Search results for "Solid focus" in Home Design Ideas
SUPERIOR CHIMNEY SERVICES CORPORATIONA friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her chimney needed structural repairs before she could safely use it again.
Chimney repairs are any work done to restore the structural and weatherproof condition of a chimney. This can include mortar joint repair, brick replacement, crown repair, flue repair, and cap or flashing replacement. Most Chicagoland homeowners discover the need for chimney repairs often times after winter, when the freeze and thaw cycles have already done its damage. Uncovering the symptoms early is the best way to keep chimney repairs down. Let’s discuss how that can be done.
Why Chicagoland Weather Is Especially Hard on Chimneys
Chicagoland has some of the most polarized weather. One day it’s a blizzard and the next week hot, humid and 100 degrees. That swing in weather conditions and temperatures are the real reasons why chimney repairs are needed.
When moisture from humid and rainy days’ soak into brick and mortar and then freezes, it expands. As it begins to thaw, the materials contract. Repeat that cycle dozens of times in a single Illinois winter and even solid masonry in the chimney starts to crack, spall, and separate from the joints holding it together. This is called the freeze thaw cycle. We’ve talked about it many times over the years, and it continues to be the single biggest reason homes need chimney repairs more often than homes in milder climates.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the leading nonprofit certifying body for chimney professionals in the United States, notes that water intrusion is one of the most damaging and most preventable problems. If the problem is left to mature, it affects more than the appearance. It compromises the structure itself.
What Do Chimney Repairs Involve?
Not every chimney problem requires the same fix. Chimney repairs generally fall into a few categories. Understanding the difference, helps homeowners have a more informed conversation with the expert technician.
Mortar joint repair or tuckpointing. This involves removing deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, matched to the original color and texture as closely as possible.
Brick replacement. When individual bricks have spalled, meaning the face has cracked or popped off from trapped moisture, those bricks are removed and replaced.
Crown and cap repair. The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. Cracks both big and small let water directly into the chimney flue. Chimney crown repair is often one of the most urgent forms of chimney repairs.
Flashing repair. Flashing is the barrier where the chimney meets the roofline. Loose, damaged or poorly installed flashing is a common source for water leaks. The roof gets the blame as it is the largest piece that covers the house. However, it certainly can be the overlooked chimney.
Flue and liner repair. Cracked flue tiles or damaged liners affect how safely a chimney vents smoke and combustion gases.
When to Know a Chimney Needs Repair
Most chimney damage shows up as small, easy to dismiss way. Let’s take a look at the following list. Be sure to print this out and keep it handy so if/when something happens, you know what to look for.
• Water stains near the fireplace or on the ceiling
• A brownish stain on the wall around your fireplace, or a stain on the ceiling near an exterior chimney. This means water is getting in somewhere it should not.
• Crumbling or missing mortar
• If you can see gaps between bricks, or mortar that flakes off when you touch it
• A leaning or visibly shifting chimney
• A chimney that appears to pull away from the house, even slightly, could indicate a structural issue
• White staining on the brick (efflorescence)
• Chalky white residue left behind as water evaporates out of the masonry. It is a visible sign that moisture is moving through brick
• Rusted damper or firebox components
• Metal parts inside a fireplace that are rusting are a strong indicator that moisture is present
• Debris in the fireplace
• Small chunks of brick, mortar, or tile landing in the firebox
What are the Various Types of Chimney Repair?
This is a compiled list of chimney repairs so you can be aware of what to look for. If you have any questions, contact us directly at 877-244-6349.
Homeowners who schedule chimney repairs at the first sign of trouble typically spend far less than those who wait until water damage reaches the interior of the home. This is a great reason to contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349.
Why an Annual Inspection Matters More Than People Think
The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year, whether or not the fireplace gets used. This recommendation exists because damage does not take a break just because a chimney sits without any use.
According to data stated by the CSIA, chimney related fires still contribute to tens of thousands of residential fires across the United States each year, and a large share of those incidents can be traced back to deferred maintenance. An annual chimney inspection is what catches the small mortar crack or the hairline crown crack before it turns into a repair bill.
Hiring the Right Company for Chimney Repairs
Not every company who offers chimney repair work has the certified training to diagnose a problem correctly. CSIA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and it requires technicians to study chimney physics, venting systems, and fire codes. After the studies, the new technician needs to pass an exam and agree to a professional code of ethics.
When you call, be sure to ask:
Are your technicians CSIA certified, and can I verify that certification?
Will you show me photos or video of the damage before starting work?
Does the estimate distinguish between cosmetic repair and structural repair?
At Superior Chimney, we welcome these and other of your questions.
How Chimney Repairs Affect Insurance and Resale
A chimney in poor condition can complicate a home sale or an insurance claim. Home inspectors routinely report on visible mortar loss, leaning chimneys, or missing chimney caps. Some insurers will request proof of repair before renewing a policy on an older home. Addressing chimney repairs proactively protects more than curb appeal. It protects the sale timeline and the claims history associated to the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Chicago area chimney be inspected? At least once a year, per CSIA and NFPA guidance, regardless of how often the fireplace is used.
Can chimney repairs be done in winter? Some interior repairs can happen in cold weather, but most masonry repair requires temperatures consistently above freezing. Spring and fall are the most common repair times in the Chicago area.
Is tuckpointing the same thing as chimney repair? Tuckpointing is one type of chimney repair, focused on replacing deteriorated mortar joints.
Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repairs? It depends. Sudden damage from a storm may be covered, while gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance typically is not.
So Finally…
Taking care of your home includes a chimney. Just because you don’t see it every day, doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. Be sure to get a chimney inspection done once per year by a certified and credible company such as Superior Chimney to take care of the issues. Contact us today by calling 877-244-6349.
Top Tread StairwaysCustom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~
Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped?
When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped?
Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?”
Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements.
The Secret is Out
For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.”
The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet.
And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond.
Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable
Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories:
1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function.
2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement.
3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation.
4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size.
Our clients? They absolutely love them.
Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible
Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature.
Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop.
The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off.
We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later.
Where Imagination Meets Reality
But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor?
We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement.
What a ride, indeed.
Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure.
The People Behind the Dreams
What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box.
These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy.
Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for.
My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you!
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart
Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship.
We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly.
But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality.
Your Home, Reimagined
Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary.
Ready to set your home apart?
~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!
TVL Creative Ltd.44 Photos · Updated 3 hours ago
Our Louisville clients were proud new home owners who were excited to move into their home and start personalizing! We created a transitional design for their home that incorporates modern touches and classic lines to tie the spaces together. Our primary focus was to update the home and keep things feeling clean and fresh while making it comfortable for everyone in the family. We started by painting every room in their home, replacing all of their interior doors, and updating all of their light fixtures. One of the most transformative elements was the updated flooring throughout the home. We removed the oak floors and replaced them with a wide plank solid hickory which removed the yellow undertones and gave them a clean backdrop for the rest of the design. The clients really wanted to freshen up their kitchen and incorporate new appliances without starting from scratch, so we rearranged a few of their existing cabinets to make room for their new stove and range hood. We also lowered the original bar-height counter to make the kitchen feel more open to their family room. We then painted all of their cabinets a crisp white, replaced the crown molding, updated the hardware, replaced their counter top with a marble look quartz, and used a soft green mosaic tile on their backsplash. This home has a large family room, and the original fireplace was far too small and seemed to disappear under the 20 foot ceilings. So we removed the old square fireplace, replacing it with a linear gas fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling tiled surround with a custom wood mantle. This created a real focal point and helped to anchor the space. We then brought in a cozy blue sectional and a soft new rug to make this the perfect place for a family movie night. The clients have a real love of music, and wanted to create a space where they could lay back and enjoy their vinyls. So in their family room we created a custom stereo wall with floating cabinets and shelves to house all of their audio equipment and showcase a few of their favorites. We then furnished the room with clean and classically inspired pieces to tie in with the aesthetics in the rest of the home.
Find the right local pro for your project
Bilotta Kitchen & HomeThis expansive traditional kitchen by senior designer, Randy O'Kane and Architect, Clark Neuringer, features Bilotta Collection cabinet in a custom color. Randy says, the best part about working with this client was that she loves design – and not just interior but she also loves holiday decorating and she has a beautiful sense of aesthetic (and does everything to the nines). For her kitchen she wanted a barn-like feel and it absolutely had to be functional because she both bakes and cooks for her family and neighbors every day. And as the mother of four teenage girls she has a lot of people coming in and out of her home all the time. She wanted her kitchen to be comfortable – not untouchable and not too “done”. When she first met with Bilotta senior designer Randy O’Kane, her #1 comment was: “I’m experiencing white kitchen fatigue”. So right from the start finding the perfect color was the prime focus. The challenge was infusing a center hall colonial with a sense of warmth, comfort and that barn aesthetic without being too rustic which is why they went with a straight greenish grey paint vs. something distressed. The flooring, by Artisan Wood floors, looks reclaimed with its wider long planks and fumed finish. The barn door separating the laundry room and the kitchen was made from hand selected barn wood, made custom according to the client’s detailed specifications, and hung with sliding hardware. The kitchen hardware was really a window sash pull from Rocky Mountain that was repurposed as handles in a living bronze finish mounted horizontally. Glazed brick tile, by Ann Sacks, really helped to embrace the overall concept. Since a lot of parties are hosted out of that space, the kitchen, and butler’s pantry off to the side, needed a good flow as well as areas to bake and stage the creations. Double ovens were a must as well as a 48” Wolf Range and a Rangecraft hood – four ovens are going all the time. Beverage drawers were added to allow others to flow through the kitchen without disturbing the cook. Lots of storage was added for a well-stocked kitchen. A unique detail is double door wall cabinets, some with wire mesh to allow to see their dishes for easy access. In the butler’s pantry, instead of mesh they opted for antique mirror glass fronts. Countertops are a natural quartzite for care free use and a solid wood table, by Brooks Custom, extends of the island, removable for flexibility, making the kitchen and dining area very functional. One of the client’s antique pieces (a hutch) was incorporated into the kitchen to give it a more authentic look as well as another surface to decorate and provide storage. The lighting over the island and breakfast table has exposed Edison bulbs which hearkens to that “barn” lighting. For the sinks, they used a fireclay Herbeau farmhouse on the perimeter and an undermount Rohl sink on the island. Faucets are by Waterworks. Standing back and taking it all in it’s a wonderful collaboration of carefully designed working space and a warm gathering space for family and guests. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane, Architect: Clark Neuringer Architects, posthumously. Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye
Penny Black Interiors LLC.The architecture of this mid-century ranch in Portland’s West Hills oozes modernism’s core values. We wanted to focus on areas of the home that didn’t maximize the architectural beauty. The Client—a family of three, with Lucy the Great Dane, wanted to improve what was existing and update the kitchen and Jack and Jill Bathrooms, add some cool storage solutions and generally revamp the house.
We totally reimagined the entry to provide a “wow” moment for all to enjoy whilst entering the property. A giant pivot door was used to replace the dated solid wood door and side light.
We designed and built new open cabinetry in the kitchen allowing for more light in what was a dark spot. The kitchen got a makeover by reconfiguring the key elements and new concrete flooring, new stove, hood, bar, counter top, and a new lighting plan.
Our work on the Humphrey House was featured in Dwell Magazine.
Homeowner Services of Michigan LLCOur clients found their perfect home in the ideal location, with just one catch...they didn't love the interior. It was a little dated.
We can fix that!
And so we did. Starting with new hardwood floors, we painted the kitchen cabinets, added new carpeting to the staircase, new tile floors in the upstairs bathrooms, new comfort-height toilets, and fresh paint throughout the home.
We chose distinct colors for the ceiling, trim, doors, and walls, ensuring a harmonious yet dynamic look. The fireplace brick and trim received a fresh coat, and the stair railings were painted to create a cohesive and modern aesthetic.
Revamping the Kitchen
We installed a new sink and faucet in the kitchen to enhance functionality and style. Removing the half-wall opened up the space, and we relocated the electrical socket to the outside wall for better accessibility and a cleaner look.
Hardwood and Vinyl Flooring
We installed beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the home, excluding the laundry room and the tub area of the master bathroom. The two upstairs bedrooms, covering approximately 350 square feet, now boast the elegance of hardwood. We laid luxury vinyl flooring in the laundry room and upstairs bath for practical and aesthetic purposes, combining durability with style.
Upgrading Doors
To add a touch of luxury, we replaced four hollow doors with solid wood doors in the master bedroom, front TV room, and two upstairs bedrooms. Additionally, we hung a slab door in the basement, all provided by the homeowner, ensuring their taste was reflected in the updates.
Addressing Miscellaneous Needs
We didn't overlook the details. The access panel to the tub in the upstairs bedroom closet was repaired to ensure functionality and aesthetic continuity. We also provided and installed a half-size utility sink in the laundry room, enhancing its practicality.
A Client-Centered Approach
Throughout the project, our priority was maintaining a clean and organized worksite, minimizing disruption to our client's daily life. We focused on clear communication, ensuring our client's needs and preferences guided every step of the process.
This interior makeover is a testament to our dedication to delivering high-quality results tailored to our clients' visions. We are proud to have transformed this home into a more beautiful, functional, and comfortable space for our clients.
Glenview Haus – Custom Doors & Wine CellarsThe Glenview Haus Classic Collection of front doors provides solid wood doors with elegant, archetypal designs. The custom-made styles range from two-panel doors with elaborate raised moldings to beautiful glass doors with leaded patterns, adding beauty and grace to the home’s entrance. The artisans at Glenview Haus focus on enhancing the natural elegance of the high-end wood grains by using furniture quality stains and techniques.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations
Bilotta Kitchen & HomeThis expansive traditional kitchen by senior designer, Randy O'Kane and Architect, Clark Neuringer, features Bilotta Collection cabinet in a custom color. Randy says, the best part about working with this client was that she loves design – and not just interior but she also loves holiday decorating and she has a beautiful sense of aesthetic (and does everything to the nines). For her kitchen she wanted a barn-like feel and it absolutely had to be functional because she both bakes and cooks for her family and neighbors every day. And as the mother of four teenage girls she has a lot of people coming in and out of her home all the time. She wanted her kitchen to be comfortable – not untouchable and not too “done”. When she first met with Bilotta senior designer Randy O’Kane, her #1 comment was: “I’m experiencing white kitchen fatigue”. So right from the start finding the perfect color was the prime focus. The challenge was infusing a center hall colonial with a sense of warmth, comfort and that barn aesthetic without being too rustic which is why they went with a straight greenish grey paint vs. something distressed. The flooring, by Artisan Wood floors, looks reclaimed with its wider long planks and fumed finish. The barn door separating the laundry room and the kitchen was made from hand selected barn wood, made custom according to the client’s detailed specifications, and hung with sliding hardware. The kitchen hardware was really a window sash pull from Rocky Mountain that was repurposed as handles in a living bronze finish mounted horizontally. Glazed brick tile, by Ann Sacks, really helped to embrace the overall concept. Since a lot of parties are hosted out of that space, the kitchen, and butler’s pantry off to the side, needed a good flow as well as areas to bake and stage the creations. Double ovens were a must as well as a 48” Wolf Range and a Rangecraft hood – four ovens are going all the time. Beverage drawers were added to allow others to flow through the kitchen without disturbing the cook. Lots of storage was added for a well-stocked kitchen. A unique detail is double door wall cabinets, some with wire mesh to allow to see their dishes for easy access. In the butler’s pantry, instead of mesh they opted for antique mirror glass fronts. Countertops are a natural quartzite for care free use and a solid wood table, by Brooks Custom, extends of the island, removable for flexibility, making the kitchen and dining area very functional. One of the client’s antique pieces (a hutch) was incorporated into the kitchen to give it a more authentic look as well as another surface to decorate and provide storage. The lighting over the island and breakfast table has exposed Edison bulbs which hearkens to that “barn” lighting. For the sinks, they used a fireclay Herbeau farmhouse on the perimeter and an undermount Rohl sink on the island. Faucets are by Waterworks. Standing back and taking it all in it’s a wonderful collaboration of carefully designed working space and a warm gathering space for family and guests. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane, Architect: Clark Neuringer Architects, posthumously. Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye
Top Tread StairwaysCustom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~
Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped?
When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped?
Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?”
Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements.
The Secret is Out
For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.”
The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet.
And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond.
Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable
Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories:
1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function.
2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement.
3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation.
4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size.
Our clients? They absolutely love them.
Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible
Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature.
Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop.
The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off.
We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later.
Where Imagination Meets Reality
But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor?
We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement.
What a ride, indeed.
Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure.
The People Behind the Dreams
What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box.
These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy.
Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for.
My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you!
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart
Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship.
We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly.
But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality.
Your Home, Reimagined
Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary.
Ready to set your home apart?
~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!
Glenview Haus – Custom Doors & Wine CellarsThe Glenview Haus Classic Collection of front doors provides solid wood doors with elegant, archetypal designs. The custom-made styles range from two-panel doors with elaborate raised moldings to beautiful glass doors with leaded patterns, adding beauty and grace to the home’s entrance. The artisans at Glenview Haus focus on enhancing the natural elegance of the high-end wood grains by using furniture quality stains and techniques.
F9 Productions Inc.Set among the open grasslands of northern Boulder County, Vermillion Studio was designed to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and Colorado’s breathtaking landscape. From its vantage point, the studio captures panoramic views of Longs Peak and Boulder’s Flatirons — a daily reminder of the land that shapes both life and design in this region.
Commissioned in 2019, the project reflects F9 Productions’ belief that architecture should not only serve function, but also stir emotion. The result is a place where art and environment coexist — open, grounded, and alive with light.
The Vision
The client came to F9 with a clear purpose: create a workspace that feels as inspiring as the art produced within it. They wanted a building that honors the land — not one that competes with it.
Our team responded with a design that blurs the boundary between indoors and out. Expansive glass facades bring the mountains inside. The softly arched steel roof follows the rhythm of the rolling hills. And the entire structure rests gently within the terrain, becoming part of the landscape rather than imposing upon it.
Design and Craft
The form of the building reflects the strength and subtlety of the creative process itself — solid, simple, and expressive.
Walls and floors made from Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) provide exceptional energy efficiency and durability, while steel arched beams add structure and grace. Select windows are fitted with perforated panels that filter sunlight, reduce heat gain, and cast delicate shadows that change with the time of day — turning natural light into living art.
Inside the Studio
Step inside, and the building opens up to a world of focus and inspiration.
The main level houses large studio spaces, flexible galleries, and a welcoming kitchenette — all designed to support the rhythm of making.
Above, a lofted mezzanine offers quiet offices and a glass-framed conference room overlooking the plains and peaks beyond. From every angle, the view reminds occupants why they build, paint, or sculpt: to create something timeless and true.
Built for Sustainability
Every system and material decision reflects long-term thinking.
Ground-source air-to-water heat pumps and radiant in-floor heating keep the space comfortable in every season. The use of ICF and steel ensures resilience with minimal energy loss. Together, these strategies make Vermillion Studio both efficient and enduring — a structure as sustainable as it is inspiring.
The Result
Vermillion Studio is more than a workspace; it’s a living dialogue between design and nature.
It’s where creativity meets clarity, and where the beauty of Colorado becomes part of everyday life.
Rooted in the land and open to the sky, it stands as a quiet statement of what F9 Productions believes architecture should be — functional, sustainable, and profoundly human.
Glenview Haus – Custom Doors & Wine CellarsThe Glenview Haus Classic Collection of front doors provides solid wood doors with elegant, archetypal designs. The custom-made styles range from two-panel doors with elaborate raised moldings to beautiful glass doors with leaded patterns, adding beauty and grace to the home’s entrance. The artisans at Glenview Haus focus on enhancing the natural elegance of the high-end wood grains by using furniture quality stains and techniques.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Trish Takacs Design
Award Winning & Highly Skilled Kitchen & Bath Designer in Columbus
Glenview Haus – Custom Doors & Wine CellarsThe Glenview Haus Classic Collection of front doors provides solid wood doors with elegant, archetypal designs. The custom-made styles range from two-panel doors with elaborate raised moldings to beautiful glass doors with leaded patterns, adding beauty and grace to the home’s entrance. The artisans at Glenview Haus focus on enhancing the natural elegance of the high-end wood grains by using furniture quality stains and techniques.
Glenview Haus – Custom Doors & Wine CellarsGlenview Haus Classic Collection of front doors provides solid wood doors that are elegantly styled with archetypal designs. These custom-made wooden front doors feature elaborate, raised moldings. Showcasing two-panel and one-panel door styles, clients can choose which time-honored look will better suit their home. The Classic Collection of front doors can additionally be customized with intricate and beautifully unique jointed and lead patterns to better fit the personalities of the individuals who live inside. The artisans at Glenview Haus focus on enhancing the natural elegance of the high-end wood grains by using furniture-quality stains and techniques.
Top Tread StairwaysCustom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~
Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped?
When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped?
Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?”
Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements.
The Secret is Out
For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.”
The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet.
And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond.
Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable
Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories:
1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function.
2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement.
3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation.
4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size.
Our clients? They absolutely love them.
Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible
Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature.
Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop.
The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off.
We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later.
Where Imagination Meets Reality
But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor?
We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement.
What a ride, indeed.
Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure.
The People Behind the Dreams
What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box.
These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy.
Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for.
My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you!
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart
Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship.
We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly.
But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality.
Your Home, Reimagined
Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary.
Ready to set your home apart?
~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!
Bilotta Kitchen & HomeDesigner Janet Villafane of Villafane Design, LLC of Chester, New Jersey designed and executed this contemporary kitchen with Aston Smith of Bilotta Kitchens of New York. According to Villafane, “from the moment you meet this family you understand their priority in life is family and friends. We were looking for a design that, first and foremost, emphasized the occupants’ request to have a home that was inviting to all that entered. We continued to focus on that request throughout the design phase.” In addition, the design team needed to satisfy the needs of a disabled family member. They wanted him to be able to flow through all areas of the space and feel as if he could comfortably use the open kitchen and family room without any hindrance.
The clients were inspired by clean lines and simplicity. When they spoke about their modern Florida home, one could hear and see their enthusiasm and excitement to bring that simplicity into their new home. It became evident early on that their new space should be contemporary but the home’s exterior, as well as the neighboring community, had an old world, traditional charm. The goal was to avoid competing aesthetics while respecting both looks. The resulting interior design incorporated slab doors with both semi-gloss white lacquer and grey stain on horizontal grained oak. The rich dark oak base cabinets perfectly balanced the ceiling beams. The use of a stainless channel system, in place of traditional hardware, and the stainless toe kick completed the design. The Bertazzoni cooktop and wall ovens in stainless steel, Sub-Zero refrigeration paneled in white semi-gloss, and a stainless steel chimney hood enhanced the clean, uninterrupted lines. The island countertop is Thunder White granite in a leathered finish; the perimeter is Super White Quartz; and the nook table is Virginia Mist honed granite. The backsplash is a frosted glass tile.
The clients hope for quality, simplicity and functionality were beautifully achieved by the designers. Closed, solid front cabinets provide a “home” for everything in the kitchen. A seating nook with a large screen TV, as well as additional TVs visible throughout the kitchen and family room, satisfied the demand of watching multiple sporting events at one time. To finish it all off decorative lighting was carefully selected to make a “wow” statement.
Designer: Janet Villafane of Villafane Design LLC
Bilotta Designer: Aston Smith
Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations
InnovationLandHouston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client's art collection.
"The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. "When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs."
The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator - through which all materials and team members had to go.
"Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we're used to handling that kind of thing."
The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn't really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display - and the look - more streamlined.
"She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork," says Maxey. "So we made the space a palette for that."
Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: "It's halfway between satin and flat," explains Maxey. "It's not glossy and it's not chalky - just very smooth and clean."
Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. "This lighting has no wires," notes Maxey. "It's powered by a positive and negative conduit."
The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. "It's gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile," says Maxey. "We used it throughout the condo to unify the space."
After Maxey started looking at the client's bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn't stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green.
The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around - a key to designing spaces for loft living.
"The table in the living room is very interesting," notes Maxey. "It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said 'It's not really going to go.'"
However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas.
The dining room table - from Design Within Reach - is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. "The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet," says Maxey. "It's a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture."
The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with white quartz countertops and backsplashes mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color. The cabinets are painted a cool grey color called "Silverplate."
The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern.
In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches.
The client's artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There's a huge bowl of shells from the client's diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that's been in her family forever.
"Her collection is quite impressive," says Maxey. "There's even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon." (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs).
"We're extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client," says Maxey. "No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it."
Glenview Haus – Custom Doors & Wine CellarsThe Glenview Haus Classic Collection of front doors provides solid wood doors with elegant, archetypal designs. The custom-made styles range from two-panel doors with elaborate raised moldings to beautiful glass doors with leaded patterns, adding beauty and grace to the home’s entrance. The artisans at Glenview Haus focus on enhancing the natural elegance of the high-end wood grains by using furniture quality stains and techniques.
58