Stair Repair in St. Catharines & the Niagara Region
Squeaks eliminated, broken treads replaced, failing balustrades rebuilt: repairs that protect the wood you already have, matched to the species, grain and finish around them. We serve St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Thorold and the surrounding Niagara Region, and we assess the framing before we quote a single fix.
Common Niagara repairs we handle
Squeaks and creaks: typically caused by tread/stringer separation as decades-old framing dries; we fix from above using calibrated wedges and structural adhesive. Cracked or split treads: single-tread replacement matched to species and stain. Loose newels and balusters: re-pinned, re-glued, or replaced where required by OBC guard-load demands (1.0 kN at the top rail). Worn or damaged nosings: replaced individually rather than re-running the whole flight. Railing and banister repairs: loose handrails re-fastened to structural backing, cracked balusters replaced to profile, wobbly newel posts re-pinned at the stringer.
Repair, recap, or rebuild?
Some staircases need a targeted repair: a split tread, a stubborn squeak, a wobbly newel. Others are candidates for new hardwood over the existing structure, or a full refinish in place. And some are best served by a complete rebuild once the carriages are gone. This page covers the repair path; for the full decision framework (including what recapping and refinishing actually involve), see our stair recapping & refinishing service page, or send us a photo and we’ll point you at the right one.
Code, safety and what we check first
Even a small repair has to land within the current Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24). Before we quote, we measure rise-to-rise uniformity (OBC 9.8.4 allows 5 mm of variation across a flight) and check nosing projection (25 mm maximum), headroom (1950 mm minimum for dwelling units) and guard heights. If anything non-compliant surfaces outside the repair scope, we flag it before contract, not after.
Process and warranty
Free in-home assessment, written quote within 48 hours, then schedule. Repair work carries a 5-year workmanship guarantee. Browse all services, see typical pricing, or get in touch through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my stairs squeak, and can it actually be fixed?
Squeaks come from wood-on-wood movement: shrunken treads rubbing against stringers, loose nosings, or fasteners that have backed out as joists settled. Most squeaks can be eliminated permanently from above (without removing carpet) using glue-injection and screw-from-the-side techniques in 2–4 hours.
Can you repair a single broken or split tread without replacing the whole stair?
Yes. We routinely replace one or two damaged treads in St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls homes, matching species, grain direction and finish to the surrounding flight. Most single-tread replacements complete in one visit.
Can you repair a railing or banister without replacing the staircase?
Yes, railing repairs are among the most common calls we get. Loose newels are re-pinned and re-glued, cracked or missing balusters are replaced to match the existing profile, and handrails are re-fastened to structural backing. If the surrounding wood is sound, there is rarely any reason to replace it.
Do repaired stairs still meet the Ontario Building Code?
They must, and we make sure they do. Any repair that touches treads, nosings or guards is verified against the current code (O. Reg. 163/24) including rise/run uniformity (5 mm tolerance under OBC 9.8.4), nosing projection, headroom and guard heights. If an existing detail cannot be brought into compliance within the repair, we tell you before work starts.