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. Many older staircases hide good timber under decades of paint and carpet.
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.
What we do
Old carpet and fixings taken up
Paint and varnish stripped from treads, risers and spindles
Creaking or loose treads secured
Repairs to chipped nosings
Detail sanding and two or three coats of finish
Choosing a finish
Stairs take heavy wear, so we usually recommend a tough water-based lacquer. Natural or stained treads with white risers is a classic combination. We can match the stairs to your floors using floor staining.
Matching stairs and floors
Restoring the stairs at the same time as the hall floor gives a seamless finish — see our floorboards restoration service. Creaks and loose treads are fixed using the same methods as our floorboard repairs.
Bare timber stairs
A stripped and refinished staircase looks smart, is easy to keep clean and lasts for years. Removing old carpet also gets rid of trapped dust and allergens. We choose the stripping method to suit the coating and protect detailed mouldings. Older paint may contain lead, so we test first and take the right precautions.
Most staircases take two to four days, depending on the number of steps and how many coatings need removing. Where possible, we keep the stairs usable during the work. Spindles, newel posts and handrails can be included in the restoration.
Who we restore stairs for
We restore stairs in Victorian and Edwardian houses, new-build homes with oak staircases and converted flats across Kingston. Every quote is fixed and based on a free survey, so you know the full cost before we start. Hallways are sheeted and protected, and we tidy up every evening.
Not sure what is under your carpet? We can lift a small corner at the survey to check the timber.
Restored stairs are covered by our 3-month service guarantee. Prices per step are on our prices page.
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
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 little time, which we include in your quote.
What cleaner should I use on my wooden floor?
Vacuum or sweep regularly and mop with a damp, well-wrung mop and a pH-neutral wood soap. Avoid steam mops and harsh cleaners. Read our care guide for a simple routine.
Will we still be able to get upstairs?
Usually, yes. We finish alternate treads so you can still get up and down, then complete the rest the following day. We agree the plan with you before we start.
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.
How should I prepare the room?
Empty the room where possible and take down curtains that reach the floor. If you need help with heavy pieces, let us know when booking. Our guide to preparing your home 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.
What our customers say
Very good parquet restoration
“The parquet in our dining room had several loose blocks and lots of bitumen. The result is excellent. The job ran over by a day because of extra repairs, but they talked us through it and kept the price fair.”
Coombe
Decking looks much better
“The deck looks warm and rich again. We had to rebook once because of rain, which is understandable, and they were flexible about the new date. Would use again.”
Surbiton
Great with our dogs around
“With two dogs, we needed a tough finish. They recommended a hard-wearing lacquer and it has held up brilliantly so far.”
Tolworth