Gone are the days when staircases merely served a functional purpose. Stairs have become a great way to introduce character and style in your homes. The year 2020 is no different! The design of your staircase is one of the first things that you should invest in to elevate the look of your home.  

These are the hot staircase trends of 2020 that you should consider if you are renovating or building your home. 

The U-shape Staircase 

U-shape stairs may have a rap of being too commercial. It is predominantly used in buildings and warehouses. However, if combined with the proper design and materials, this rather simple style can be a great architectural feature. Instead of using common materials such as wood and concrete, why not combine them with glass or metal to make it more interesting.  

The Zig-zag Staircase 

Zig-zag stairs are made for multistory houses. It is the most popular choice in structures which features the stairs as the main design element. Zig zag stairs can be quite tricky to make. Without the proper materials and construction, your space can appear to be stuffy and cramped. One common way to avoid this issue is to add a lighting solution in the stairs area. By doing so, the place will brighten up. It will create the illusion that the area is more spacious. 

The Spiral Staircase 

If you haven’t noticed before, the spiral staircase is the ultimate go-to style for those who want a bold statement in a smaller space. This style is not going anywhere. This 2020, the spiral staircase is still your best choice to spruce up a small space! 

The Cantilever Staircase 

Nothing screams modern than cantilever stairs. Imagine having the illusion of floating steps. Even with just one color or material, this type of stairs is a head-turner.  

The Straight Staircase 

The straight staircase has always been regarded as the simplest type of staircase. Despite its plainness, it is still a solid design choice for 2020. The recent years have seen a trend favoring the minimalist movement in design and architecture. A straight staircase is part of the arsenal of minimalist designers. It produces clean and crisp lines in a home. This design is often combined with newer choices in materials to keep the look updated.  

In terms of materials, decorative trends show wood as the primary material for 2020. The best choices are pine, oak, mahogany, or imitation wood. To give the classic material a 2020 facelift, it will often be combined with glass. For instance, wooden steps will be paired with glass railing.  

Natural metals will also take the spotlight this year. The industrial design trend is not ready to bid us goodbye. It will still be apparent in 2020. Gold and copper are the best choices for decorative elements. You can see it in railings, balusters, or embellishments.  

The staircase should be treated as a crucial element in the overall appearance of your home. It does not just function as a connector between floors. With proper design, it can be the central feature of the house. Thoughtful design is critical in its execution. Your choice of contractor is vital. A single misstep can spell disaster.  

Choose iStairs, Inc., for your next staircase renovation! Our talented installers are the top experts in the field. They can make your vision come to life! Call us at 844-STAIR-4U to learn more about the services we offer. From design to execution, we will be with you every step of the way!  

The general public seems to be a little confused when it comes to these two terms. Which one is it? Is it Balusters or Banisters? How do you know the difference?  

Luckily, you do not need to find out and differentiate anymore. Today, both terms are acceptable to describe short pillars or columns in a staircase. It is the part that supports the handrails.  

The terms balusters or banisters have been used in different contexts before. Traditionally, balusters refer to ornamental design incorporated into staircases. It comes from the French word balustre, which means a wild pomegranate flower. It has been used as early as the 13th century, primarily as a decorative piece.  

But nowadays, the terms are used interchangeably. So, homeowners need not be meticulous about the terminologies anymore.  

Speaking of being meticulous, there is still one thing homeowners should always keep in mind. While it does not matter if you call it baluster or banister, it is important to make sure that it is properly installed and maintained. Technical terms do not matter, but safety does.  

In building and keeping your homes, the number one concern should be safety and security. Every corner of your home should be up to code so that each one of your family members is protected from any mishaps.  

To ensure this, you should trust a one-stop-shop for all your staircase needs such as iStairs. When building or renovating your home, the staircase is one of the things that you should really give attention to.  

If you are in need of a service provider for all your staircase need, contact iStairs! 

iStairs is a residential and commercial stair contractor that is determined to give you the best possible service you can imagine. Call us today to learn more about our products and services. Dial 844-STAIR-4U today! 

Your staircase is probably one aspect of building a home that does not get a lot of attention. Most homeowners focus on things such as the design of the wallpaper, the exterior paint color, the kitchen layout, etc. It is understandable because a lot of people think that these are the most important aspects when building or purchasing a home.

However, we are here to convince you to think otherwise. The shape and style of your stairs are equally as important. Staircases come in different shapes. The variance among these designs is not just for aesthetic purposes. It serves various functions as well like, cost-efficiency, easy navigation, and maximizing spaces. 

The type of staircase is probably one aspect of building a home that does not get a lot of attention. Most homeowners focus on things such as the design of the wallpaper, the exterior paint color, the kitchen layout, etc. It is understandable because a lot of people think that these are the most important aspects of the house.  

The layout of your home will dictate the best shape of the staircase for you. In some cases, the design of the house accommodates multiple staircase designs as well.  

We listed below different types of staircase shapes and their attributes, so you can decide for yourself which one is the best for you! 

Straight stairs 

Straight stairs are the simplest staircase type. It is used widely across the world because of its simplicity. It is popular because it is convenient, cheap, and functional. It requires less effort to make since there are no additional support structures necessary to install them. The builders do not even sweat anymore when building this type of stairs. It is easy to make due to its linear structure. One disadvantage of having this type of stairs is that it consumes more space. If you have a small home, then this choice may not be for you.  

Spiral stairs 

Spiral stairs are beautiful space savers.These are usually compact since they are attached to a pole. The steps go around the pole in a spiral motion. They are also not too difficult to install since these only consume a smaller space. If you want your space to look cute and quirky, then the spiral case is for you. You can even mix and match colors in your rails and risers to make a statement! 

Curved stairs 

If you think about castles and mansions, you immediately associate it with curved stairs. Curved stairs spell elegance and grandiosity. Grand staircases are always in this shape. Add a touch of gold, and it inevitably becomes a statement. For those who are willing to splurge more on their stairs, you can consider this shape. These are the perfect stairs for large spaces and high ceilings.  

L-shaped stairs  

From its name, you can immediately imagine what L-shaped stairs look like. It has a 90-degree turn, usually in the middle. It is a space saver. The only downside of this type is its lack of visual impact. It is generally tucked away in a corner, so it does not offer a lot of elegance. However, when you are just after functionality and cost-efficiency, then this is an excellent choice for you! 

The choice of stairs builder is as important as the design of your stairs. The exceptional design is of no use if your contractor cannot build stairs correctly! That is why iStairs is here for you. Whatever design you have in mind, we promise to execute it with expertise and finesse!  

Having a commercial space is not as easy as people think. Depending on its function, there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind in terms of building within the space or maintaining it. Commercial spaces follow certain restrictions the government has imposed. They must be code-compliant. Everything, from the handrail to the risers, from the steps to the balusters, should meet certain standards. 

1.     Shape 

Choosing the shape of your staircase should not be done without thought. You have to consider the function of your building before doing so. You have to ask yourself what the space is for. Straight staircases are the most common types of staircases. As the name suggests, they do not have any intricate shape. The bottom is connected to the top in a straight manner. They are straightforward to build. The good thing about this staircase is that it utilizes only one side of the room. It can be neatly tucked against a wall to conserve space. If your commercial building has limited space, this type is an excellent choice for you. Likewise, the L-shape stairs are also popular. If it can be installed in the corner of a room. The L-shape is a type that is easier to climb. Are you expecting little children or older people to visit your building? Then, you may consider this one! 

2.     Material 

The right material of your stairs also greatly depends on the purpose of your building. Concrete, wood, and metal are some of the most common materials used. Does your commercial building have an aesthetic function? Consider wood instead! With wood, you can introduce specific designs to the balusters and handrail. Is your building purely for storage? Maybe you can choose concrete or metal for more durability.  

3.     Code standards 

The commercial staircase used by the general public must be compliant with the International Building Code Guidelines. Stairs follow specific standards. For instance, risers must be 4 – 7 inches. The tread depth must be 11 inches minimum. The minimum headroom required for all parts of the stairway must be at least 6 feet 8 inches. Balusters must pass the 4-inch ball test.  

The design and build of a commercial staircase must consider multiple factors. Only a professional trained for the job can be trusted to complete this task. A lot is at stake when it comes to building on a commercial space- the safety of the public, the flow of work and business, and much more. That is why any commercial building owner should only rely on reliable and licensed contractors.

iStairs has years of experience working within commercial buildings. We are a one-stop-shop that will ensure excellent output from the design stage to installation. Our talented team is ready to help you build the right staircase for your space. You can choose from our vast design portfolio, or you can customize the staircase of your dreams.

When it comes to stairs, iStairs is your best choice! 

Having your dream home built means that you get to decide on every aspect of it. From the doorknobs to the tile, you get to choose your pick. Your vision is turned into a reality, and you see it come alive. There are many reasons why personalizing every part of your home is ideal. But, let’s start first with the benefits of customizing your staircase.  

Creativity 

There’s no better way to express your creativity than applying it to your own home. By having a customized stair design, you can choose the color, material, accents, and more. Combining materials and colors will surely elevate the look of your home. You can also dictate the ambiance you are going for -be it rustique or modern, fancy or simple. The staircase becomes more than just a tool; it becomes a work of art that is a part of your home.  

Investment 

Having a beautiful staircase offers more than just an aesthetic purpose. It also adds value to your home. In case you ever decide to sell your home, you can put a higher price tag on it. Undoubtedly, the potential buyers will be wowed and captivated by a beautiful staircase. Don’t you ever wonder why all the big houses and palaces have a grand staircase? Beautiful stairs add a premium feel to your home. It removes the utilitarian feel and gives your home a luxurious ambiance.  

Safety and durability  

By having customized staircases, you get to decide on the material of each part of your staircase. You can choose the most durable materials for the balusters, the steps, and even the risers. You can personalize it according to the needs of your family. Do you have a lot of kids? Maybe sturdy balusters are what you need! Is your family comprised of mostly responsible adults? Then you can perhaps give glass railing a try! You can embrace any style you want, according to your taste and needs of those living in your home. 

In building a customized staircase, you will need a trusted partner. One who is vested with the vision and the skill to pull things through. You need someone with a superb level of engineering skills and creativity to make your staircase dreams come into fruition. If you are ready to give your home a makeover by having a customized staircase, there is no one better team for the job than iStairs, Inc. 

iStairs, Inc. is a one-stop-shop that houses all your staircase needs. We offer staircase customization, so your every need is taken care of. But, we also have a vast design portfolio you can choose from. 

Your staircase is more than just a tool. It is an essential part of the home that offers both functional and embellishment purposes. So next time you think of saying things such as “It’s just stairs!”, we urge you to think again! Stairs add character and dictate the feel of the home. 

Are you ready to give your staircase a makeover? Call iStairs, Inc. today! 

Painting your stairs is not like painting your walls. There are certain limitations when it comes to the paint types and finishes you can use. In doing any task, you have to consider the function of the item first and foremost. Since stairs are something you step on every day, you have to take into account how slippery the treads become after coating them with paint.  

High gloss finish 

In choosing your paint, always think about where you are going to apply it. Since stairs are prone to dirt, dust, and stain, it is best to use paints high gloss finish. This type of paint is easier to clean. Wipe it with a damp cloth, and you’ll be good to go. Make sure to look for high gloss paint that is not slippery. Some hardware stores have paint samples applied on different materials so you can see the effect. If this is not available, you can try buying a small can of paint for you to try first. The important thing is you did your research and testing correctly before painting the whole thing.  

Latex paint 

Nobody wants slippery stairs. It is hazardous for anyone living in your home, especially to children who love running up and down the stairs. If you are repainting your stairs, you can use latex paint first. Then, top it with water-based paint to make it more durable. If you are going to DIY your painting jobs, this won’t be too hard of a job. Latex paint is easy to work with and dries quickly. Oil-based paints are also an option, but they are challenging to apply, and it takes a lot of time to dry. They usually have a smell as well, so staying in your home during the paint job is not advisable, especially to those with young kids. 

Dark color finish 

The best option for painting your stairs are dark colors. Try to avoid using any light-colored paints for the treads. If you really want bright colors for your stairs, limit its use to the balusters or risers. Neutral dark colors such as black and dark brown are most popular among homeowners since it can hide dirt and dust. For busy homeowners who cannot mop their stairs on an everyday basis, dark-colored paints are a lifesaver. You need not spend countless hours cleaning the treads, because the color of the material does not highlight the dirt.  

If you’re on the market for new stairs, call iStairs! Give us a call today!  

Your staircase is an integral part of your home. It leads you to other parts of the house and they are essential to your everyday routine. Because of its function, your staircase takes a beating day in and day out. Inevitably, your stairs will eventually give out. 

Find out if that day is today! Here are the signs you should look for when deciding if it’s the right time to replace your staircase.

Recurring squeaky sounds. 

Squeaky sounds are some of the most annoying problems a homeowner can have. Think about all the late-night trips to the kitchen to sneak in a few snacks. It sounds like a good idea, right? Imagine the people who will be awakened by those squeaks as you go down the stairs! 

While this problem does not seem like a big deal, you should not merely brush it off. Squeaky sounds are one of the many indicators that something is wrong. It only means that the parts of your stairs are not as well-installed, as they should be. The tread and the riser have a significant gap between them, which produces that horrible sound. You can try to fix it by gluing them together correctly, or you call in a pro. 

If the sounds recur over time, it’s best to consider replacing your stairs. 

Rotting wood 

Wood is a common material used for stairs. It is sturdy and beautiful if installed correctly. However, wood is not invincible. One common issue with wood is its susceptibility to water damage. 

Whether it is caused by flooding due to weather, or consistent spilling of liquid on your stairs, wood is bound to be affected. The material can eventually rot. It will lead to the weakening of the structural integrity of the stairs. 

If this is the kind of issue you want to address, do not attempt to do it yourself. Water damage needs the attention of experts, as it may also affect the electrical components of the house. 

Broken parts 

Usual wear and tear can cause the breakage of different parts of your stairs – be it the riser or the treads. Immediately after identifying this issue, you must have the problem fixed. Inattentiveness and broken stair parts are a recipe for disaster. 

Be a responsible homeowner by always making sure your stairs are well-maintained. Otherwise, you will be putting the safety of everyone in your household at risk.

Wobbly balusters     

Balusters or columns are the ones the connect your steps to the rails. It is a significant part of the staircase because it provides safety and protection. If a baluster is wobbly, it cannot perform its function properly. It may not be able to support your body weight in case of accidental slips or falls. 

If you are encountering this issue, make sure to address it right away. Seek the assistance of professionals to solve the problem. 

Loose handrail 

Alongside with the baluster, the handrail protects you from accidents. It serves a barrier that will guard you against accidents. If the handrail is loose, the chances of you falling are higher. 

Consider the safety of your loved ones and call experts to help you in this matter! 

Are you in need of professional assistance? Bring the iStairs team in! iStairs is a one-stop-shop ready to help you with any issue you have with your staircase! A team of courteous and qualified individuals is waiting to assist you! Dial 844-STAIR-4U today! 

Cleaning is one of the simplest tasks you can do to make sure every part of your home stays looking good and fresh. All the nooks and crannies should be well-kept so that damage can be avoided. But remember, cleaning cannot be done haphazardly! There are some things that you have to remember when cleaning: such as the correct cleaning equipment and the right cleaning agent, so the material of your home will not be damaged.  

Today, we are going to teach you how to clean iron balusters. 

Use a microfiber cloth.  

Iron baluster designs can range from simple lines to intricate grooves. The more complex the design gets, the tougher it is to clean. Most often than not, the dust gets stuck in hard-to-reach corners of balusters. The best way to clean balusters is by using a microfiber cloth. This type of cleaning material can get into intricate details of the iron railing. It is the best choice as it collects dust thoroughly. If you notice that the cloth has accumulated too much dust, you can replace it easily or wash it before continuing. Avoid feather dusters as it will just spread the dust all over instead of collecting it. Microfiber cloth is a cheap cleaning material you can find anywhere! So, it won’t be a problem to look for one! 

Clean the treads, risers, and handrails.  

If you start cleaning your balusters, make sure to do a complete sweep of the area as well. The dirt and dust from the other parts of the stairs can get into the balusters if left unattended. Do a weekly cleaning of your stairs to keep them looking good as new.  

Do not use highly chemical cleaning sprays.  

Cleaning your iron balusters need not involve complex cleaning agents such as bleach, polishing cream, and the likes. Harsh chemicals can damage the iron with frequent use. What you can opt for instead is a trusted, simple vinegar solution. Get a spray bottle and fill it with water and vinegar solution at a 2:1 ratio. For example, you can mix 2 cups of warm water and 1 cup of vinegar. This simple solution will do the trick. Just spray the solution into a washcloth until fully soaked and wipe away. Remember to wipe the balusters dry to avoid rusting in the future. Also, don’t worry about the smell. The vinegar smell will only last for a few minutes, and you will be left with nothing but clean balusters.  

Are you getting tired of cleaning your intricate iron balusters and would like to try out different and more modern designs? iStairs is here for you. We are a one-stop-shop for all your staircase needs – be it installation, repairs, remodeling. Name it, and we can do it! You can choose from hundreds of different designs in our portfolio! You can also design your own. Are you interested in trying a new look for your home? Provide us some details about the project, and we will give you a comprehensive quotation! 

Balusters, also commonly known as spindles, do more than just connect the handrail to the treads of your stairs. Despite how simple they appear, they are essential to your homes. They are not merely supports placed for your handrail. They serve a particular purpose – that is, providing safety for you and your family.  

Balusters are there to protect you from accidents. That is why it is a must that they are up to code. Placing balusters in your homes cannot be done haphazardly. Specific rules must be followed to ensure safeness and functionality. The 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) provides for the four-inch sphere test. It means that a four-inch sphere should not be able to pass through between your balusters. This provision ensures that your house is safe, even for small children and babies.  

 Today, we will teach you how to space the balusters in your homes properly. 

In general, there are two places where you put balusters – the stairs and the balcony. How to compute for the proper number and spacing of balusters depend on this factor.  

Balusters for balconies 

The first thing you should do is measure the length of your balcony. Get a measuring tape and secure it to one end and pull it until you reach the other end. Once you have the measurement, you can then multiply the number by 3. For instance, the end-to-end measurement of your balcony is 20 feet. Multiply 20 feet by 3, and you will get 60. You will need 60 balusters in total for your balcony. One important thing to remember is that if the distance is not a whole number, you have to round it up. Let’s say; the distance is 40.6 feet; you should use 41 as your multiplier.  

Balusters for stairs 

The first step is to measure the depth of a single tread from back to front. You need to place as many balusters as necessary to meet the four-inch sphere test. For example, your tread is 12 inches; then, you have to put 3 to 4 balusters (depending on the thickness of your baluster) to meet the standard.  

The second step is to count the number of treads in your staircase. You have to multiply this number with the value you have determined in step one. Let’s say you need 3 balusters per tread, multiply 3 with the number of treads. That’s the number you need for one side. For instance, 20 steps multiplied by 3 balusters equal 60.  

Finally, you have to multiply this by 2 if both sides of your stairs need balusters. That gives you 120 balusters in total. 

While it’s okay to DIY your stairs if you have the know-how to do so, it is still best to leave the matter to professionals. Stairs are an integral part of anyone’s home, and it must be built as correctly as possible. Many accidents in the house involved faulty stairs and improperly laid balusters. Do not be part of those statistics! Call iStairs for professional assistance. We will ensure your stairs are not just up to Code but beautiful as well! 

The staircase is an important part of the house as it connects the upper and lower part of your home. This means it sees a lot of foot traffic. 

While wooden stairs are made durable to last for a long time, it’s still susceptible to wear and tear as people move up and down on a daily basis. 

To maintain a strong staircase and keep your family safe, here are some tell-tale signs that your stairs are in need of simple or major repairs. 

Squeaky stairs 

It’s annoying to have creaking but you can’t avoid having squeaky stairs over time. As people go up and down the stairs, parts loosen up, forming gaps between the stair riser and tread. But don’t fret, this one’s an easy fix. First, you need to find where the squeak comes from. This would be easier to find if you have access to the underside of your stairs. Once you’ve found it, use carpenter glue to fill the space. 

Unsecured handrail 

Handrails provide support to people going up and down the stairs, and prevents injurious fall. They are usually supported by posts or mounted directly on walls. So when handrails are detached or not securely placed, this could pose danger to people using the stairs. Luckily, this is also an easy fix. You just need to tighten screws where the handrail is attached to to keep it in place. 

Damaged by pet 

Pets can cause damage to your stairs by scratching or chewing on the wood. While it doesn’t really pose any danger, it’s not a good sight on your staircase. You can try sanding or re-staining the damaged part to make it look good as new.  

Loose tread 

When squeaky stairs are not addressed immediately, this could lead to loose stair treads. This issue causes more creaks and stair movement. Unless fixed, this could become a serious problem so it’s best to fix this immediately. You can do this without professional help. Fixing this would be easier if you can access the underside of your stairs, But if you’re not confident you can address the problem on your own, it’s better to leave the job to the professionals. 

Wobbly post 

Like loosened handrails, wobbly posts can pose danger to anyone using the stairs. But more often than not, this problem requires a new post to be installed, and this requires the help of an experienced carpenter. 

Water damage 

Water damage in any part of your home is troublesome. And when your stairs get water damage, you’ll see warping of the wood. This requires immediate attention and professional help to be able to assess the extent of the damage. 

Broken treads or risers 

Cracked treads usually occur when it lacks support, or when there is change in humidity. However, this problem cannot be fixed by just gluing the pieces together. Repairing or replacing the damaged step needs to happen as soon as possible so as not to cause more damage to your staircase.  

When it comes to stair problems, iStairs can provide you with the expertise you need. We serve locations across Northern California with a toolkit of expertise, creative vision, and quality hardware. Tell us your problem by visiting or giving us a call, and we’ll restore your stairs in no time.