Carpentry and Woodworking - replacing stair railings

I am replacing the carpeting in the upper level of my raised ranch with hardwoods. The stairs will still be carpeted. I currently have an iron railing that I would like to replace. The company that is installing the floors& carpeting do not do railings. I am a little stumped as to how to proceed and it's holding up the rest of the project.
If I go with wood railings, what kind of wood? Do I go to a fence company? A carpenter?
What about iron?
I am no do-it-yourselfer, and don't know where to start!
THanks for any help.

Check your yellow pages under "stairs" (listed in my book as "stair builders"). They will have railing materials and brackets. Some will also have displays to give you some ideas. More likely to find something if you are in a larger metropolitan area than if you are in a rural area. Biggest thing to remember if you d-i-y: make sure you attach your railings to a frame member (stud) and not just through the drywall.

Oh, and I'm partial to wood. You should find railings in oak without too much looking.

Since you're talking floors, and the project delay your decision may cause, it sounds to me that you're not talking about a simple wall mounted bracket/handrail that can be done anytime, but are talking railings - ballusters, newels, etc that must be completed in coordination with the floor; if so, my sister and brother-in-law encountered the same situation - choosing between a new iron railing or a wood replacement railing for their stairs when they remodeled.

They first went to a 'real' lumber yard - NOT a 'home center' and looked at their models and brocheures.Then went to the millworks and did the same. He liked a simple plain oak, she liked a more elaborate mahogany. Both the lumber yard and millworks had a list of reputable carpenters they recommended for the installation.

Then I took them to an iron shop where they were able to see old style wrought iron, anodized aluminum, and see/hear that they could have anything they wanted or designed. The iron shop was actually making a railing with hammered bird and branch cutouts and matching lamps during our visit. Our last stop was a building materials scrap yard, where they found the perfect iron replacements (and a mantle as well). I should add that they have iron railings outside in the front and rear of their ranch, so they thought continuity was important.

Like the good old tow guy, I like wood; and I've found mine at, and got them at the 'real' lumber yard.

Thanks to both of you. I'm on my way. After years of the iron railing I have now, I think I prefer wood too. It will be a matter of matching the floors which are maple but look like cherry. I'm just happy to have a starting point. Thanks again.