&A **Q: Style descriptions** *(in Using Houzz)* I remember there being a place where I could read through characteristics and attributes of each of the different styles that houzz has listed (modern, farmhouse, etc.). Is there still a way of doing that? A: Here is a link to descriptions of style names: \[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/pro-corner-selecting-a-style-for-the-photos-in-your-projects-stsetivw-vs~30336888?vm=thumbs\[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/pro-corner-selecting-a-style-for-the-photos-in-your-projects-stsetivw-vs~30336888?vm=thumbs) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*