CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Andrew Garth bought a staircase company without having a construction background.
But he’s learning on the fly.
Garth is one of three owners of Ravenwood Stairways. The Alberton-based business is among more than 100 participating in the P.E.I. Provincial Home Show, which began Friday.
He joined the company to do sales work, but when then-owner Ralph Clark created a succession plan, Garth was part of it.
The purchase was made five years ago, and it’s been a learning experience for all three partners, Garth said.
“I’m learning the construction side of things while they learn the business side of things, so it’s a good little partnership.”
The company has done work in Newfoundland, Moncton and Halifax, but most of the manufacturing is done in P.E.I.
“We don’t buy too many of our parts. We use all solid hardwoods and things like that. We’re trying to align ourselves with some of the specialty markets on the Island as well.”
Stairs come in many sizes and designs, and Ravenwood does it all, Garth said.
“We do them from the lower end for a basement set of stairs for someone’s house, up to extravagant million-dollar homes with curved staircases.”
Natural light is an important consideration when having a new staircase built, he said. It depends on the layout of the home but getting natural light into the opening adds to the visual effect.
Size is something to look at as well, Garth said.
“The bigger you can make it, the nicer it’s going to be. If you want it to be a feature, a little curve at the bottom of the staircase can really spruce up an entryway.
“But you have to pick where you’re going to put your money into a home, so if it is a feature in your home, the staircase can really stand out.”
- Andrew Garth
“But you have to pick where you’re going to put your money into a home, so if it is a feature in your home, the staircase can really stand out.”
Clark started Ravenwood in the mid-1980s on his own property in Alma, growing the business through export and advancement of technology, Garth said.
The 35th edition of the Home Show continues today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors over 60 and free for people under 18.
For the fourth straight year, P.E.I. on the Move is taking place alongside the show. It’s a showcase dedicated to motor and water sports, hobbies and active living with about 25 vendors.
