Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 2/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi - I am building a house with 3" birch flooring with a copper finish - a lighter tone. I want to keep the stairs in wood. Should I match the treads to the floor or make them darker? I was thinking about going with copper birch treads and risers, a darker rail and white spindles.
What are your thoughts on white spindles?

ANSWER: The flow of grain and color would be a perfect match when the treads and the flooring are the same.  There is the consideration that you may put in too much wood and so the choice of painted balusters creates a very elegant offset.  You may also wish to consider painting your stair risers, kicks and skirtboards along with the balusters which create an even deeper contrast.   All in all, birch floors and stair treads in the copper finish, painted risers and balusters, with a handrail one step or two darker than the treads and flooring would be a great atmosphere.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the reply. Very helpful. I believe that the builder already has the risers stained in the copper finish. How difficult would it be for him to paint them white now that they have been stained? Or what about down the road, if I want to change it? What to you think of leaving the risers and treads copper (same as the flooring), the balusters white and the handrail slighter darker?
Also, we are getting new cabinets. I would like to paint our birch kitchen cabinets a cream color with dark brown countertops. Can you recommend a paint? I am also looking for a dark chocolate color stain for our bathroom cabinets and bookcase (also birch) but am having trouble finding something really dark. Any thoughts?

Answer
If the risers are already stained, I would go with it as is.  You can paint down the road, since they will have already been sealed.  Usually, painting the risers and painting the balusters simply creates a visual balance.

The handrail slightly darker is a good choice.

For paint recommendations, that is beyond me.  I would go to your paint store and go with their best recommendations.

Thank you!