Flooring guides

Three East York staircases in light oak and white: an open stair with black iron spindles, a long flight with a white railing, and steps lit from below.

Two Markham staircases with white risers, light treads and black iron spindles: a long straight flight and a stair that turns at its landings.

Two Vaughan staircases near our Woodbridge main office: oak and white, and a grey railing with black iron spindles.

A curved staircase in Richmond Hill, finished in light oak to match the floor, with a black handrail, black newel posts and black iron spindles.

Our real tile installation price per square foot in Toronto, what it covers, what a floor costs at real room sizes, and what moves a tile quote up.

What your condo board will ask for, which floors work on a concrete slab, and what condo flooring costs in Toronto, with real installation prices.

One straight oak flight in Bolton, refinished to natural light oak with a new railing: five days, usable every night, within $6,000 to $7,000.

Six stair stain colours on real GTA staircases, and how to pick one that matches your floor. Most people choose natural oak, and the colour doesn't change the price.

Vinyl plank can go on stairs: carpet off, glued down on each step, matching vinyl nosing, usually in a day. When it makes sense, where it falls short, and what it costs.

You can replace stair spindles and keep your stairs: wrought iron, wood or glass, usually in a day, with the handrail left in place. What it involves and what moves the price.

Match the treads to the floor they meet, and put the contrast in the risers, spindles and railing. What we have learned from real GTA staircase jobs, and what it costs.

Refinishing a staircase runs $6,000 to $7,000 a flight and recapping with new treads and risers about $7,000. Which one you need depends on what is under the carpet, not on price.