The Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association (SMA) proudly recognized the industry’s finest projects, products, and craftsmanship during the 2026 StairCraft Awards ceremony held at the SMA Annual Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Each year, the StairCraft Awards showcase the incredible talent, innovation, and dedication found throughout the stair industry. From elegant residential stairways to complex commercial installations, these projects represent the very best in design, engineering, craftsmanship, and execution.

The StairCraft Awards are more than a competition. They provide an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and companies who continue to elevate our industry through creativity, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

In addition to the category awards, two special honors were presented. The People’s Choice Award was determined through public voting, allowing the broader community to recognize their favorite project. The Best in Show Award was selected live during the StairCraft Awards Banquet, where conference attendees voted from among the category winning entries to determine the overall standout project of the year.

2026 STAIRCRAFT AWARD WINNERS

Best in Show & Best Curved Stairway – Modern –  King & Company, LLC

People’s Choice Award – Parks and Sons, Inc

Best Straight Stairway – Modern –  Zepsa

Best Curved Stairway – Traditional – King & Company, LLC

Best Stairway Renovation – Parks and Sons, Inc.

Best Commercial Stairway – MW Design Workshop, Inc.

Best Spiral Stairway – MW Design Workshop, Inc.

Best Production – JD Stairs

Best Balustrade – JD Stairs

Best Stair Part – MW Design Workshop, Inc.

Anything But Stairs –  MW Design Workshop, Inc.

Recognizing the Best of Our Industry

The projects submitted this year demonstrated the remarkable range of talent within the stair industry. Whether incorporating cutting edge technology, preserving traditional craftsmanship, overcoming unique design challenges, or pushing the boundaries of creativity, every entry reflected the passion and professionalism that define SMA members.

The StairCraft Awards continue to inspire innovation while highlighting the important role stair builders, manufacturers, designers, suppliers, and craftspeople play in creating safe, functional, and beautiful spaces.

Thank You to Our Participants and Judges

We extend our sincere appreciation to every company that submitted a project and to all who participated in the voting process, including SMA members, conference attendees, and those who cast votes for the People’s Choice Award. The quality of work submitted each year makes the selection process increasingly challenging and demonstrates the strength, creativity, and craftsmanship found throughout our industry.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Planning is already underway for the 2027 StairCraft Awards, which will be presented during the SMA Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia, April 29 through May 1, 2027. Whether your work highlights traditional craftsmanship, modern design, creative problem solving, or groundbreaking innovation, we encourage all SMA members to begin identifying projects (completed in the last 5 years) for the 2027 competition.

Congratulations to Our Winners

Congratulations to all of the 2026 StairCraft Award winners. Your work serves as an inspiration to the entire stair industry and helps advance the art of stair building.