Elevating Your Entryway: 2026 Trends in Custom Staircase Design

 Elevating Your Entryway: 2026 Trends in Custom Staircase Design

What is the most significant change in staircase design for 2026? The trend has shifted toward "Organic Minimalist" styles that prioritize sustainable hardwoods paired with invisible, recessed LED lighting for safety and aesthetic impact. Whether you are renovating a classic home or finishing a new build, your staircase is no longer just a functional path between floors—it’s the architectural centerpiece of your home.

The Rise of Mixed Materials]
This year, we are seeing a move away from uniform looks. Designers are increasingly mixing textures to create visual interest.

• Warm Meets Cold: Pairing natural white oak treads with sleek, matte black steel cable railings.
• Glass Integration: Using floor-to-ceiling glass panels to maximize natural light in darker hallways.

Safety Meets Technology]
In 2026, safety doesn't have to be clunky. Modern staircases now integrate technology directly into the wood.

• Smart Treads: Motion-activated lighting that follows your path without illuminating the entire house.
• Non-Slip Finishes: New "invisible" ceramic-based finishes that provide high traction without the sandpaper feel of older anti-slip coatings.

  Pro Tip: The "First Step" Impression]
If you have a limited budget, focus your investment on the starting step and the newel post. This is where the eye naturally rests first. Expanding the bottom step into a "curtailed" or flared design can make a narrow entryway feel significantly wider.

• Materials: White Oak and Walnut remain the top choices for 2026.
• Lighting: Recessed LEDs are a "must-have" for both modern and traditional styles.
• Design: Minimalist railings are preferred to keep sightlines open.

Building a staircase that stands the test of time requires a balance of engineering and art. By focusing on high-quality materials and smart safety features, you can ensure your home stays both stylish and functional for years to come.

What’s your dream staircase material? Give Ron a call at 215-694-5046 to schedule your FREE consultation. 

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White Oak Stair With Square Treads Box Posts And Iron Balusters Ventnor NJ

Entrance Level

Full Stair Replacement

                                          

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Floor

Upper Railings No More Kneewalls

After Knee Wall Removal

Entry Level Landing

Recently, we completed a significant project involving the installation of White Oak Stair with Square Treads, Box Posts, and Iron Balusters in Ventnor, NJ. It was quite a transformation since the space was rather unattractive before we began. The homeowners were fantastic, down to earth, and realistic. This wasn't their first rodeo, and they had a clear vision of what they wanted and were thrilled with the results we delivered. 

Day one required a lot of hard work. We started by removing all the old railings, then carefully carried the new upper stairs to the top. Next, we removed each set of old stairs one at a time and replaced them with the fresh ones from our shop. We managed to finish a little earlier than expected that day, which was quite satisfying! Everyone collaborated well, making the process smooth. 

The following day, the homeowners were impressed with our progress and began discussing the removal of the kneewalls in the upper hallways. We decided that it was the perfect opportunity to tackle that as well. After removing the kneewalls, we proceeded to install the posts, rails, and finally the iron balusters, ensuring everything was painted and stained beautifully. 

And, I gotta give the homeowner some credit. He was the guy who installed the slotboard under each set of stairs. And I must say he did a really good job. I probably would have asked him to join the team...if he wasn't so in love with being retired, lol!

If your condo in Ventnor needs some tender loving care and you're inspired by the White Oak Stairs with Square Treads, Box Posts, and Iron Balusters we've installed, feel free to give Ron a call at 215-694-5046 for your FREE consultation. We also serve the nearby areas of Margate, Longport, Ocean City, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Wildwood, and surrounding towns!

Modern Farmhouse Stair And Handrail With Iron Balusters Swedesboro NJ

 

 

Here's a Modern Farmhouse Stair and Handrail with Iron Balusters in Swedesboro NJ. The local flooring company did the treads on this job. A local painter finished the posts and rails once we were done installing them. Next we returned to install the iron balusters and we were done. 

 The materials used include 4003 series 3.5" square oak posts. 6084 series modern handrail 2 5/8" x 1 5/8". And 1/2" square iron balusters, everything custom cut to fit. Total time on-site for us was @ 4 days, which included removing the old rails, and installing the new ones.

 This project was for a lovely couple of young professionals who wanted a more contemporary look that was in keeping with the rest of their newly remodeled home.

 If you need an update for your outdated rails would like a fresh new look, please give Ron a call at 215-694-5046 to schedule your FREE consultation for your very own Modern Farmhouse Stair and Handrail with iron balusters whether you live in Swedesboro, Sewell, Mullica Hill, or any surrounding towns.    

White Oak Stairs and Rails with Oversized Treads and Iron Balusters Ocean City NJ

 Here's a fun job that has Oversized White Oak Treads on the Stairs and Rails with Iron Balusters in Ocean City NJ that's very clean and functional. This is for a rental property at the Jersey Shore. This was a tear down on the water. It's on Wesley Ave if anyone's interested. It's 2 units in one. Meaning you can rent one or both if you've got a big family. Anyway, the builder was great, they were easy to work with. Once the roof was done, we measured for the stairs, and @ 4 weeks later, stairs were built, and then we delivered them to site. Then they were installed within a few days, then came the trim, and the floors, and paint. Then we came back and installed the posts and rails. Painters came back and stained all the treads and handrails, then we came back and installed all the iron balusters and we were done. Now the house is ready for the next 30 years to be used as a great destination for families vacationing down at the shore. 

 If you're ready to transform your home into something that will stand the test of time, and add tons of value to your property, and you live anywhere down the shore near Ocean City, or Margate, Longport, or Wildwood, reach out to Ron on his cell at 215-694-5046 or email him at 45stairman@gmail.com and schedule your FREE consultation to get your very own White Oak Stairs and Rails with Oversized Treads and Iron Balusters near Ocean City NJ.  

Modern Horizontal Bar Railing Cherry Hill NJ

This Modern Horizontal Bar Railing totally transformed the entrance to this house in Cherry Hill NJ. I don't recall exactly what was there before, but it was ugly lol. And dated. And loose. And the paint was chipping, as always. Now, it's in keeping with the rest of the remodeled house. 

Revamping an old handrail can spark joy in your home and ignite creativity in your heart. Imagine transforming a once dull entryway into a modern masterpiece that welcomes you and your guests with style.

A fresh handrail isn’t just a functional feature; it’s a stunning statement piece that reflects your personality. Let’s redefine your space with sleek designs that make every entrance feel like a grand reveal!

Who knew a handrail could be a canvas for innovation? Discover how a modern touch can turn the ordinary into extraordinary, showcasing your unique taste and the beauty of your home.

Tired of the same old look? Say goodbye to dated designs and hello to sleek modern lines. A revamped handrail is not just practical but an artful touch that enhances your entire home’s aesthetic.

Elevate your home’s entrance with a contemporary handrail that breathes new life into your exterior. Let’s embrace change and create a space that not only stands out but makes coming home a true delight!

So, if you're loving this Modern Horizontal Bar Railing and you live in Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Haddonfield, Williamstown, Voorhees, Mt Laurel, Marlton, Medford, Mullica Hill, and surrounding South Jersey towns, don't hesitate to schedule your FREE consultation with Ron Hartman Woodwork at 215.694.5046, or email him at 45stairman@gmail.com

35 years experience

@ 2500 jobs completed from Connecticut down to Virginia and every state in between, including Delaware,... no joke!

 

Modern Farmhouse Maple Stairs and Rails with Iron Balusters Moorestown NJ

                                         

This Modern Farmhouse Maple Stairs and Rails with Iron Balusters in Moorestown, NJ, turned out beautifully. I wish I could have taken some pictures after everything was tidied up, but here they are, despite the chaos! Nothing was where it was supposed to be since there was work happening in multiple areas of the house at the same time. And clients moved out and moved back in, more than once, during the renovation. However, the team was great to work with—very laid-back and easygoing.

This project involved a lot of work! The stairs were in real bad shape. As per usual, the previous contractor from 20 years prior, didn't do anything correctly, to say the least, so we had to reinforce and partially rebuild all the old stairs, which took a few days. then we installed the new maple treads and painted risers. After that, we moved on to the posts and rails, taking another week or so to complete. Once the painter/stainer finished everything to match the floors, we returned to install the iron balusters, which took an additional day or two. The work extended from the basement up to the third floor.

Here are some specifics about the job: the newel posts are from the 4003 series, measuring 3 1/2" square, and we needed 20 of them. The handrail is from the 6800 series, with dimensions of 2 3/8" high and 2 5/8" wide....@ 130'. The iron balusters are satin black, measuring 1/2" wide. The styles of the iron balusters used were 16.1.34 (with 1 knuckle), 16.2.1 (straight bar), and 16.1.35 (with 2 knuckles), which we alternated throughout the installation. (280 total).

We work all over the Delaware Valley, in towns like Voorhees, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mt Laurel, Medford, Haddonfield, Ocean City, Margate, Wildwood, and everywhere in between.   

So, if you're looking to update your home with a Modern Farmhouse look, with the Maple Stairs and Rails with Iron Balusters in Moorestown NJ, give us a call at 215-694-5046 and schedule your FREE estimate with Ron Hartman Woodwork.    

Traditional Stair Remodel Stone Harbor NJ

 Here's a Traditional Stair Remodel in Stone Harbor NJ. We removed the old builder grade posts and balusters and retrofitted round tapered posts and balusters. This was an "easy one" compared to our normal jobs. A faux finisher came in and did a great job matching the stair treads to the new floors. We had to work around her schedule a little bit, but other than that, it was no big deal. When you're ready to remodel your foyer, and get some new colors, new posts, rails and balusters, or maybe even a whole new staircase, be sure to give Ron  a call at 215-694-5046 to schedule your FREE consultation, whether you live in Stone Harbor,  Avalon, Sea Isle City, Wildwood, Ocean City NJ, or even further inland, we'll take care of your Stair Remodel like it was our own. Whether your style is Traditional, or contemporary or anywhere in between.