HOMEOWNERS IN THE NORTHEAST AND MIDWEST HAVE SPECIFIC DESIRES FOR THEIR STAIRCASE SYSTEMS

In an August 2018 online survey, almost 500 consumers voiced their preferences for specific details related to the stair systems in their homes. Given the choice, the majority of respondents --- who are predominantly located in the Northeast and Midwest --- prefer natural wood grain stained balusters and straight stair systems with over-the-post handrails.

The survey, conducted by AsktheBuilder , shows that 60 percent of respondents preferred an over-the-post handrail that runs over the newel posts with the use of handrail fittings as opposed to post-to-post systems where the handrail runs between newel posts. Fifty-five percent of survey participants would choose a straight stair system for a new home as opposed to 45 percent selecting a curved stair system.

“These survey results reinforce the regional stair system preferences we’re seeing in today’s marketplace for consumers,” says Craig Kurtz, president of Stair Parts Now Stair System “It’s interesting for us to see that it’s almost a split preference for curved and straight stair systems.

“Given a choice, I think we always believed people would select a sweeping curved stair system for its elegance. However, this survey shows that consumers are just as enamored with a curved stair system as with a straight system.” 

Bringing Consumers What They Want

“We appreciate the insights provided in this survey as a benchmark for consumer interest in stair systems for these two regions,” says Kurtz. “The Ask the Builder e-newsletter subscribers who participated in the survey have a strong affinity toward home improvement and lifestyle areas in their lives. The feedback from them will help us continue to develop on-trend products to meet the needs of consumers.

“A big take-away from this survey is that for many respondents the ideal staircase would be straight with natural wood grain stained balusters and over-the-post handrails. That’s a beautiful combination that would look great in a variety of different home styles.”

AsktheBuilder.com newsletter is produced and distributed weekly by home builder and remodeler Tim Carter. More than 44,000 people subscribe to the e-newsletter. Carter also produces a variety of free online podcast for his followers.