Hardwood stairs are a beautiful feature in any home, but over time, they show signs of wear — scuff marks, dull finishes, scratches, and fading from foot traffic. When that happens, refinishing is the go-to solution.

But what’s the actual cost?

At LV Flooring, we often get this question from homeowners looking to refresh their space without a full staircase replacement. Whether your stairs are solid oak, maple, or engineered hardwood, refinishing can bring them back to life and save you money in the process.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what affects the cost, what the process involves, and how to make sure you get the most out of your investment.

Related Article: How to Refinish Stairs

What Does “Refinishing” Hardwood Stairs Mean?

Refinishing is the process of:

• Sanding down the existing finish
• Repairing surface damage like scratches or dents
• Staining the wood to the desired shade (optional)
• Sealing the stairs with a durable topcoat

It’s designed to restore the original beauty of the wood while improving its durability and resistance to future wear.

Unlike replacing stairs, which requires full demolition and new materials, refinishing keeps your existing structure and simply upgrades the surface.

Average Cost to Refinish Hardwood Stairs in Toronto

The cost to refinish hardwood stairs in Toronto typically ranges from $50 to $90 per step, depending on several key factors. For an average 12-step staircase, the total cost lands between $600 and $1,200+.

This is just a base range. Your actual cost could be higher or lower depending on the specifics of your staircase and the work required.

Factors That Affect the Cost

Several variables impact how much you’ll pay to refinish your stairs. Here’s what to consider:

1. Number of Steps

More steps = more sanding, more stain, more time. Most pricing is calculated per step or per staircase.

Tip: Count each tread and riser when budgeting. Some services charge separately for both.

2. Type of Wood

Some hardwoods are harder to work with:

• Oak and maple are common and easier to refinish.
• Exotic hardwoods may require special handling or products.
• Engineered hardwood stairs may only be sandable once, depending on the thickness of the top layer.

If you’re not sure what type of wood you have, a professional inspection will clarify what’s possible.

3. Condition of the Stairs

Minor surface wear is easier (and cheaper) to fix. But if your stairs have:

• Deep gouges
• Warping or cracking
• Missing pieces
• Water damage

…then repairs may be needed before refinishing begins. This adds time and cost to the project.

4. Stain Colour Change

Keeping the same stain or going slightly darker is straightforward. Going from dark to light (or vice versa) may require more sanding and multiple coats of stain to get an even finish.

This adds both labour time and product cost.

5. Type of Finish

You can choose between:

• Oil-based polyurethane (durable, amber tone, longer drying time)
• Water-based polyurethane (faster drying, less odour, more natural colour)
• Low-VOC or eco-friendly options (ideal for allergy-sensitive homes)

Each has a different price point. Water-based finishes tend to cost more in product, but less in drying time.

6. Labour and Accessibility

Tight staircases or tricky angles may increase the complexity of the job. So can:

• Narrow hallways
• Landings
• Railings or spindles (especially if they need to be refinished too)

Labour makes up the majority of refinishing costs, so anything that requires extra effort will raise the total.

Optional Add-Ons That Increase Cost

You may also want to include other upgrades in your stair refinishing project. These aren’t mandatory, but many homeowners choose them for a more complete refresh.

• Stair riser painting (white is common): $15–$25 per riser
• Replacing nosing/edge pieces: $20–$40 each
• Updating or sanding railings and posts: Cost varies widely based on complexity
• Custom stain matching: $100–$300, depending on testing required

At LV Flooring, we always provide a breakdown of these options before work begins so you can choose what fits your budget and goals.

Is DIY Worth It?

Technically, yes. You can rent equipment and refinish your stairs yourself. But it’s not a simple project.

Challenges include:

• Dust control
• Even sanding on curved or narrow steps
• Consistent stain application
• Drying times and proper ventilation
• Risk of damaging the wood

A small mistake in sanding can leave permanent marks or shorten the lifespan of your stairs. For many homeowners, hiring a professional saves time and avoids costly redos.

Related Article: How to Put a Wooden Floor on Stairs

How Long Does It Take?

A professional stair refinishing job usually takes 2 to 5 days, depending on:

• Number of steps
• Condition of the wood
• Type of finish used (water-based vs. oil-based)
• Drying and curing time

During that time, you’ll need to limit access to the staircase. We help clients plan around this by working in sections when possible, or scheduling over weekends or low-traffic periods.

How to Get the Most Value

If you’re going to invest in stair refinishing, here’s how to make it last:

• Use High-Quality Products: Don’t cut corners on stain or sealant. Premium products look better and hold up longer.
• Add Rugs or Runners: They protect the finish from foot traffic, especially in homes with pets or kids.
• Regular Cleaning: Use a soft broom or vacuum with a hardwood-safe attachment to keep grit from scratching the surface.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to gentle cleaners designed for wood floors. Vinegar, ammonia, or steam can strip the finish.

Why Refinish Instead of Replace?

• Lower cost: Refinishing is significantly cheaper than new hardwood installation.
• Less disruption: No demolition, minimal downtime.
• Environmental benefit: Keep your original materials in place.
• Preserves character: Older stairs often have charm that’s hard to replicate.

If your stairs are structurally sound, refinishing is a smart way to upgrade your home without a full renovation.

Related Article: How to Choose Wooden Handrails for Stairs

Why Choose LV Flooring?

At LV Flooring, we bring decades of experience in hardwood refinishing, flooring installation, and custom stair projects. Whether you want to restore the original beauty of your staircase or modernize it with a fresh finish, we’ll walk you through every step, literally.

We offer:

• Free, no-pressure estimates
• Professional-grade sanding and sealing equipment
• Eco-friendly, low-odour finish options
• Custom stain matching to blend with your existing floors
• Flexible scheduling and courteous, clean service

We serve homeowners across the GTA, and our North York showroom is open for appointments if you want to explore finishes, textures, or other flooring options before you decide.

Related Article: Staircase to Style: Selecting the Appropriate Stair Parts for Your Home

Restore Your Stairs Without Replacing Them

Refinishing hardwood stairs is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home. It improves safety, boosts resale appeal, and adds a polished finish to your space, all without a major renovation.

If your stairs are showing signs of wear, don’t wait for them to get worse. Let the team at LV Flooring bring them back to life with expert refinishing that’s built to last.

Contact us for a free estimate and let our team help you restore your stairs with precision, care, and long-lasting results.