Stairs Stripping & Restoration
Old paint, varnish and carpet adhesive stripped from timber staircases in Enfield, then repaired and refinished.
Bare timber stairs make a striking first impression. 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
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
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. We can match the stairs to your floors using floor staining.
Matching stairs and floors
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
A stripped and refinished staircase looks smart, is easy to keep clean and lasts for years. 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 Enfield. 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
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.
What do you need from us on the day?
We need access to a standard power socket and, ideally, parking near the property. Our machines run on domestic power, and we bring everything else with us.
Can I get a price without a visit?
Often, yes. A few clear photos and the room sizes 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.
Do you strip painted stairs?
Yes — we strip paint and old varnish from treads, risers and spindles. Sanding stairs is detailed hand work, and we finish them with a durable finish that copes with daily use. See stairs stripping and restoration.
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. We suggest keeping pets out of the room for the first 24 hours, and trim claws to help the finish last.
Will we still be able to get upstairs?
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.
What our customers say
Scratches gone
“Two dogs had left the lounge floor badly scuffed. A light abrade and new coat of lacquer has made it look new again. Useful advice on felt pads and mats as well.”
Bush Hill Park
Herringbone hallway looks stunning
“The original herringbone in our hall had years of grime and old varnish. Three days later it is flat, smooth and glowing. Everyone notices it as soon as they walk in.”
Enfield Town
Old parquet back to life
“We were ready to rip the parquet out. They replaced the damaged blocks, sanded and lacquered it, and you cannot tell where the repairs are.”
Enfield Town