Stairs Stripping & Restoration
Treads, risers and spindles stripped and refinished to bring timber stairs back to life.
Bare timber stairs make a striking first impression. Many older staircases hide good timber under decades of paint and carpet.
Stairs need a different approach to floors, with more hand work and detail sanding. We apply the same care as in our floor sanding work, by hand where needed.
Our stairs restoration process
Carpet, gripper rods and staples removed
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
Finishes for stairs
Because stairs get heavy use, a hard-wearing lacquer is often the best choice. Natural or stained treads with white risers is a classic combination. Colours can be matched to your floor with wood floor staining.
A complete look
Restoring the stairs at the same time as the hall floor gives a seamless finish — see our floorboards restoration service. Squeaky treads can be fixed through our floorboards repairs service.
The benefits
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. We choose the stripping method to suit the coating and protect detailed mouldings. Paint in older homes can contain lead, so we always test and work safely.
Most staircases take two to four days, depending on the number of steps and how many coatings need removing. 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.
Homes and period properties
We restore stairs in Victorian and Edwardian houses, new-build homes with oak staircases and converted flats across Barnet. 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. 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
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 once the first coats are dry. We agree the plan with you before we start.
Can you sand a staircase?
Yes — we strip paint and old varnish from treads, risers and spindles. Sanding stairs is detailed hand work, and we finish them with a hard-wearing lacquer or oil. See stairs stripping and restoration.
What cleaner should I use on my wooden floor?
Use a soft brush or vacuum, then a barely damp mop with a wood floor soap. Avoid steam mops and bleach or multi-surface sprays. Read our care guide for a simple routine.
How long does stair restoration take?
A standard staircase usually takes two to three days. Lots of paint layers or turned balusters can add a little time, 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 children and pets once fully dry. Keep pets off the floor for the first 24 hours, and keep claws trimmed to help the finish last.
Do you need to visit to give a price?
For many jobs, yes. Photos of the floor plus rough measurements let us give a guide price within a working day. We confirm it with a short visit before work starts, so the final quote is fixed.
What our customers say
Quick, clean and professional
“We had the hallway and living room sanded and lacquered over two days. They protected the skirting and doors, and they hoovered up before leaving each evening.”
High Barnet
No more draughts
“Our front room was always cold because of the gaps in the boards. They filled them with pine slivers blend in perfectly and we have felt the difference already. They were upfront that filled gaps can move with the seasons, which I appreciated.”
New Barnet
Lacquered floor looking fresh
“Our lacquered oak had lots of fine scratches from the dog. A light abrade and new coat of lacquer has made it smooth and shiny again. Useful advice on felt pads and mats as well.”
East Barnet