Stairs Stripping & Restoration
Treads, risers and spindles stripped and refinished to bring timber stairs back to life.
Stairs are a focal point of any hallway. Under layers of paint, varnish or worn carpet there is often attractive timber waiting to be revealed.
Restoring stairs is slow, detailed work that large sanders cannot do. We apply the same care as in our floor sanding work, by hand where needed.
Our stairs restoration process
Old carpet and fixings taken up
Paint and varnish stripped from treads, risers and spindles
Loose treads secured and creaks fixed
Damaged nosings repaired or replaced
Detail sanding and two or three coats of finish
Finishes for stairs
Because stairs get heavy use, a hard-wearing lacquer is often the best choice. A popular look is stained or natural treads with painted risers. Colours can be matched to your floor with wood floor staining.
A complete look
Many customers combine stairs restoration with floorboards restoration in the hall and landing. Squeaky treads can be fixed through our floorboards repairs service.
Bare timber stairs
Restored timber stairs are hard-wearing, easy to clean and suit period and modern interiors alike. Taking up old carpet removes dust and allergens too. Stripping is careful work: we use the right method for each coating to protect mouldings and spindles. Paint in older homes can contain lead, so we always test and work safely.
A typical staircase takes two to four days. We keep one side usable where possible, or plan the work so you always have safe access. Spindles, newel posts and handrails can be included in the restoration.
Who we restore stairs for
From grand period staircases to simple cottage stairs, we work in homes of every age around Surrey. Every quote is fixed and based on a free survey, so you know the full cost before we start. We protect hallways and floors below, and leave the area clean at the end of each day.
If you are unsure what lies beneath, we can check a hidden corner during the free survey.
Your restoration comes with our 3-month service guarantee. See our prices for typical costs per step.
Guide prices
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Floor sanding & oiling
Dust-free sanding back to fresh timber, finished with two coats of hardwax oil.
from £22 per m²
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Floor sanding & lacquer
Full sand and three coats of hard-wearing water-based lacquer.
from £24 per m²
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Parquet sanding & finishing
Multi-direction sanding for block and herringbone floors, with your choice of finish.
from £28 per m²
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Gap filling
Resin filler or reclaimed pine slivers between floorboards.
from £6 per m²
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Floor staining
Colour samples on your floor and an even stain before finishing.
from £5 per m²
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Stairs stripping & restoration
Paint and varnish removal, repairs and finishing of treads and risers.
from £45 per step
Guide prices — we confirm a fixed price after a free survey.
Questions about stairs stripping & restoration
Do I need to empty the room?
Please clear the room of furniture, rugs and small items before we arrive. We can help move heavy furniture if we know in advance. Our preparation checklist has more tips.
How are your prices worked out?
Prices depend on the floor area, condition, repairs needed and the finish you choose. Our price list shows typical starting prices, and the free survey gives you a fixed written quote.
Do you strip painted stairs?
We strip and restore staircases, including treads, risers and handrails. Sanding stairs is detailed hand work, and we finish them with a durable finish that copes with daily use. See stairs stripping and restoration.
Can we use the stairs while you work on them?
Usually, yes. We work on every other step so you can still get up and down, then complete the rest once the first coats are dry. We agree the plan with you before we start.
How long does stair restoration take?
Most staircases take two to three days from stripping to final coat. Lots of paint layers or turned balusters can add a day, which we include in your quote.
Are your oils and lacquers pet-friendly?
Yes. We use low-VOC oils and water-based lacquers that are safe for families and pets once cured. Keep pets off the floor for the first 24 hours, and trim claws to help the finish last.
What our customers say
Kitchen worktops restored
“The wooden worktops around our sink were black and stained. They sanded and re-oiled them in a day. Much cheaper than new worktops.”
Weybridge
Pet-friendly finish, lovely result
“We wanted something that would cope with a lively dog. They recommended a hard-wearing lacquer and it has held up brilliantly so far.”
Guildford
Engineered floor rescued
“A dropped radiator left a nasty dent in our engineered floor. They checked the wear layer first and sanded and refinished the whole room. Looks perfect.”
Dorking