The most common question after “how much does a custom staircase cost?” is “how long will it take?” The answer varies by project type and fabrication method. This guide gives you the complete timeline picture for custom staircase projects in Ontario in 2026 — from your first call to the day you walk up your new staircase.
The Four Phases of a Custom Staircase Project
Phase 1: Consultation and Measurement (Week 1)
The process starts with an on-site measurement visit. C.O.R.S measures the floor-to-floor height, the opening dimensions, the upper landing framing, and the lower floor substrate. We confirm what configurations are feasible in your space and review material options. You receive a written all-in quote within 5 business days of this visit.
Your input: Confirm the quote and sign — that triggers Phase 2.
Clock: Week 1 is the measurement/quote phase. Signing the quote starts the 8–12 week fabrication timeline.
Phase 2: Design, Drawings, and Permit (Weeks 2–4)
C.O.R.S produces shop drawings — the fabrication-ready drawings that show your staircase in your space with all OBC dimensions confirmed. For mono-stringer projects, the P.Eng engineering review and stamped letter are produced in parallel. Once drawings and engineering are complete, the permit application is submitted to your municipality.
Timeline: Shop drawings typically complete within 2 weeks of quote signing. Engineering review: 1–2 weeks concurrently. Permit application: submitted in week 3 or 4.
Permit approval timeline: This is the most variable factor in the overall project timeline. Simcoe County municipalities (Barrie, Innisfil, Collingwood) typically approve in 3–6 weeks from complete submission. York Region (Vaughan, Aurora, Newmarket) can run 4–8 weeks. Note: permit approval is not required to begin fabrication — fabrication starts once the permit is applied for. Construction cannot begin on-site until permit is in hand.
Phase 3: Fabrication (Weeks 4–10)
Fabrication starts after quote signing — not after permit approval. The staircase is built in the C.O.R.S Ontario workshop during the permit approval period. This parallel-path approach means fabrication and permit approval happen concurrently, significantly reducing the total project timeline.
Fabrication sequence:
- Steel stringer cut and brackets welded (1–2 weeks)
- Sandblast, prime, powder-coat stringer (1 week)
- Hardwood treads milled to spec, stained, finished (2–3 weeks including finish cure time)
- Workshop dry-fit: stringer + treads + railing assembled and confirmed (1 day)
- Staircase packaged for delivery
Total fabrication lead time: 6–8 weeks from quote signing (straight staircase, standard specification).
Phase 4: Installation (One Day — Week 8–12)
Once the permit is in hand and fabrication is complete, installation is scheduled. C.O.R.S installs most custom staircases in a single day — a straight mono-stringer with glass railing in 7–9 hours, an L-shaped staircase in 9–11 hours. The permit is closed after installation with a final inspection.
Total Timeline Summary
| Project Type | Fastest | Typical | With Permit Delays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight mono-stringer (Simcoe County) | 9 weeks | 10–12 weeks | 14–16 weeks |
| L-shaped mono-stringer (Simcoe County) | 10 weeks | 12–14 weeks | 16–18 weeks |
| Straight mono-stringer (York Region) | 11 weeks | 14–16 weeks | 18–22 weeks |
| Tread recap + railing (no permit) | 4 weeks | 5–6 weeks | N/A |
| Traditional rebuild (Simcoe County) | 8 weeks | 10–12 weeks | 14–16 weeks |
What Causes Delays
- Permit approval beyond typical range: Some municipalities experience backlogs — Barrie and Aurora have both run 8+ week permit queues during high-volume periods.
- Structural surprises at measurement: If the upper floor framing is non-standard or needs blocking for the stringer top connection, this can add 1–2 weeks to Phase 2.
- Material substitution mid-project: Changing tread species or railing type after fabrication has started resets the lead time for the changed component.
- Schedule flexibility: Installation is scheduled 2–3 weeks in advance. If the permit arrives on a Friday, the first available installation slot may be 2–3 weeks out.
→ Ontario staircase permit guide — when you need one and what the process involves
→ Staircase installation day — what to expect
→ Book your free consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom staircase take to build in Ontario?
Total project timeline for a mono-stringer floating staircase in Ontario is typically 10–12 weeks in Simcoe County and 14–16 weeks in York Region. Fabrication takes 6–8 weeks (concurrent with permit approval). The permit approval period is the most variable factor — 3–6 weeks for Simcoe County municipalities, 4–8 weeks for York Region.
Can fabrication start before permit approval?
Yes — C.O.R.S starts fabrication after the permit application is submitted (not after it’s approved). Fabrication and permit approval happen concurrently. Construction on-site (installation) cannot start until the permit is in hand, but all workshop fabrication proceeds in parallel. This significantly reduces the total project timeline.
Custom Staircase Timeline Ontario: Related Resources
- Custom staircase installation timeline Ontario — the full phase-by-phase C.O.R.S timeline with week-by-week breakdown
- Staircase installation day Ontario — what actually happens on C.O.R.S installation day step by step
- Custom staircase fabrication process Ontario — inside the Barrie workshop: how your staircase is built before delivery
- Staircase permit Ontario — permit timelines and how to keep your project on schedule
- Custom staircase cost Ontario — planning your budget alongside your timeline
Start your C.O.R.S timeline today: 705-999-0000 | corsstairs.ca/contact
