CC 2.0 // photo credit: brooklyn

Flickr user Brooklyn posted pictures of her upstairs remodel and, though the entire transformation is fabulous, her stairs underwent perhaps the most dramatic change. Despite seeming like a simple, straightforward project, replacing linoleum with hardwood is much easier with professional guidance. As Brooklyn notes on her Flickr page, her remodel was made possible with the help of a contractor.

Think about it: where does one start when installing hardwood on stairs, at the top or the bottom? How do you choose which wood to use? What adhesive or hardware is best for a seamless installation? Because carpenters and general contractors face these questions on a regular basis, they’ll not only know the correct answer, but will likely be able to complete the project at a reasonable price and in far less time than a homeowner.

As lovely as Brooklyn’s brown-linoleum-meets-metal-stair-nose look was (especially when mixed with brick linoleum flooring), I think it’s fair to say that hardwood is a much sleeker option.