LED Staircase Lighting in Ontario — Under-Tread, Recessed, and Stringer LED Systems
C.O.R.S includes LED staircase lighting as an integrated option on all custom staircase installations. LED tread lighting is one of the highest-return upgrades available — transforming the nighttime appearance of a staircase that already looks excellent in daylight, without changing its structure or materials.
LED Lighting System Types
| System | Description | Effect | Cost per Tread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recessed LED puck (tread riser face) | Round or square puck inset into face of riser below each tread — completely flush when off | Warm spotlight on each tread surface | $85–$140 |
| Under-nosing strip LED | Flexible LED strip adhered to underside of tread overhang — invisible from above | Warm downward wash onto riser below | $40–$75 |
| Riser face strip LED | Strip mounted on riser surface — illuminates upward onto underside of tread above | Dramatic uplighting — floating tread effect | $50–$85 |
| Stringer accent channel | Continuous LED channel along face of mono-stringer — illuminates stringer profile | Highlights the structural spine | $90–$160 |
| Combined (nosing + stringer) | Two systems on same staircase | Full feature lighting | $120–$200 |
Technical Specifications
Colour Temperature
C.O.R.S standard specification: 2700K warm white. This matches the warmth of incandescent lighting typical in residential Ontario homes and creates a comfortable, inviting staircase environment — not the cool clinical look of 4000K+ fixtures. Custom colour temperature available on request (3000K, 4000K).
Driver and Wiring
All C.O.R.S LED systems use Class 2 low-voltage (12V or 24V) drivers — no licensed electrician required for the LED portion of the installation (your electrician connects the driver to your circuit). The driver is typically located in a closet below the staircase or in adjacent mechanical space. Driver capacity is sized to handle all tread lights on a 12–16 tread flight without dimming or flicker.
Dimmer Compatibility
All C.O.R.S LED systems are dimmer-compatible — using Lutron or Leviton leading-edge LED dimmers. This allows the staircase to function at full brightness (safe nighttime navigation) and minimal glow (ambient night lighting, sleeping hours). Motion sensor dimmers are available: the staircase activates automatically when an occupant approaches.
Wiring Approach by Staircase Type
Mono-Stringer Installations (Most Efficient)
The HSS steel tube that forms the stringer is a natural cable chase. C.O.R.S pre-routes a ¾” conduit through the stringer during fabrication — the low-voltage LED cable runs through the conduit, completely concealed inside the steel. No drywall work, no visible cable management on the finished staircase. This is the cleanest LED installation method available.
Timber and Double-Stringer Installations
On timber stringer designs, the LED cable typically routes through the stringer wall to an adjacent closet or mechanical room. This requires a small drywall patch (included in the LED installation scope). Alternatively, a surface-mounted aluminum channel can be used along the stringer face — painted to match the stringer colour.
Retrofit LED on Existing Staircases
C.O.R.S installs LED lighting on existing staircases that weren’t originally wired for lighting. The assessment determines the best routing path — typically one of: through an existing hollow stringer, through the wall to an adjacent space, or via a surface channel. Retrofit costs range from $800 to $3,000 for a 12-tread staircase depending on routing complexity.
LED Lighting Costs in Ontario (2025)
| Scope | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Under-nosing strip, 12 treads, dimmer switch | $800 – $1,400 |
| Recessed puck, 12 treads, mono-stringer (cable through stringer) | $1,400 – $2,200 |
| Recessed puck, 12 treads, through-wall routing | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Motion sensor upgrade (added to any system) | $150 – $300 |
| Smart home integration (Lutron, Leviton) | $200 – $500 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Staircase LED Lighting
Do I need an electrician?
The driver (transformer) needs a licensed electrician to connect it to your home’s circuit — this is typically a 1-hour job and is not included in C.O.R.S’s LED quote. We coordinate the electrician schedule with your installation day so both are done on the same day.
How long do the LEDs last?
High-quality LED strip and puck fixtures have a rated lifespan of 30,000–50,000 hours. At 4 hours of daily use, this is 20–34 years. C.O.R.S uses fixtures rated to a minimum of 25,000 hours on all installations.
Can I add more treads to the LED system later?
Yes — the driver is sized with 20–30% headroom so additional tread lights can be added to an existing system. The cable runs inside the stringer are pre-sized for expansion.
Book your free LED lighting consultation — see our staircase lighting samples in person. Call (705) 623-0371. See our full LED tread lighting installation guide.