How to Refinish Stairs? | LV Flooring Toronto

Hardwood Stairs

How to Refinish Stairs

Hardwood stairs are a standout feature in any home, but over time, daily foot traffic can leave them scratched, dull, or discoloured. The good news is you don’t need to replace them. Refinishing your stairs is a smart, cost-effective way to restore their look and extend their life.

If your stairs are scuffed, faded, or unevenly stained, refinishing can bring them back to life while preserving the original wood. At LV Flooring, we’ve worked with all types of hardwood, including maple, oak, and engineered options, and we know what it takes to get stairs looking like new again.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to refinish stairs properly and when to call in the pros if the job gets beyond DIY territory.

Related Article: How to Choose Wooden Handrails for Stairs

Step 1: Assess the Condition of the Stairs

Before you start, check the condition of the wood. Not all staircases can be refinished, especially if the wood is too thin or damaged.

Look for:

Deep gouges or cracks
Loose boards or creaky steps
Water damage or signs of rot
Stairs that have already been refinished multiple times (some engineered hardwood has a thin top layer)

If the wood is solid and stable, you’re good to move forward. If not, it may be time to talk to a flooring specialist about replacing the treads entirely.

Related Article: How to Put a Wooden Floor on Stairs

Step 2: Prep the Area

This part takes time, but skipping it leads to poor results. You want the space to be as clean and protected as possible.

What to do:

Remove carpets, runners, or nails
Mask off surrounding walls, spindles, and risers with painter’s tape
Vacuum thoroughly to get rid of dust and debris
Cover nearby furniture and vents to avoid spreading sawdust throughout the house

If your stairs have a railing or decorative trim, you may want to mask or remove those pieces too, depending on the finish you’re using.

Step 3: Sand the Treads

Sanding is what removes the old finish and smooths out surface damage. It also helps the new stain or sealer bond properly to the wood.

Use a combination of tools:

A hand sander or palm sander for flat surfaces
Sandpaper or sanding sponges for edges and corners
Start with a coarse grit (around 60–80) to strip the finish, then finish with a finer grit (around 120–150) for smoothness

Be careful not to oversand, especially if you’re working with engineered hardwood with a thinner wear layer.

After sanding, vacuum and wipe down each tread with a tack cloth to remove dust.

wood grinding process by sandpaper on stairs

Step 4: Apply Stain (Optional)

If you’re changing the colour of the stairs or want to deepen the natural tone, this is when you apply stain. Choose a product that works with the type of wood you have, and test it on a small section first.

How to apply:

Use a brush or lint-free cloth
Apply evenly along the grain
Wipe off excess after a few minutes to avoid blotching
Let it dry fully before sealing (typically 24 hours)

Maple, in particular, can stain unevenly without a pre-conditioner, so don’t skip prep work.

Step 5: Seal and Protect

Sealing protects the wood and gives the stairs a finished look. Choose a durable polyurethane, either water-based (faster drying, low odour) or oil-based (richer tone, longer cure time).

Apply 2–3 coats using a high-quality brush:

Let each coat dry completely.
Lightly sand between coats with fine-grit paper (220) to keep the finish smooth.
Avoid walking on the stairs until the final coat has cured.

A proper sealant not only enhances the beauty of the wood. It also guards against scratches, spills, and wear over time.

Step 6: Clean Up and Final Touches

Once the finish is dry:

Remove all tape and coverings.
Reinstall any trim, railings, or hardware.
Do a final dust and polish for a clean presentation.

Your stairs should now have a consistent, smooth finish that looks fresh and feels solid underfoot.

When to Hire a Professional

Refinishing stairs can be done as a DIY project, but there are times when it’s best to call in a specialist:

The stairs are uneven or structurally damaged
You’re working with exotic wood or engineered flooring
You want a custom stain match for adjacent floors
The staircase has detailed railings or multiple landings

At LV Hardwood Flooring, we provide professional hardwood stair refinishing that matches the craftsmanship of the original build, whether you’re restoring a single flight or coordinating with a full floor renovation.

professional man applying sealing protects on wooden stairs

Why Refinish Instead of Replace?

Replacing stairs is a big job that requires new materials, demolition, and higher costs. Refinishing lets you:

Keep the original hardwood.
Save money on labour and material.
Match the look of the surrounding floors.
Extend the life of your stairs by 10+ years.

If the structure is solid, refinishing is often the most efficient and rewarding option.

Keep Your Stairs Looking Great

After refinishing, protect your investment with these tips:

Use area rugs or stair runners to reduce wear.
Clean with a soft broom or vacuum attachment.
Wipe up spills quickly to avoid water damage.
Avoid harsh cleaners. Use wood-safe products only.
Inspect the finish annually and reapply sealant when needed.

A well-maintained hardwood staircase is more than a walkway; it’s a design statement and a lasting feature that adds value to your home.

Give Your Stairs a New Life

Refinishing hardwood stairs is one of the most effective ways to improve the look and feel of your home without a full remodel. Whether you’re refreshing old oak treads or modernizing maple to match your floors, the process is well worth the effort.

If you’re not sure where to start or want a smooth, high-end result without the hassle, LV Hardwood Flooring is here to help. Our team has refinished countless staircases across Toronto, always using quality materials and precision techniques.

Ready to give your stairs a fresh new look? We offer professional stair refinishing services across Toronto, using quality materials and expert techniques to restore beauty and durability.