Staircases

Development

Designing historically accurate wood staircases is a detailed and multidisciplinary process. It requires expertise in structural engineering, load distribution, anchoring systems, and traditional woodworking methods. Unlike modern stair construction, historical stair systems demand a higher level of craftsmanship and time investment.

Each component must first undergo a thorough structural analysis. Once current building codes and safety requirements have been addressed, the original design elements can be recreated and integrated into a new, stable substructure. This ensures that the staircase is not only authentic in appearance but also structurally sound.

Designs/Drawings

The design process begins by establishing the functional layout of the staircase. At this stage, every historic detail is carefully considered to align with the client's vision and the architectural context of the building. Each wood component—newel posts, balusters, railings, and more—is evaluated for both form and function.

Heritage Restoration and Design creates:

Site plans
Detailed component drawings
3D renderings

These documents help clients visualize the final product and confirm the design’s historical accuracy. Once the design is approved, we move forward with sourcing the necessary materials.

Materials

A historically authentic staircase must be crafted from premium-quality wood. Our team hand-selects lumber based on thickness, grain pattern, and color—ensuring it meets both structural and aesthetic standards.

Unlike modern construction that often uses ¾-inch thick boards, Heritage Restoration recommends and uses full 1-inch boards, which are more in line with historical practices and offer greater durability. Finding modern wood that replicates the look and feel of centuries-old materials is a challenge we meet with great care and experience.

Shop Production

Quality materials are only part of the equation—craftsmanship and equipment are equally vital. Our workshop is fully equipped and staffed by experienced artisans who understand the precision required for staircase construction.

Every tread, riser, spindle, and railing is milled to exact specifications. Dry-fitting is performed in-shop before finishing begins, ensuring that each part fits together flawlessly as part of the larger system. This attention to detail guarantees long-term integrity and seamless assembly.

Finishing

Given the care taken during design and fabrication, finishing is treated with the same level of excellence. Heritage Restoration applies only high-grade industrial coatings during staining and clear-coating. To achieve an authentic aged look, we first “age” the wood—giving it the appearance of 100- to 300-year-old timber.

This proprietary aging process is exclusive to Heritage Restoration and Design. We use only modified oil-based stains that deeply penetrate the wood, providing rich color and long-lasting protection. The result is a beautifully aged finish that complements the staircase’s historical character.

Onsite Assembly

Installation is the final step—and it’s handled with the same expertise as every other phase. Many of our installers have worked on the project from the beginning, giving them complete knowledge of the design, structure, and fit.

We begin by delivering and carefully unpacking all components, allowing them to acclimate to the site’s temperature and humidity. A dry fit is performed to verify precision. Once confirmed, each section is glued and fastened securely into place. On-site adjustments are made as needed to accommodate specific floor and wall conditions.

Within a short period, your historical staircase is fully assembled and ready for generations of use.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

At Heritage Restoration and Design, we take pride in creating authentic historical reproductions that blend beauty, strength, and tradition. Our mission is simple yet powerful:
“Design, Restore, and Preserve for the Future.”

Let us help you create a staircase that honors the past—and stands strong well into the future.