White Oak Staircase Remodel in West Chicago, IL

Condition of the Staircase Before We Started

Before the remodel, the staircase had a more traditional railing style with vertical wood spindles and a look that didn’t match the homeowners’ new direction for the house. During a full rehab, stairs become a design anchor, if the staircase looks dated, the entire space feels stuck in the past.

The goal was specific: a lighter, more Scandinavian feel using white oak stair treads, strong contrast on the risers, and thin horizontal lines on the railing. That meant the work couldn’t be partial. The stairs, posts, and handrails had to look like they were designed together, not pieced together.

Step-by-Step: How We Built This Modern Stair + Railing System

We sanded and refinished the stair components (including the start treads and the wood railing parts) and applied 3 coats of Loba 2K DUO. The point here was durability without turning the wood overly shiny or plastic-looking, just a clean, protected surface that keeps the white oak looking natural.

Total project time: 5 days

Step 1: Layout + planning for a clean, modern look

We mapped out the full scope, treads, risers, railing line, post locations, and spindle runs, so everything would land straight and symmetrical. Modern designs look simple… which is exactly why they have to be precise.

Step 2: White oak treads and risers installation

We completed the hardwood stairs installation with new white oak treads and risers. This is the foundation of the whole remodel: tight fit, clean edges, and consistent reveals so the staircase reads crisp and intentional.

Step 3: Black risers for Scandinavian contrast

The risers were painted black to create that modern European contrast: light wood + deep matte black. It makes the white oak feel brighter, and the stair geometry look sharper.

Step 4: Stair railing replacement with posts, handrails + horizontal iron spindles

Next came the railing system: new white oak posts and handrails plus horizontal iron spindles. This is essentially a full staircase spindle replacement, and it changes the vibe instantly, clean lines, modern profile, and a more open feel compared to traditional spindles.

Step 5: Sanding + refinishing, then 3 coats of Loba 2K DUO

We sanded and refinished the stair components (including the start treads and the wood railing parts) and applied 3 coats of Loba 2K DUO. The point here was durability without turning the wood overly shiny or plastic-looking, just a clean, protected surface that keeps the white oak looking natural.

Before & After Comparison

Before: Traditional railing and unfinished remodel conditions, functional, but visually dated for the new style of the home.

After: A modern staircase with white oak treads, black risers, and a clean-lined railing system (white oak posts/handrails + horizontal iron spindles). The finish system makes the wood look refined and consistent from every angle. Exactly the Scandinavian/European vibe the homeowners wanted.

Project Snapshot

• Location: West Chicago, IL
• Duration: 5 days
• Client goal: Modern European / Scandinavian staircase design
• Scope: Staircase remodel + stair and railing installation
• Stairs: White oak treads & risers installation + black risers
• Railing: White oak posts + handrails + horizontal iron spindles
• Finish: 3 coats of Loba 2K DUO
• Result: Clean, modern custom staircase feel with durable protection and sharp contrast

Ready to Update Your Stairs?

If you’re planning a remodel and want your stairs to look intentional, we can help. We handle stairs installation in West Chicago, IL, and other suburbs, staircase railing replacement, and stair refinishing with a clear plan and a clean finish.

Get a quote and a timeline today.