How We Turned a Builder-Grade Basement Staircase Into a Modern Showpiece
Side profile of the renovated staircase showing the open-riser design with wide pine steps, stained in a rich walnut tone. A clean white storage door is built beneath the stairs for added function
Transforming a Builder-Grade Staircase into a Modern Feature
Staircases are more than just a way to move between floors - they are an important architectural feature that can set the tone for an entire space. In many basements though, the stairs are left as an afterthought: narrow, squeaky, and purely functional.
That was the case in this Richmond Hill basement renovation, where the original staircase was closed-in, painted white, and built with standard builder-grade materials. It worked, but it felt dated and out of place compared to the vision the homeowner had for their finished basement.
The Client’s Vision
An open staircase that would make the basement feel brighter and more connected to the rest of the house.
Much wider steps for a more comfortable, safer walk.
A clean, minimal look with no railings or decorative extras - just a solid, modern wood staircase that felt like a design feature rather than an afterthought.
The Renovation Process
Material Choice
For this build, I went with Pine - an unconventional choice, but one that gave us the perfect balance between strength, affordability, and a beautiful wood grain. To elevate the finish, I used Minwax oil mixed with a touch of dark walnut stain, which gave the steps a warm, rich tone that tied in perfectly with the new basement flooring.
Reinforcement for Strength & Silence
The client was clear about wanting wider steps, but that introduced a challenge: wider treads often mean more flex and squeaking. To prevent this, I installed 2x4 supports underneath each step, stained to match so they blended seamlessly. Combined with heavy use of construction adhesive, this gave the staircase rock-solid stability and eliminated squeaks - a detail that makes all the difference over time.
Building the Open-Riser Look
The old, enclosed staircase was stripped down and rebuilt into an open-riser design. Not only does this make the basement feel bigger and brighter, it also creates a sleek, modern look.
Before & After
The original builder-grade basement staircase with narrow white-painted steps and unfinished framing. The closed-in design makes the space feel small and utilitarian
Side view of the unfinished basement staircase with exposed framing and plain white-painted treads. The enclosed, dated design lacks character and flow
Before: A closed-in, builder grade staircase with narrow, painted treads and no character.
After: A handcrafted open staircase with wide pine treads, rich stain, and hidden reinforcements - a clean, modern focal point for the basement.
The Final Result
Side profile of the renovated staircase showing the open-riser design with wide pine steps, stained in a rich walnut tone. A clean white storage door is built beneath the stairs for added function
A modern open-riser basement staircase built from stained pine wood. The wide steps and warm finish create a sleek, rustic-modern look that brightens the space
After about 10 days of work, the transformation was complete. The homeowners were thrilled with the results: a staircase that was solid underfoot, squeak-free, and visually striking.
What was once a basic utility stair is now a design centerpiece - one that makes the basement feel like a natural extension of the living space downstairs.
Why Upgrade a Basement Staircase
Adds Value: A finished staircase makes the basement feel like part of the home, not just an afterthought.
Improves Comfort & Safety: Wider, reinforced steps are easier and safer to use.
Enhances Style: An open-riser, wood-stained staircase instantly elevates the look of the basement.
Closing Thoughts
Every renovation is a chance to turn a small detail into a standout feature, and this Richmond Hill Staircase is the perfect example. By choosing quality materials, reinforcing for strength, and designing with the client’s vision in mind, we were able to deliver a staircase that’s not only functional but beautiful.
This project is complete, but it’s part of a series of basement renovation projects done for this client. I’ll be sharing more of my reno projects here and on Instagram to showcase how the right design choices can completely transform a home.
