Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about working with TFP, our process, pricing, materials and timelines.
Working with TFP
How does the process work from start to finish?
You request a quote or call us. A sales rep reviews your project, visits your site to take measurements and walks you through options. You get a detailed quote with pricing, timelines and material specs. Once you approve and pay the deposit, we manufacture in our Kingston shop and schedule the install. Our crews arrive on the date we committed to, install everything and clean up when they leave.
How long does a typical project take?
It depends on the scope. A straightforward railing replacement might take one to two days on-site. A full stair package for a new build takes three to five days. Manufacturing happens in our shop before we arrive, so the on-site time is shorter than most people expect. We give you specific timelines at the quote stage.
Do you work with general contractors?
Yes. A large part of our business is with custom home builders and renovation contractors across Eastern Ontario. Our sales reps coordinate directly with your site schedule. We’ve maintained contractor relationships for over a decade because we show up when we say we will.
Do you do small jobs?
Yes. We handle projects from $500 to $50,000. A single railing replacement, a set of balusters, an exterior handrail — those are all jobs we do regularly. You’re not too small for us.
What areas do you service?
We service all of Eastern Ontario from our Kingston facility on Resource Road. That includes Kingston, Belleville, Napanee, Gananoque, Brockville and surrounding areas. Our sales reps drive to your site for measurements.
Can I visit your showroom before getting a quote?
Yes. Our showroom at 101 Resource Road in Kingston is open Monday to Friday during business hours. No appointment needed. Walk through finished stair displays, put your hand on the railings, see wood species and hardware options in person.
Pricing and Quotes
How much do custom stairs cost?
It depends on the design, materials and scope. A standard closed riser staircase costs less than a custom curved staircase with glass railings. We don’t publish pricing because every project is different. Request a quote and we’ll give you a detailed breakdown specific to your project.
Is the site measure free?
Yes. A sales rep visits your home or job site to take measurements at no charge. No obligation.
Do you charge for quotes?
No. The site measure and quote are both free.
Why are you more expensive than some competitors?
We know what our work costs to produce and we price it honestly. We don’t lowball to get the job and then add change orders later. The price difference between us and a cheaper option tends to disappear when you factor in missed deadlines, callbacks and the stress of managing problems after install.
What’s included in the quote?
Detailed pricing for materials, manufacturing and installation. Timelines for manufacturing and install dates. Material specifications including wood species, railing type, hardware and finishes. Our quotes run 10 to 12 pages. Everything is itemised.
Materials and Design
What wood species do you offer?
What railing materials do you offer?
Glass (frameless panels, glass with stainless posts, glass with wood-capped handrails), metal (wrought iron, cable, steel) and wood (oak, maple, painted). Each material has a different look, maintenance level and price point.
Do you do exterior railings?
Yes. Aluminum, wrought iron and glass. All built for Eastern Ontario weather and code-compliant.
Can you match a new railing to my existing staircase?
Yes. We measure on-site and match wood species, stain colour and profile to what’s already there. Bring a photo to the showroom if you want to start the conversation before the site measure.
What style is most popular right now?
Simple, square profiles. Shaker and craftsman style. Clean lines. Understated. It’s a classic design that doesn’t go in and out of favour. As one of our reps puts it: don’t overthink this. That’s a classic look. It’s been around.
Building Code
Do your stairs and railings meet Ontario building code?
Yes. Our sales reps confirm code compliance at the quote stage. Handrail height, baluster spacing, load capacity, guard requirements — all checked before manufacturing starts. No surprises at inspection.
What are the basic code requirements for interior railings?
Handrails must be between 865 mm and 1,070 mm high. Baluster spacing can’t exceed 100 mm. Guards are required on any open side where the drop is more than 600 mm. Our reps handle the details so you don’t have to memorise the code.
Does glass railing meet building code?
Yes. Tempered safety glass meets code when installed with the right hardware and post spacing. We spec all glass railing systems to meet Ontario building code before manufacturing.
Installation and Aftercare
What should I expect during installation?
Our crews arrive on the date we committed to. Most residential installs take one to five days on-site depending on scope. We use plastic barriers and dust-control equipment to minimise mess. When we leave, it should look like we were never there except for the finished stairs.
Will there be dust?
Some. We can’t eliminate it entirely — we’re cutting and sanding wood in a finished space. But we put up plastic, use vacuum-connected sanders and clean up thoroughly. The appearance of effort matters. You’ll see us doing everything we can.
What happens if something needs fixing after installation?
We come back and deal with it. Wood is a live product. It moves. Sometimes a small crack appears or a joint shifts after a season change. We don’t argue about it. We fix it. Typically within days.
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
We stand behind our work. If something isn’t right, we make it right. No excuses. No runaround. We’ve been doing this for nearly 40 years. That only works if you follow through.