I'm doing pressure treated wood decking, but want the look of white rails (and posts, and columns) to match our white house trim (vinyl siding, Miratec trim). The deck is very tall (over 13 ft, maybe more?), so I can't use standard post wraps (at least not from what I've tried to price at hardware stores). Also, it will be extremely challenging to paint some of this stuff, so I'm looking for low maintenance. I really have no idea, I'm having my contractor come up with some options and pricing but I'd like to know ahead of time some other viewpoints on materials. We will have a LOT of rail so expense is a concern of mine, which is why maintenance is as well. Thanks.

Leave it be. Stair work is some of the most expensive zero payback work that you can have done. And what you had was so much better than the overwrought 1997 fakery shown.

What grade cedar was supposed to be used? What grade Doug Fir was used? I do not think Doug Fir is a "far inferior product compared to cedar".

I had a new oak staircase and handrail installed a few years ago. The carpenter used Bona Mega Floor Finish on the stairs and handrail after he stained them. The carpenter I hired, specializes in staircases. He matched the stair stain to our Italian porcelain wood look tile flooring. I am so pleased how it came out! Your staircase is lovely!