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Stair Refinishing and Staining

Restore the natural beauty of your hardwood staircase or transform it with a new colour.

Stair Refinishing by RenewStairs

About This Service

If your hardwood staircase has good structural integrity but shows surface wear, scratches, or an outdated stain colour, professional refinishing is the most cost-effective path to a renewed appearance. Our refinishing process strips away old finish, repairs minor surface damage, and applies fresh stain and protective coats that make your staircase look and feel like new.

Our refinishing process starts with careful sanding using professional drum and edge sanders equipped with dust containment systems. We work through progressively finer grits to create a perfectly smooth surface free of old finish, scratches, and minor dents. This preparation step is critical for achieving an even stain absorption and a flawless final coat.

Stain selection is where your staircase transformation takes shape. We offer a wide range of stain colours from natural and golden tones to rich espressos and contemporary greys. We always apply stain samples on your actual staircase wood so you can see exactly how the colour will look before we commit to the full application. Wood species absorb stain differently, and in-situ sampling eliminates any surprises.

The protective topcoat is the final and most important layer. We use commercial-grade polyurethane finishes in your choice of sheen level, from satin to semi-gloss. These finishes are formulated for high-traffic surfaces and provide excellent resistance to scratches, moisture, and daily wear. For homeowners who prefer a more natural feel, we also offer hardwax oil finishes that penetrate the wood without building a plastic-like film on the surface.

In addition to treads and risers, we refinish handrails, newel posts, and any other visible wood staircase components to ensure a uniform appearance throughout.

Key Benefits

  • Most affordable stair renovation option for existing hardwood
  • Preserves the original wood and character of your staircase
  • Change the colour of your staircase to match updated decor
  • Eliminates scratches, wear patterns, and surface damage
  • Professional finishes last 7 to 10 years under normal use
  • Typically completed in 2 to 3 days
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Stair Refinishing Cost in Ontario

Refinishing is typically the most affordable stair renovation option since it preserves the existing wood. Here are typical price ranges for a standard 13-step staircase in Ontario.

Basic refinish (sand, clear coat, no stain change)$800 – $1,500
Full refinish (sand, new stain, polyurethane)$1,500 – $2,500
Refinish with riser painting and handrail included$2,000 – $3,500
Add colour change (darker or lighter stain)$200 – $500 additional

Prices are approximate ranges for a standard 13-step staircase in Ontario (2026). Your actual quote may vary based on staircase configuration, materials selected, and project complexity. We provide free detailed quotes with no hidden fees.

Our Stair Refinishing Process

1

Preparation

Surrounding areas are masked and protected. Carpet or other coverings are removed if present.

2

Sanding

Professional sanding with dust containment, progressing through multiple grits for a smooth, clean surface.

3

Staining

Stain colour is confirmed with on-site samples, then applied evenly across all surfaces for consistent colour.

4

Coating

Multiple coats of professional-grade polyurethane or oil finish are applied with light sanding between coats.

5

Inspection

Final inspection and walkthrough to ensure every detail meets our standards and your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most solid hardwood staircases can be refinished multiple times. If treads are severely worn, warped, or have deep damage beyond what sanding can address, we may recommend refacing or replacement of individual components.

With standard polyurethane finish, stairs can be walked on in socks within 24 hours of the final coat. Full cure takes approximately 7 days, during which we recommend avoiding heavy items and shoes on the stairs.

Yes. We carry an extensive range of stain colours and can custom-mix to achieve a close match to your existing hardwood flooring. We always test on a small area first to confirm the colour.

We provide stair refinishing services across Ontario, including Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Barrie, Newmarket, Oshawa, and Burlington. View all 20+ service areas.

Ready to Transform Your Staircase?

Get a free, no-obligation quote for your stair renovation project. Our team is ready to help you create the staircase of your dreams.