Featured Project Custom Oak Staircase Remodel in Minnetonka A residential property in Minnetonka featured a dangerous, second-floor staircase with a non-compliant handrail. The loose spindles and insufficient railing height created a safety hazard. After completing a successful bathroom remodel, the homeowners commissioned our team to replace their rickety staircase. Layers of carpet, painted pine, and old wood paneling hid the existing structure. We provided a dedicated solution to rebuild the stairs to code while matching the home's interior aesthetic. Key Takeaways THE CHALLENGEThe original staircase was structurally unstable and failed building codes by approximately one foot in height. THE APPROACHWe removed multiple layers of old materials and built a custom oak handrail with iron spindles. THE RESULTA safe, code-compliant staircase featuring a custom stain match to the existing woodwork. Renovating the stairs required careful demolition to uncover the true structural state beneath the surface layers. By removing the hidden treads and paneling, we established a solid foundation for the new oak materials, ensuring long-term safety and stability. Project Summary Client Profile: Residential Homeowner Project Location: Minnetonka, MN Primary Objective: Rebuild a dangerous staircase to meet modern safety codes. Core Approach: Custom carpentry and interior wood staining. Key Outcome: A safe staircase completed in 1.5 weeks. Addressing Safety & Code Violations The initial inspection revealed that the second-floor handrail was about one foot too short to meet current building requirements. Additionally, the white spindles were loose and improperly attached, creating an unstable environment for the residents. The treads themselves were covered in carpet and brown-painted pine. Our tear-out process revealed hidden underlying treads and old wood paneling beneath the drywall, turning a straightforward update into a complex demolition job. Custom Oak Framing & Staining We systematically removed the carpet, old pine, and hidden paneling to expose the structural stringers. The team then installed new oak treads, a custom oak handrail, and secure wooden posts. We integrated wrought iron spindles into the railing for an updated design. "The stairs took us about a week and a half because of all the hidden underlying treads. It was a lot of work to remove, but the stairs turned out beautiful." - (Troy, Mudslingers Drywall & Remodeling) To ensure a cohesive look, we carefully color-matched the stain on the new oak handrail and posts to match the stair treads. You can view our featured projects to see similar detailed carpentry work implemented by our team. Before After Before After Code-Compliant Staircase Results The completed staircase now meets all local building codes for height and structural stability. The custom oak-and-iron design improved the visual appeal of the home entry space. Despite the unexpected layers discovered during demolition, the project was finalized in only one and a half weeks. The clients were impressed with the craftsmanship and the secure result. Need a Staircase Renovation? We take pride in delivering safe, structural interior updates for homes across the Twin Cities. Our in-house crew has the carpentry skills required to handle complex tear-outs and custom wood framing. Do you need help with a similar project in Minnetonka? Schedule a consultation with our team today. Mudslingers Drywall & Remodeling 1000 E. 146th St., Suite 132, Burnsville, MN 55337 Call 651-200-2047 or Schedule Online Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to rebuild a staircase in Minnetonka? A standard staircase replacement takes about one to two weeks, depending on the demolition required. Unexpected structural issues or hidden layers can slightly extend the timeline. Can you match new wood stairs to existing trim? Yes, we apply custom stains to new oak treads and handrails to ensure they match your home's existing woodwork and flooring closely. What happens if my stairs are not up to code? Non-compliant stairs pose a safety risk. We correct height violations, stabilize loose spindles, and reinforce the framing to ensure the structure is safe and legal.