In message , Mark
Allread writes
On Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:01:18 +0000, Tim Lamb wrote:

Existing pine string with plywood risers and plasterboard back to hide
the wedges. Brown wood stain so lots of work to improve.

Budget enquiry for a replacement in Oak with semi open risers starts at
£1800!

Anyone found a cheaper way?

Could you keep the stringers and strip out the backing, risers and treads
and just replace the treads and bannisters/rails with oak?

Yes. The idea (hers!) is to allow more light along the hall. The
existing stringers are knot free pine. However, these are cheap standard
stairs with over sized routed slots intended for glue and wedge
assembly. Fitted in 1995, the glue may resist tidy disassembly:-( The
riser slot would be too long for a half riser and lead to filling
issues.

The stringers could be painted to match wall colours which would 'hide'
them and emphasise the oak used elsewhere.

Paint has already been vetoed!

--
Tim Lamb