Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 10/27/2008

Question
We are had our carpet removed on 1st and second floors and stairs.  The
wood floors and the treads are red oak and sanded down.  We were planning
on having a natural finish on the floor and stairs.  However, the risers are
beech wood and so are the kickboards, and have a reddish carmel look.  The
balusters are white and the balustrade is the reddish carmel stain, as is all of
the molding and woodwork on the first floor.  The flooring refinisher did not
sand the risers because he said beech wood would take the stain differently
than the red oak.  What should we do?  We don't want a two-tone effect.    
Thanks

Answer
Eleanor,

Most builders would simply paint the risers and the skirt, giving the painted balusters a "balanced" look.

The best option would be to either remove the existing risers and replace them with solid oak or oak veneer; or cover the existing risers with a 1/4" or 1/8" oak veneer.   In remodeling stairs I've done all of the above with satisfactory results.

Skirting can be another issue, as long as you can pry them free from between the treads and the drywall.  Sometimes this can be done easily, other times it can be quite the chore.  In the same token, if they can be removed, you can replace them with solid or veneered red oak.  Otherwise, painting the skirtboards can be a consideration.

Thank you!

Joseph