Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions.
Everything homeowners usually want to know before starting a staircase or railing project. Don't see your question? Ask Ben directly.
Services
Do you build both stairs and railings?
Yes. Ben's Carpentry specializes in both custom staircases and railings, designed and built together. Railing systems use metal or wood spindles in a range of styles and finishes, from a single new step to a full staircase.
Will the work make a mess in my home?
No. About 70% of the work, all the drilling, cutting, staining and finishing, is done offsite in Ben's shop. Your railings arrive pre-finished and are installed clean and fast, so there is no dust, no fumes, and far less time with a contractor in your home. See the one-day railing reno for how it works.
Do you offer staining and finishing?
Yes. Ben stains and finishes all of the woodwork himself, in the shop, so it arrives ready to install. That keeps the fumes and mess out of your home and gives a consistent, durable finish.
Do you do staircase rebuilds, or only new builds?
Both. Ben builds new staircases, rebuilds and replaces tired old ones, and re-treads existing stairs. If you are not sure which your project needs, send a photo and he will advise.
What areas around Edmonton do you serve?
We serve Edmonton plus Leduc, Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, and St. Albert.
Materials & code
What spindle materials and styles can I choose from?
Railings are built with metal or wood spindles, in square, round and rectangle profiles. Metal spindles come in finishes such as satin black, pewter and chrome; wood spindles can be blank, fluted or turned, and stained to match your treads.
What can stair treads be made from?
Hardwood, laminate or engineered flooring components. In hardwood the common choices are oak, maple, walnut, hickory and cherry, each with its own colour, grain and hardness, and the selection guides explain the trade-offs so you can choose with confidence.
Do my stairs and railings need to meet current building code?
Yes. Stairs and railings are governed by the National Building Code, 2023 Alberta Edition, which sets requirements for railing height, spindle spacing, and graspable handrails. We build to current code and can advise on what your project needs.
How far apart should stair spindles be?
Building code limits the gap so that a roughly 100 mm (about four inch) sphere cannot pass between spindles, keeping the railing safe for small children. Ben spaces every railing to current code.
Pricing & process
How much does a staircase or railing cost?
Most projects are priced by the lineal foot based on the material and style. Enter your measurements on the contact page for an instant online estimate, or send a photo and Ben will price it for you. Any estimate is a no-obligation guide, not a binding price.
How do I get a quote if I do not know my measurements?
Use the contact form to send a photo of your space. Ben will work out the measurements, calculate an estimate, and reply by email.
Who actually does the work?
Ben does. The person who quotes your project is the person who builds it, with no subcontracted crews and no handoffs, from design through to the final finish.
How experienced is Ben?
Ben Wheeler has over 25 years in construction, and every project is backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty.
Still have a question?
Ben answers every enquiry personally. Call or send your project details.