Stairs Stripping & Restoration
Treads, risers and spindles stripped and refinished to bring timber stairs back to life.
A staircase is often the first thing visitors see. Under layers of paint, varnish or worn carpet there is often attractive timber waiting to be revealed.
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.
What we do
Carpet, gripper rods and staples removed
Old coatings stripped back to bare timber
Loose treads secured and creaks fixed
Repairs to chipped nosings
Hand sanding and a durable 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.
Matching stairs and floors
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
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. We keep one side usable where possible, or plan the work so you always have safe access. Balustrades, handrails and newel posts can be restored at the same time.
Homes and period properties
We restore stairs in Victorian and Edwardian houses, new-build homes with oak staircases and converted flats across Cobham. 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.
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
What do you need from us on the day?
We need access to a standard power socket and, ideally, parking near the property. Everything runs from your normal sockets, and we bring all tools, materials and dust sheets.
What does floor sanding cost per square metre?
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.
Will we still be able to get upstairs?
Yes. We work on every other step 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 I need to empty 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 preparation checklist has more tips.
How long does stair restoration take?
A standard staircase usually takes two to three days. Heavily painted stairs or ornate spindles can add a day, which we include in your quote.
Do you strip painted stairs?
We strip and restore staircases, including treads, risers and handrails. Stairs are sanded mostly by hand, and we finish them with a durable finish that copes with daily use. See stairs stripping and restoration.
What our customers say
Floorboards transformed
“From the survey to the final coat the team were punctual, tidy and genuinely cared about the result. There was virtually no dust and the floor looks incredible.”
Weybridge
Professional from start to finish
“The team fitted the work around our weekly bookings, finished on schedule and left the hall spotless. The hall feels bright and welcoming again.”
Stoke d'Abernon
Herringbone hallway looks stunning
“Our 1930s herringbone hallway had years of grime and old varnish. Three days later it is flat, smooth and glowing. Visitors always comment on it now.”
Claygate