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.
Our stairs restoration process
Carpet, gripper rods and staples removed
Old coatings stripped back to bare timber
Loose treads secured and creaks fixed
Damaged nosings repaired or replaced
Detail sanding and two or three coats of finish
Choosing a finish
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. We can match the stairs to your floors using 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.
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.
Homes and period properties
We restore stairs in Victorian and Edwardian houses, new-build homes with oak staircases and converted flats across Epping. 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.
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
Do you need electricity and water?
We need access to a standard power socket and, ideally, parking near the property. Our machines run on domestic power, and we bring all tools, materials and dust sheets.
Can we use the stairs while you work on them?
Yes. We work on every other step so you can still get up and down, then complete the rest the following day. We plan this with you before we start.
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.
How many days does a staircase 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.
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.
Do you strip painted stairs?
Yes — we strip paint and old varnish from treads, risers and spindles. Stairs are sanded mostly by hand, and we finish them with a hard-wearing lacquer or oil. See stairs stripping and restoration.
What our customers say
Stairs and hall look fantastic
“We had the hallway floor and stairs done at the same time so everything matches. A really tidy team and the price was fair.”
Coopersale
Engineered floor sanded beautifully
“Another company told us our engineered floor could not be sanded. These guys checked the wear layer and found plenty to work with. It looks like it was laid yesterday.”
Ongar
Decking looks much better
“The deck looks warm and rich again. We had to rebook once because of rain, which is understandable, and they rearranged quickly. Happy with the result.”
Epping