Custom Staircases Chicago: Fine Hardwood Stairs for Homes and Builders

Chicago's leading custom staircase specialist for over 55 years.

From simple and sleek wooden stairways to dramatic, curved staircase masterpieces, we create staircases that are both beautiful and built to last.

If you're a homeowner, builder, designer, or renovator in Chicago, our stair experts will bring your vision to life with craftsmanship, premium materials, and personalized service tailored to your home.

  • Over 55 years of experience
  • Built to last
  • Designed for Chicago homes
Custom staircase with iron balusters in a Chicago home

What Makes Chicago Stair Projects Different?

Staircase project in Chicago
  • Older “vintage” homes can have awkward stair spaces and need custom solutions.
  • High-rise buildings present logistical challenges.
  • We've done thousands of stairs in Chicago and know local codes, neighborhoods, and home styles.
See How We Can Help

Custom Stair Services in Chicago

Designed Stairs is your full-service staircase partner, from concept to completion, proudly serving Chicago. We handle every detail with care and craftsmanship.

Curved Stairs

Open Rise and Floating Stairs

  • Thick treads
  • Open rise
  • Single / mono stringers
  • Wood and metal stringers
  • Structural stringers

Remodel

  • Baluster replacement
  • Rail replacement (balusters, rails, newels)
  • Full stair replacement

Historic and Reproduction Stairs and Rails

  • Reproduction rails
  • Reproduction turnings
  • Reproduction newels
  • Reproduction trims
  • Raising heights on historic railings for code compliance

Luxury Upper Bracket Stairs

  • Masterworks quality from parts through install
  • One-of-a-kind designs
  • Architectural sign-off drawing packages for submittals

Custom Fabricated Kits for Professional Carpenters to Install

  • Field measure and design for custom fabricated stair kit
  • Stringers routed on CNC
  • One call takes care of all stair needs
  • Fully stocked and custom selections

Luxury Multifamily Projects

  • Hardwood stairs assembled or installed
  • Large selections of trending styles for the upscale market
  • High-volume custom fabrication
  • Multifamily code compliance

Design Services

  • Space planning design for stairs
  • 3D stair modeling available
  • Complete technical design, including intersections and connections

Trade Partner with Builders

  • Strategic partnership with home builders
  • Turnkey stair services from design through installation
  • Space planning design for stairs
  • Oversight on framing (to match your stair plan)
  • Timeline and budget planning

Commercial Stairs and Rails

  • Stairs for luxury offices and retail
  • Custom fabricated stair and rail packages
  • Glass railings
  • Custom styles
  • Commercial code compliance

Trade Program with Designers

  • New construction
  • Remodel

Trade Programs with Flooring Companies

  • Retrofit stair treads as parts and full-service install
  • Full stair and rail remodels

Custom Staircase Options for Chicago Homes

  • Straight Staircases – clean, timeless, and perfect for classic homes
  • Curved Staircases – elegant, custom curves for a grand entrance
  • Open-Riser Stairs – modern, airy look ideal for lofts and modern homes
  • Floating Stairs – sleek, minimal, and architectural statement pieces
  • Spiral Staircases – compact, stylish solutions for small spaces
  • L-Shaped Stairs – space-saving turns with visual appeal
  • U-Shaped Stairs – great for multi-level and traditional floor plans
  • Basement Staircases – functional designs that fit any basement layout
Custom staircase options for Chicago homes

Chicago Stair Projects

Wrought-iron balusters with trimmed newels in a Chicago home.
Wrought-iron balusters with trimmed newels in a Chicago home.
A curved staircase with iron balusters and a warm wood handrail.
A curved staircase with iron balusters and a warm wood handrail.
A restored historic staircase with turned balusters and original scrollwork.
A restored historic staircase with turned balusters and original scrollwork.
A Craftsman-style stair in warm oak with square balusters and boxed newels. A new stair and rail for a Chicago bungalow.
A Craftsman-style stair in warm oak with square balusters and boxed newels. A new stair and rail for a Chicago bungalow.
A modern floating stair with light-wood treads and a stainless cable railing. Installed in the Museum of Science and Industry Smart Home.
A modern floating stair with light-wood treads and a stainless cable railing. Installed in the Museum of Science and Industry Smart Home.
A contemporary stair with a glass balustrade against exposed Chicago brick. As seen in season 3 of Chicago PD.
A contemporary stair with a glass balustrade against exposed Chicago brick. As seen in season 3 of Chicago PD.

Chicago Neighborhoods Served

Serving neighborhoods across the city of Chicago. We build custom staircases and railings for homes throughout the city.

What Builders, Designers, and Homeowners Say

The reviews people share with us prove our dedication to quality, service, and results.

★★★★★
“Designed Stairs is Chicago's “go to stair company” because of their knowledge, quality and selection. They take you through the entire process which is important given the vast options available. There is nothing they cannot do and they only produce beautiful work. Being a preferred resource for all Chicago's high end builders and interior designers for decades is just another reason I work with no one else.”
– Michael Abrams, Abrams Valenti — Trade Professional
★★★★★
“Environs Development designs and builds distinctive luxury custom homes. We are a full-service firm with a rare mix of credentials under one roof. The same can be said of Designed Stairs. They have true expertise in all aspects of a professional stair firm. They have been a valuable partner sub-contractor with Environs since our start in 1991.”
– Christopher McKinnis, Environs Development — Trade Professional
★★★★★
“We hired Designed Stairs to do a new stairwell wall railing and upper stairwell railing (banisters, newel, etc.). Harburt was so great to work with, very patient and very informative. They had amazing choices and really were great partners through the whole process to help us get to our desired vision. Day of the install was quick, thorough and respectful of the space. Have gotten so many compliments on the work and absolutely recommend them to anyone in the Chicagoland area.”
– Alichia S., Homeowner — Chicago
★★★★★
“Designed Stairs installed six stairways for us in two neighboring, high end, custom Chicago residences. Their field measuring and preparation prior to fabrication makes all the difference. Their pricing is fair, and their work is perfect! Without a doubt, we will be working again in the future!”
– William Wangler, Trade Professional — Chicago
★★★★★
“The Designed Stairs team is extremely professional and kind. Highly recommend them. They know their products and craft very well. We worked with Jason to get a detailed quote and the team designed a lovely staircase.”
– James P., Homeowner — Chicago

Why Choose Designed Stairs for Custom Staircases in Chicago?

Start Planning Your Custom Staircase in Chicago

Whether you're building new, remodeling, or upgrading your staircase, we're here to help you create something beautiful and built to last.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Custom Staircases Chicago FAQs

How much does a custom staircase cost in Chicago?

Costs vary based on size, materials, and design complexity. Contact us for a free estimate.

How long does it take to build a custom staircase?

Most projects take 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the scope and materials.

Do you provide stair parts or just full stair systems?

We provide both. We can supply individual parts or build and install complete staircases.

Can you match my existing floors or wood tones?

While we do not provide finishing services, we can match the hardwood species. We also offer special texturing like wire brush and scraping.

Are your staircases up to code?

Yes. All staircases are built to meet or exceed Illinois building codes and safety standards.

Do you build outdoor or exterior staircases?

While we do not offer exterior installations, we do offer fabricated millwork such as reproduction balusters and curved stringers for exterior applications.

Where do you provide service?

We serve all of Chicago. See full service areas above.