Willoughby Rotted Stair Replacement
Old, rotted wood stairs outside a Willoughby home needed more than another patch. Scott wanted a new set of stairs with a solid walking surface and handrails that suited the entrance. Rather than rebuild with another set of exposed wood stairs, the work was planned as a complete replacement using black metal stringers, composite or PVC stair boards, and new wrought iron handrails.
Jeff Vojtko personally quoted the job and planned a custom fit for the doorway, with a dry fit at the house before shop assembly. The finished project shown above replaced the deteriorated wood with Azek stair boards and black handrails for a cleaner, more durable entrance.
The Ask — Replace the Rotted Stairs
The job covered tearing off the existing stairs and supplying the parts and labor for a complete replacement. Instead of patching the old wood in place, the plan paired black metal stringers with composite or PVC stair boards and new wrought iron handrails for a stronger, lower-maintenance entrance.
Planning the Width and Handrail Position
The stairs started from a width of about 40 inches, with room to go wider so the left handrail would sit near the window frame. The goal was to agree on the fit with Scott and his wife before anything was built, rather than arrive with a prefabricated set that did not suit their entrance.
Brown stair boards were planned against the black stringers and handrails. Composite and PVC boards call for a stringer every 12 inches; the final support spacing and fasteners follow the board manufacturer’s requirements and applicable local requirements.
Dry Fit Before Building
Jeff gathered the materials and dry fit them at the house first. That let the homeowners review the width, placement and overall appearance before any parts were assembled.
Shop Assembly and Installation
Once the fit was agreed, the stairs were built in Jeff’s shop with the necessary holes pre-drilled to size. The assembled stairs were brought back to the house and installed in place, followed by the new handrails.
The job took a weekend, or about 2 working days. Preparation, site conditions and the final scope affect every stair replacement, so the time needed varies from home to home.
The Result
The photo above shows the old wood stairs replaced with Azek stairs and black handrails. Custom-width boards and the contrasting black metal give the entrance a finished appearance and replace the deteriorated wood for good.
Project Snapshot
- Location: Willoughby, Ohio
- Scope: Tear-off of existing stairs and installation of replacement stairs and handrails
- Materials: Black metal stringers, composite or PVC stair boards, and wrought iron handrails
- Finished stair boards: Azek, as shown in the project photo
- Fit: Custom width, with handrail placement reviewed at the house
- Timeline: A weekend, or approximately 2 working days
- Project price: $995 for the whole job, including parts and labor
Need Rotted Stairs Replaced?
Lake County Handymen is owner-operated by Jeff Vojtko, in business since 2023 and fully insured. Jeff personally quotes and carries out repair work throughout Willoughby, Mentor and Lake County. Explore our exterior trim, soffit and rot repair service, see more work in Willoughby, or request a free estimate for your project.