Blog Category : Staircases

Amazing Before and After Stair Makeovers

Stair and railing before and after images are a great place to start when trying to do a remodel or create a new project. Some people have an eye for design, however, for those who have difficulty imagining the transformation of a project these pictures will help you see the vision. Not only do stairs function as a way of transitioning between levels, and railings provide safety they also set the tone for the interior design style. Many staircases are located at the entrance of a home and are the first thing guests encounter when entering your home. Your stairs make your home’s first impression so why not make it great!

Stair Before and After Creative Ideas

1) Traditional Stair to Modern Glass Floating Stair

BEFORE – The owners of this coastal Connecticut home realized that the location of their large traditional stairs blocked the home’s main wall facing the ocean. In addition, the limited amount of windows resulted in a dimly lit entrance. The goal of this project was to create an open and inviting space with lots of natural light and open up the view. They completely gutted the entrance and changed the direction of the stairs to achieve this transformation from traditional style to a modern light and airy aesthetic with a floating staircase.

AFTER – To achieve the objectives of this project, floor-to-ceiling windows were added to allow for the flow of natural light throughout the entrance. When transcending the stairs the glass window wall allows for stunning views of the ocean. To maintain the openness without blocking the views, our engineers designed a mono stringer floating stair with glass railings. The single stringer is made of steel and powder-coated black, the treads are 3-inch thick white oak and we used 3/8 in thick starfire glass panels for the railings. The result is an open, modern, and light-filled room.

What stair and railing is this? Keuka Studios mono-stringer floating stair made of steel with glass railing.

Learn more about types of stairs on Keuka Studios

2) Colonial Spindle Baluster to Modern Cable Railing

Before makeover traditional white spindle stair railinging

BEFORE – Located in Webster, NY this couple wanted to add a touch of their own personality to their new home so they opted to replace a colonial spindle baluster railing. The existing stair just wasn’t their style, since they were inspired by a modern minimalist style they decided on a cable railing system. Also, because they have small children one of their project requirements included adding matching gates to the stairs.

AFTER – Our client selected our Ithaca-style cable railing system with its narrow posts and distinctive modern style to replace the colonial stairs. They added matching gates and modernize the stairs with thick wood treads.

What railing is this? Keuka Studios Ithaca-style cable railing system made of steel with matching gates, wood top rail and stainless steel cables.

Learn about our cable railings and why they are the best.

3) Contemporary Wood Spindles to Sleek Stainless Steel Railing

Before wood contemporary railing with carpet on stairs

BEFORE – This client decided to remodel their outdated heavy wood contemporary, carpeted, and dark, stairs. Their vision for their stairs was to create a modern style that would be open and minimalist. In keeping with today’s design trends, they opted for a sleek stainless steel cable railing system.

After image stairs with stainless steel cable railing

AFTER – Their remodel objectives were realized by updating the carpet and adding a stainless steel cable railing system. This client chose our Ithaca-style railing system for its sleek streamlined design. They also opted for the posts to be made of stainless steel and included our escutcheon plates to cover the post hardware. Exquisitely crafted by our talented team this railing system has an impressive, refined, and sleek appearance.

What Railing Is this? – Keuka Studios Ithaca Style cable railing in stainless steel with stainless steel top rail and escutcheon plates.

4) Shaky Spiral Stair Update to Switchback Stair

ShakysSpiral stair with winder treads.

BEFORE – This beach house on Fire Island, NY had a shaky spiral stair with narrow winder steps that made it difficult to maneuver up and down the stairs. The objective of this project was to design a stair that would fit into this tight space while eliminating all winder steps to make it a safer transition between floors. It was also important to our client to improve the stability of the steps and keep the stairs open to the rest of the room. We started by measuring the site with a FARO 3D laser scanner to understand the dimensions we were required to work within. This allowed our engineers to create a custom stair that would fit in the allotted space and meet the customer’s objectives.

Updated switchback stairs with landings and wood treads

AFTER – We solved our client’s dilemma by replacing the rickety spiral stair with a mono-stringer floating switchback staircase. This eliminated all of the winder treads and by adding landings the access to the upper level is much safer and easier. Combined with the cable railing system the stairs maintain an open aesthetic and fit within the available space.

What type of stair is this? Keuka Studios switchback mono-stringer stair made of steel with Ithaca Style cable railing system.

5) Office Space Colonial Stair and Railing to Floating Stair and Curved Cable Railing

Before Office Spindle stair railing and balcony

BEFORE – Located in Burlington, NJ this office building entry interior design was stuck in the ’80s. The staircase boosted colonial wood spindle railings accented with pink and turquoise decor. The objective of this project was to makeover the dated space into today’s modern style. It was also important to create an open space by adding floating stairs and include ADA-compliant handrails.

AFTER – To bring this entry into the present and meet the requirements for this project our engineers designed a mono-stringer stair with our curved Keuka style cable railing system. The cable railing seamlessly transcends the stairs and wraps around the upper-level balcony. The stairs have thick treads and include an ADA-compliant handrail. The color palette was changed up using neutral colors with dark accents. The result is a complete modern makeover.

What railing is this? Keuka Studios curved Keuka Style cable railing system with ADA compliant handrails.

Learn more about ADA handrail ideas.

6) Enclosed Condo Stairwell to Floating Stairs and Railing

Before of closed stairwell with dated wood spindle stairs

BEFORE – Located in Hartsdale, NY this condominium had an enclosed stairwell with a heavy wood, old-school contemporary railing. The space was dark and dated. With an eye for detail, the vision of this client was to give the space a refresh. The objective included creating a space that would feel larger and more open. This was accomplished by removing the stairwell walls adjacent to the living room and allowing for natural light throughout the space.

After Open floating stairs with cable railing system

AFTER – To accomplish the objective of opening up the stairwell we crafted a mono-stringer steel staircase with floating treads and our Ithaca-style cable railing system. The treads are thick wood with a matching top rail. As a result, the interior of the condo feels larger and more spacious.

What stair and railing is this? Keuka Studios mono-stringer stair with Ithaca style cable railing system made of steel with wood treads and top rail.

Browse More about Stairs on Keuka Studios

How much do custom floating stairs cost? Custom stair Designs How to measure stairs

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

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Black Stainless Steel Cable Railing and Fittings

Blackened Stainless Steel Cable Railing

Black Stainless Steel Cable Railing by Keuka Studios:

Looking for an alternative to stainless steel? Keuka Studios is proud to announce that we now fabricate black cable railing systems. We have blackened stainless cable and blackened stainless cable fittings* available to purchase today for cable railings. Black is making a comeback in 2019 and you can now purchase blackened stainless cable and blackened stainless fittings for your cable railing system to go with your all-black decorating theme. This is a hot new design trend in 2019. Our black cable railing and hardware is made of Type 316 marine grade stainless steel and black-oxide coated.

* U.S. Patent No. 10,436,23


Common Questions:

What is blackened stainless steel?

Typically, blackened stainless is achieved by a conversion coating process known as black oxide. This process forms a slightly transparent black patina on the surface of the metal. This can add color and character to the otherwise shiny cable railing fittings.

Is blackened stainless suitable for outdoors?

Yes, blackened stainless cable and fittings can be used outdoors. Like most patinas, the black layer can lighten over time when used outdoors. We do not recommend this finish in coastal areas.

Where can I buy blackened stainless steel cable fittings?

Blackened stainless steel cable fittings and cable are hard to come by. At Keuka Studios, we offer cable railing systems with the option of blackened stainless steel hardware. Take a look at our design process to learn how we can build and deliver your perfect black cable railing system.

How much do blackened stainless steel cable railings cost?

Because it takes time to oxidize the stainless steel, blackened cable railing hardware does cost more than regular stainless steel. Also, the cost of your railing system will depend on the specs of your project. To get a better idea of how much your black cable railing system will cost, you can request a customized quote.

Black Railing System Example:

Black-Stainless-Steel-Stair-Railing
Black-Railing-System
Black Exterior Railing System
Blackened-Stainless-Steel-Fittings
Black-Cable-Railing
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Understanding Metal Railing Finishes

modern staircase

Keuka Studios Railing Finish Options

When choosing the finish type for your railing system, you’ll want to consider your desired style, material, and location of the railing. Each material and finish combination offered at Keuka Studios has its unique advantages to consider before making your choice. Some materials and finishes can be used in combination to achieve your desired style. For example, using stainless steel posts and powder-coated steel stringers, or choosing a stainless steel top rail with powder-coated steel or aluminum posts. To select the materials and railing finish that’s right for your project, take a look at the following examples.

1. Powder-Coated

An advantage of powder-coating your railing and stair project is the wide variety of colors and textures of powder coats that are available. This allows you to customize your project to complement or contrast with the surroundings. Powder coat finishes can be flat, matte, glossy, textured, sparkles, and wrinkles. These finishes may be applied to a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. We offer 6 standard colors, however, custom colors may be chosen at a slight price increase to complement your specific project. Powder-coated steel is great for indoor or outdoor projects. However, for coastal environments, we recommend galvanized steel, conversion coated aluminum or stainless steel that is powder-coated for better corrosion resistance.

Concrete Retaining wall with the Keuka Style Curved railing and round top rail

2. Brushed Stainless Steel

If you’re looking for a modern railing with a sleek and luxurious feel, consider stainless steel with a brushed or polished finish. Keuka Studios offers three stainless steel finishes that each require a different degree of labor to achieve and thus vary in cost. One of the most common options is the #4 polish, also known as a brushed finish. (Shown on the cable railing image below).

#4 fine-brushed stainless steel indoor railing finish.

Ithaca style interior stainless steel cable railing on staircase

We also offer the #6 polish, sometimes referred to as a fine-brushed finish. (Shown on the glass railing indoor project and outdoor cable railing project below).

#6 fine-brushed stainless steel indoor railing finish.

#6 fine-brushed stainless steel outdoor railing finish project.

Sleek Brushed Stainless Steel Cable Railing by Keuka Studios

In addition, we have the #8 polish available, which is often called a mirror finish. This has a highly reflective surface. Stainless Steel looks beautiful on both indoor and outdoor applications and is a great choice for coastal environments.

3. Clear Anodized Aluminum

Anodized aluminum is perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications. The process of Anodizing gives the metal a lustrous look and it does not chip or peel. This makes the clear anodized a nice alternative to stainless steel since it has a silvery metallic, brushed appearance at a lower cost than stainless steel. Anodized aluminum is a nice choice for coastal environments and indoor or outdoor locations.

sunken pool and cable wire fence

4. Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel

Keuka Studios offers hot-dipped galvanized steel that can stand alone or be powder-coated to achieve a specific color. Galvanizing steel provides it with additional corrosion protection. Galvanized steel has an industrial look that is on-trend with today’s industrial and rustic design styles. Many times the objective of a railing project will be to match the exposed galvanized steel beams in a space with open ceilings or the exposed steel structure under a deck.

Now that you have had a chance to review the many railing finish options we offer, our experts can further assist you with any additional questions you have to custom make the railing project you desire.

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Where Do You Find Cable Railings Used?

Green cable railing posts with wood hand rail.

Once in a while, I have a customer who contacts me and says, “I found your cable railings online and I love them!” They follow up with, “I have never seen a railing like this in my area, where can I find examples of your work?’

Since we manufacture and ship our railings all over the country, our work can be found everywhere. With that being said, there are certain areas in particular where cable railings are more popular than other areas.

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