Refinishing works when the treads are solid hardwood with enough wood left to sand. Worn finish, pet scratches and an outdated stain can be sanded out. About 29% of Toronto homes were built in 1960 or earlier (2021 Census), and many older staircases have hardwood under carpet or tired finish that can be sanded back. If treads are split, cupped or thin at the nosing, new treads are the better route.
The quote lists each part of the staircase so nothing is left to guesswork.
Each tread, riser and landing is listed, with winders, open sides and a bullnose bottom step noted separately.
Handrails, newel posts and pickets are marked as included or left as they are. Refinishing the rail is its own line.
The finish type and sheen are written in, such as a water-based satin, so the stairs sit well with the floor at the landing.
The quote shows how many working days the job runs and when the stairs are closed, so you can plan around school and work.
The walking surface takes the most wear. We sand to bare wood and round the nosing edge back to shape.
Risers can be stained to match the treads or painted for a two-tone look. Stringers are sanded along the wall edge.
We test stain on a hidden tread and compare it to the hardwood at the landing before we commit.
Typical ranges before 13% HST. Open staircases, curved steps and painted risers take more time than a closed straight flight.
$100 – $200 / step
$185 – $350 / step
$4.50 – $8 / sq ft
Stairs that were painted or carpeted can often still be refinished. On painted stairs we strip one test tread to see the wood underneath. Oak treads usually sand back well, while softwood or construction-grade treads can look patchy and may suit paint better. On carpeted stairs we pull the tack strip and staples and fill the holes, which stay faintly visible after staining. When the test tread shows the wood will not take stain evenly, stained treads with painted risers is a common compromise. We show you the test tread before you decide.
We seal off the stairwell and cover floors at the top and bottom to control dust.
Old finish comes off each tread, riser and nosing with detail sanders and scrapers.
A sample goes on a hidden tread so you approve the colour first.
We finish every other step first so you can still use the stairs while coats cure.
Walk in socks at first and hold off on moving furniture until the finish has fully cured.
Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50% so treads do not shrink and open gaps at the risers.
Clear anti-slip strips or a runner help on steep basement stairs and with pets.
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Most jobs fall between $100 and $200 per step before HST. One GTA source puts a 13-step staircase at about $2,075.
In most cases, yes. We test the stain on a hidden tread and compare it to the floor at the landing before we commit.
Often, yes. We can finish alternating steps so there is a path up and down while the finish dries. We confirm the plan before we start.
Treads that are split, cupped or sanded thin at the nosing are replaced with new hardwood treads, priced at $185 to $350 per step before HST.