by the way, if you upgarded the stairs, for spindle, choose the wood will be better looking. my firend got minto house, spent a lot of money for upgarding, but the minto offered metal spindle, too thin. ugly, i have to say. and he is not happy for that either after moving. any way, we both moved end of Jan 2011, now minto maybe has some new changes or new options for the upgarde!