Custom Staircase Design Process — From Concept to Permit-Ready Drawings
C.O.R.S manages the complete design process for custom staircases in Ontario — from your first free on-site measurement to permit-ready engineering drawings stamped by a licensed P.Eng. Every design begins with your space, your floor plan constraints, and your aesthetic goals.
The 5-Stage C.O.R.S Design Process
- Free on-site consultation: We visit your home, measure the rough opening with a laser measure, assess the subfloor and floor joist assembly, review headroom constraints, and discuss your design preferences and budget. This typically takes 45–60 minutes.
- Design concept and material selection: Based on the site visit, we develop design options — straight vs L-shape, mono-stringer vs double stringer, tread species and thickness, railing system. We bring material samples (wood species, steel finishes, glass system options) to your second meeting or present digitally.
- CAD drawing production: Our in-house design team produces full technical drawings — plan view, elevation views, stringer detail sections, tread connection details, railing anchor details. These drawings are the foundation for both permit submission and workshop fabrication.
- P.Eng review and stamp: On all mono-stringer designs and any design with structural complexity, drawings are reviewed and stamped by our licensed P.Eng. This is required by virtually every Ontario municipality for cantilevered staircase designs and dramatically speeds permit approval.
- Design approval and contract: You review and approve the drawings. Contract signed, 25% deposit. Permit application submitted within 5 business days of contract execution.
Design Options Available in Ontario
| Design Category | Options | Starting Price (Installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Straight staircase | Mono-stringer, double stringer, timber | $8,000 |
| L-shape (quarter turn) | Corner landing, mono or double stringer | $18,000 |
| U-shape (switchback) | Mid-run landing, mono or double stringer | $26,000 |
| Floating (all configurations) | Mono-stringer with P.Eng | $14,000 |
| Open riser | Double or mono stringer, timber | $10,000 |
Material Design Decisions
Tread Species
White oak is the standard — 1,360 lbf Janka, accepts stain uniformly, available in consistent long lengths across Ontario. Walnut (1,010 lbf) adds richness at $100–$160 more per tread. Hard maple (1,450 lbf) is the hardest option and the most cost-effective alternative to white oak.
Stringer Design
Steel stringers (HSS hollow structural steel) are used for all floating and open riser designs. Timber stringers are used for traditional closed-riser designs. The stringer is typically the most significant visual and structural element of the staircase.
Railing System
Glass railing (frameless or semi-frameless) is the most popular choice in open-concept Ontario homes. Cable railing is the second most popular — cleaner than glass in industrial-modern interiors. Vertical baluster steel railing is the most cost-effective option and fully OBC compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Staircase Design
How long does the design process take?
Typically 2–4 weeks from initial consultation to approved permit-ready drawings. Permit review by the municipal building department adds 2–6 weeks depending on your municipality.
Can I change the design after signing?
Minor changes (tread species, finish colour, railing style) are possible up to fabrication start. Structural changes (stringer geometry, configuration) after permit submission trigger a redesign fee and permit amendment — we strongly advise finalizing the design before signing.
Do you design for non-standard rough openings?
Yes — every C.O.R.S design is custom to your exact rough opening. We work with openings that are irregularly shaped, angled relative to the stair path, or constrained by structural beams.
What if my home is older and the rough opening doesn’t meet OBC dimensions?
We assess OBC compliance (width, headroom, rise/run) during the site visit and flag any issues. In most cases, we can design a compliant staircase within your existing rough opening through geometry adjustments. In some cases, minor framing modifications are required — we coordinate this with your contractor.
Book your free design consultation — we visit your home, measure everything, and walk you through your design options before any commitment. See all our custom staircase pricing options for Ontario.