Stairs Stripping & Restoration
Old paint, varnish and carpet adhesive stripped from timber staircases in Harrow, then repaired and refinished.
A staircase is often the first thing visitors see. 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. Our team brings the skills from our floor sanding service to treads, risers, strings and spindles.
Step by step
Carpet, gripper rods and staples removed
Old coatings stripped back to bare timber
Creaking or loose treads secured
Damaged nosings repaired or replaced
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. 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.
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. Stripping is careful work: we use the right method for each coating to protect mouldings and spindles. Older paint may contain lead, so we test first and take the right precautions.
A typical staircase takes two to four days. 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 Harrow. You receive a fixed written quote after a free survey, with no hidden extras. 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. 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 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.
Are your oils and lacquers pet-friendly?
They are. 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 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.
How many days does a staircase 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.
Can I get a price without a visit?
For many jobs, yes. Photos of the floor plus rough measurements let us give a guide price quickly. 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. 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
Great with our dogs around
“We wanted something that would cope with a lively dog. Their advice on a durable lacquer was spot on and it has held up brilliantly so far.”
Wealdstone
Love our new darker floor
“We were after a smoky grey-brown tone. They put down several samples on our own boards and helped us choose. The finished colour is even and rich.”
Pinner
Excellent work in our hall
“The team fitted the work around our weekly bookings, finished on schedule and left the hall spotless. The hall feels bright and welcoming again.”
Hatch End