Stairs and Railings Built for Safety and Style

Wells Family Construction LLC designs and installs custom wood staircases and railings for homes in Southern Oregon.

You need stairs that are safe to walk on and railings that don't wobble when gripped. In Medford and surrounding areas, where homes often include elevation changes between decks, entryways, and interior levels, stair construction requires precision in riser height, tread depth, and baluster spacing to meet code and feel stable underfoot. Wells Family Construction LLC builds custom staircases and railings using structural framing techniques and handcrafted details that balance function with visual appeal.

Each project begins with measuring the total rise and run to determine tread layout and stringer placement. Interior and exterior stairs are built using hardwood or pressure-treated lumber depending on exposure and finish preferences. Railings are custom-fitted with balusters spaced to prevent children or pets from slipping through, and all connections are reinforced to meet safety standards. Repairs and upgrades to existing stairs are also available when treads are worn or railings no longer feel secure.

If you're planning a stair installation or railing replacement in Medford, Grants Pass, Gold Hill and beyond, contact Wells Family Construction LLC to discuss layout options and material choices.

How Stringers, Treads, and Balusters Are Built

Your staircase starts with calculating the total vertical rise and dividing it into equal riser heights that meet code requirements. In Gold Hill, the crew cuts stringers using a framing square to ensure each step is level and consistent. Stringers are attached to upper and lower framing with galvanized hangers or lag bolts, and treads are fastened with screws that won't back out over time. Nosing is added to each tread for grip and to meet minimum depth requirements.

Once the stairs are in place, railings are installed at the required height with posts anchored to the stair framing or adjacent structure. You'll notice the railing feels solid because the posts are secured through the stringer and into blocking, not just surface-mounted. Balusters are spaced no more than four inches apart and attached top and bottom to prevent movement. All edges are sanded smooth, and finishes are applied to protect the wood and match your home's interior or exterior style.

The service includes stringer fabrication, tread and riser installation, railing construction, and finishing. It does not include drywall patching, painting, or flooring transitions unless specified. Stair repairs focus on replacing damaged treads, reinforcing loose railings, and correcting code violations in older installations.

You Can Ask About Any Part of the Process

Homeowners often want to know about tread materials, baluster styles, and how stairs are anchored before committing to a design or repair project.

What is the standard height for stair risers?
Risers are typically between seven and eight inches tall, with all risers in a single staircase kept within a quarter inch of each other. This consistency prevents tripping and meets building code requirements.
How are railings attached to stairs?
Railing posts are bolted through the stringer into blocking or directly into the stair framing using lag bolts or carriage bolts. Surface-mounted brackets are used only when through-bolting isn't possible.
Can you match the wood species of my existing stairs?
Yes, the crew can match oak, maple, fir, or other hardwoods if you're adding to or repairing an existing staircase. Staining and finishing are adjusted to blend new work with what's already in place.
What is the maximum spacing for balusters?
Balusters must be spaced no more than four inches apart to prevent a child's head from passing through. This is a code requirement for both interior and exterior railings.
How long does a stair installation take?
Most stair projects are completed in two to five days depending on the number of steps, railing complexity, and whether structural framing needs to be modified. You'll receive a timeline estimate after the initial consultation.

Wells Family Construction LLC works with homeowners in Medford and surrounding areas who need stairs and railings built to code and crafted to last. If you're ready to start a project or need an estimate for repairs, reach out to discuss your layout and material preferences.