Staircase service
Stair Refinishing
Overview
Refinishing removes the worn finish and applies new stain and protective coats. It keeps existing wood, so it suits stairs where treads are solid and thick enough to sand.
Stairs are mostly hand-sanded and detailed, which makes them slower per square foot than open floors.
By service area
- Stair Refinishing in Ansley Park
- Stair Refinishing in Midtown (in progress)
- Stair Refinishing in Piedmont Heights (in progress)
What stair refinishing usually includes
- Sanding treads, and risers if stained
- Stain color change or natural finish
- Protective topcoats
- Painting risers as an alternative to staining
- Refinishing handrails if added
Usually not included
- Replacing damaged treads, which is a separate service
- Refinishing adjoining floors, unless quoted together
Material and condition considerations
Refinishing versus replacement
Refinishing fits solid treads with surface wear. Deep damage, cracks or thin treads usually call for replacement instead.
Matching an existing finish
If the stair should match nearby floors, ask for samples on your stair. Different species take stain differently.
Finish types
Finish systems differ in odor, dry time and sheen. Ask the contractor what they recommend and how long each step stays off limits.
Design preferences versus structural questions
Your design choices
- Stain color
- Sheen
- Painted or stained risers
Needs in-person assessment
- Treads too thin to sand
- Loose treads
- Cracks through the wood
We do not give structural or code advice. The contractor, or another qualified professional, assesses these on site.
What affects the price
We do not publish prices, because conditions vary and many are hidden until the stair is opened up. These factors move an estimate:
- Number of treads, risers and landings
- Color change or same color
- Removing old paint or heavy finish
- Handrail and baluster detailing
- Number of finish coats
How the estimate and referral work
You send one request. We check the property address against launch coverage, then share the request with a relevant independent contractor. The contractor contacts you, usually looks at the stair in person, and gives you their own estimate. Any agreement is between you and the contractor.
How to prepare
- Photograph treads in daylight, including worn spots
- Gather color samples of floors the stair should match
- Plan where pets and family will go while finish cures
Questions
Can I change my stair color without new treads?
Usually, if the treads are solid wood thick enough to sand. Some engineered or veneer treads cannot be sanded deeply.
Will refinishing remove deep scratches?
Light to moderate scratches usually sand out. Deep gouges may remain visible.
Related services
- Stair Tread and Riser Replacement: Replacing worn, damaged or mismatched treads and risers while keeping the rest of the stair.
- Carpet-to-Hardwood Stair Conversion: Removing stair carpet and installing finished hardwood treads, with new or painted risers.
- Handrail and Newel Post Replacement: Replacing or restoring handrails and newel posts, including fittings at turns and landings.
Coverage map
Request a staircase estimate
Ansley Park Stair Remodeling is a referral service. Your request will be shared with a relevant independent staircase contractor who serves the launch coverage area (Ansley Park and directly adjacent Midtown and Piedmont Heights addresses in Atlanta, GA 30309). We confirm the address before promising a referral.
A request is not a booking. The contractor confirms scope, price and schedule directly with you.