FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a Staircase Contractor

Where can I find a luxury staircase contractor for a custom home in Park City or Salt Lake City?

Bishop Woodcraft has specialized for decades in designing and installing high-end, bespoke staircases across the Mountain West, including the Park City area, Salt Lake City, and beyond. We collaborate with architects and general contractors to deliver architectural stair and railing systems that meet inspection requirements while preserving the design intent.

Do you provide custom railing and banister replacement for existing homes in Utah?

Yes. For remodels and high-end upgrades, we design and install custom railings, balusters, handrails, and newels in wood, metal, and glass. We can often replace or upgrade a railing system without rebuilding the entire staircase depending on structure, geometry, and code requirements.

Design & Architectural Style

What materials are best for a “Mountain Modern” staircase design?

For Mountain Modern homes, we typically blend warm natural textures with refined structural elements—think thick white oak treads, custom steel fabrication, and glass or minimal metal balustrades. We’ll align species, grain character, sheen level, and metal tone to the home’s larger palette so the stair feels inevitable…not “added on.”

What railing is best if I want an unobstructed view?

If sightlines are the priority, the typical options are:

Structural glass for the cleanest clearest view
Cable for a light, modern thin line (with proper engineering and tension strategy)
Slender vertical steel pickets for a timeless, low-maintenance solution

We’ll recommend based on architecture, safety needs (kids/pets), maintenance tolerance, and how you want the home to feel day to day.

Can you build a “floating” or cantilever staircase and still pass inspection?

Yes—when “floating” is treated as an engineered structure, not a style. The hidden work is what matters: attachment strategy, stringer design, tread rigidity, vibration control, and guard/handrail integration. We coordinate early so framing, embeds, and finish sequencing are clean and predictable.

Are glass stair railings safe, and what kind of glass do you use?

Absolutely, when engineered and installed correctly. Safety depends on the complete system: glass type, thickness, hardware, anchorage, and application (interior vs exterior, wind exposure, top-rail requirements). We assemble glass systems with the right composition and load limits to meet code inspection requirements, and ensure every detail is done right to remain solid, dependable, and beautiful over time.

Building Code, Safety & Inspection Requirements

Can I do open-riser stairs and still pass inspection in Utah?

Yes, when the stair is designed intentionally around opening limitations, stair geometry, and guardrail integration. Open-riser failures usually happen when inspiration images are copied without engineering and code-aware detailing. We design the stair and guard as one system, then produce shop drawings that align to the jurisdiction’s code expectations.

Are horizontal railings or cable railings code compliant?

In most cases, depending on application, spacing, and how the system performs over time. The common failure point is deflection (cables relaxing or rails creating openings that drift out of compliance). We design the layout, post spacing, and hardware strategy to hold the standard long after installation…not just on day one.

What is the maximum spacing between balusters on a stair railing?

Residential buildings in the US are governed by the IRC, or International Residential Code. Stairs & guardrail systems have various limitations set forth in the IRC, however these can be amended by local State & city municipalities to meet local building needs. Evenso, very few alter the limitation for the size of the opening in between balusters. The 2 dimensions to keep in mind are these: For level guardrails (on balconies, landings, etc.) the openings must be LESS THAN 4″. Meaning a 4″ round sphere cannot pass in between any balusters within the guardrail. This includes gaps at a newel post or at a wall. For pitched guardrails (running down stairs or ramps) the openings must be LESS THAN 4-3/8″. In custom designs, guardrails can have additional geometry-specific requirements, and in some cases there are “exemptions” within the IRC which is why using a qualified Stair Builder is important. We carefully design balusters/cables/glass systems so they stay true to the desired design intent and meet opening constraints without looking heavy or crowded.

What’s the difference between a handrail and a guardrail?

A handrail is the graspable element you hold while traveling up or down the stairs. A guard is fall protection at open edges (stair sides, landings, balconies). Many designs require both. Our goal is to integrate them into a single, elegant composition…safe, clean, and visually disciplined.

What is the typical code-required handrail height?

Most residential standards commonly fall in a familiar range (often cited around 34–38 inches above the stair nosing), but requirements can vary by jurisdiction and condition. We design to the applicable standard for your project and confirm details so you don’t end up redesigning at inspection.

Are glass stair railings safe, and what kind of glass do you use?

Cost, Budgeting & Scope Decisions

How much does a high-end custom staircase cost?

Custom stair cost depends on geometry, structure (steel/stringers/cantilever), materials, railing type (glass/cable/metal), finish level, and install conditions. We price based on scope clarity so you get a number you can trust, not an estimate that grows later.

How much does it cost to replace a stair railing versus rebuilding the stairs?

Railing replacement is often a smart financial move when the underlying stair structure is sound. Rebuilding the stairs become necessary when geometry, safety, or structural conditions demand it…or when the design goal requires a different stair system entirely. We’ll guide you to the cleanest path that meets your vision for the home.

Can you refinish stair treads and railings, and what drives the cost?

If you have full, solid wood treads that have been stained, they can be sanded and refinished. If you have false tread end caps, these are typically made with a veneered product which cannot be sanded down as it will burn through the thin real wood veneer and ruin it. When it comes to guardrails (newel posts, balusters, & handrail), they most often can be. However, it’s worth getting quotes to refinish them versus replacing them with new components. Very often the cost to sand down very detailed elements to raw wood in order to re-stain them can be more costly and time consuming. Refinishing costs are driven by the existing finish, the desired color change, the level of repair and surface prep required, access and protection needs, and dust-control expectations. Defining the finish process precisely (not just “refinish”) is important so that pricing is accurate and the results match what you’re picturing.

Collaboration with Architects & Builders

How do you coordinate with architects and interior designers on complex stair designs?

We act as a true trade partner: translating design intent into structural reality with detailed shop drawings, material coordination (wood/metal/glass/stone), and proportion control. The goal is simple…when the stair is installed, it’s true to the intent and vision, not a compromised interpretation.

What do you need from my architect or builder to price and schedule a custom stair accurately?

To quote accurately and prevent field surprises, we typically need: floor-to-floor height, stair opening dimensions, intended stair type (straight/L/U/curved/floating), framing/support strategy, finished design intent, and any inspiration images. If you have scaled plans (PDF/CAD), even better as we’ll use them to understand critical dimensions and intent early even before site field measurements can be taken.

Process & Project Timeline

How long does a custom staircase take from design to installation?

Timeline depends on (1) decision speed on design/materials, (2) complexity (curves, steel, glass, specialty finishes), and (3) jobsite readiness. We prefer to finalize critical dimensions, where possible fabricate in a controlled shop environment, then execute installation once the site is truly ready and we have full access to the space.