FAQ – Ravenwood Stairs

We are passionate about stairs, but we know not everybody shares the same enthusiasm!

Thinking about building a new home, upgrading your current space, or just curious as a contractor? Take a look at our Stairs 101 section and commonly asked questions below. If you can’t find what you need, contact us by phone, email, or our online quote form.

Common Questions

What kind of wood do you use? Where do you source your wood?

We can work with any kind of wood, but most staircases fall under Standard or Exotic wood.

Standards: Birch, Oak, maple, ash, pine, poplar
Exotics: white oak, maghanoy, walnut, jatoba, birds eye

Have something in mind you don’t see here? Let us know!

Do you install across PEI? The Maritimes?

We currently install across PEI, but are open to projects across Atlantic Canada.
We also ship parts and spiral staircase kits across the world, and the furthest order we completed was in Japan!

How do I get a quote?

Visit our “Request a Quote” form located below or on the home page.

When will I hear back from my quote request?

Most quotes can be returned in about a week depending on the time of year and how busy the team is. That being said, we do our best to confirm messages or respond to questions within 1-2 days.

What's the timeframe for Ravenwood services? When should I reach out to you?

Once a quote’s been agreed on, we recommend booking with 6-8 weeks notice.

Life can bring about unexpected obstacles, so we can accommodate different projects at the same time depending on the scope, timeline, location, etc. That being said, advanced notice is always appreciated and those projects will be prioritized.

When do you require a deposit?

We charge a 25% deposit for installations once the quote has been approved.

For spirals and shipping parts, we charge a 50% deposit as the order’s received, with the balance due on delivery.

How long will it take to install my stairs?

All stairs are pre-finished and cut to size for the installation. Your stairs will be installed in a day so you’ll never lose access to the upstairs. Total finishing is approximately 3-5 days.

Will you finish or refinish stairs?

We take on stair finishing projects depending on our current workload or time of year. We do not refinish stairs.

Stairway Specifics

How wide should my stairs be?

Most Stairs are between 36″ and 48″ wide. Some custom stairs will be wider.

What should my railing height be?

Minimum railing height is 36″

How much space should I have between spindles?

Maximum space between a spindle is 4″ to mimic the size of a babys head. Spacing usually is between 3 1/4″ to 3 7/8″ depending on the layout.

What is the minimum & maximum rise? What is the minimum & maximum run?

Rise:
Minimum – 4 7/8″
Max – 7 7/8″
Most Stairs fall between 7″ and 7 7/8″

Run:
Minimum – 10″
Maximum – 14″
Most stairs are done at a 10″, measured from riser face to riser face. This doesn’t include the overhang of each tread.

What is the minimum head height?

77″
We measure this by laying a board or straight edge between the noses of 2 or more treads, then use a laser to measure from any point on the board directly to the ceiling above.

Spirals, Handrails, and Parts

What is the standard diameters for spiral staircases?

Standard sizes range from 47″ – 72″, but we have built up to 80″

How does the Spiral Staircase kit work?

With a few basic measurements and pictures, we will

Manufacture your spiral to size
Sand it to 120 Grit
Add a stain and top coat
Carefully package and ship your stairs right to your door!

Ravenwood includes detailed instructions so that any contractor, handyman, or homeowner can reassemble the spiral with ease, but we also offer professional installation across the maritimes. Contact us for more information and to order your kit! We offer international shipping.

Why should I consider a spiral staircase?

Spirals aren’t for every space, but if you want to make the most out of your square footage, access or create a loft, or if you’re looking for a stylish addition then you should definitely consider installing a spiral staircase.

Does Ravenwood build handrails and posts?

Yes! We have a variety of options to choose from depending on your design plans and budget.

Do you sell parts?

Ravenwood frequently has wood, parts, and other materials ready for construction or personal projects. Let us know if you are looking for something specific.

Request a Quote

First Steps (aka Stairs 101)

Are you taking the first steps to planning your stairs but finding all the lingo too much to understand? We get it. Here’s a list of definitions and a few diagrams using examples from our gallery.

Treads – The actual steps you walk on.

Risers (or Kickplates) – the vertical part of the step

Skirtboards – The part of the staircase that goes down and against a wall.

Stringer – The vertical support board or structural member that runs along each side or center of the staircase.

Monostringer – The vertical support board that runs along the center of the staircases. Click here for a photo example.

Handrail – We offer multiple Choose from a variety of handrail profile 5 profiles of handrails

Newel Post – the bigger post at the end / middle / top

Baluster or Spindle – vertical part of a handle

Rise – the distance between treads

Run – the minimum depth of a tread

Finishing / Refinishing – Refinishing staircases means sanding, staining and adding a top coat. Finishing is adding a stain and top coat to already-sanded stairs.