Agreed, they should be priced similarly, and either profile works fine, with the square shaped feeling more contemporary.

I would either do just the top and leave the structure showing if it is a bit industrial for the space or completely cover in wood and I would not use the same wood for top and bottom by the time you veneer the plywood you could get the same wood.

Do you have rules where you live about spacing of spindles can you have horizontal ones? These are interesting stairs I might be tempted to talk to a metal worker and get something custom.

first of all, Thank you guys for those valuable inputs. yes, as far as cleaning goes, its just been finished installing and I have asked them to clean them up. And also, I observed that the frosting on the glass didn't look that good, so I am going for the filming on certain portions of the doors n windows. - Is there a particular quality of films that I may choose for this ? - Yes, lighting is definitely the criteria I had in mind which can bring up the finish to this. And i am worried about this , as I did not go for False Roofing, bcos the ceiling is already at a low height. I should really refine my ideas on the lighting part. - the stairs are floored with white Marble stone..My mom loves it and the matting on it might hinder its beauty, but yes I will surely consider that as well. Thank you again.