Stair sanding is the restoration of a timber staircase: sanding the treads, risers, nosings and often the stringers and handrail back to bare timber, then applying a new finish. It is usually done when a carpet runner is removed, when a stained or varnished staircase has worn through on the treads, or when stairs are being finished to match a newly sanded floor.
Stairs are less common in Bendigo's older single-storey cottages than in newer two-storey homes in growth areas, townhouses and renovated period homes with attic conversions. Wherever they are, they take more concentrated wear than any other timber in the house.
Bendigo Floor Sanders is an enquiry service. We don't sand stairs ourselves. With your consent, we'll pass your enquiry to an independent local floor sander, once one is appointed, who will inspect and quote.
Why stairs are a different job from floors
A floor is mostly flat open area that a large machine can cover quickly. A staircase is the opposite. Each tread is a small surface with an edge, a nosing and corners, and the large drum sanders used on floors can't be used on it. Most of the work is done with small sanders, detail sanders and hand scrapers. That's why stairs are normally priced per step, and why a short staircase can cost as much as a medium-sized room.
Parts of a staircase
- Treads: the horizontal parts you stand on. These wear the most.
- Risers: the vertical faces between treads. They're often painted, especially in older homes.
- Nosings: the rounded front edges of the treads. They take heavy knocks and are fiddly to sand evenly.
- Stringers: the side boards that support the treads.
- Balustrade and handrail: the rail, posts and balusters. Refinishing these is a separate, detailed task and may be quoted separately.
When asking for a quote, say which parts you want sanded and finished.
Common situations
Stairs under carpet
Removing carpet reveals the condition of the treads underneath. Expect staples, nail holes and the marks of gripper strips along the back and edges of each tread. These can usually be filled, but some holes will remain visible. Some stairs were built to be carpeted and use lower-grade timber or particleboard that isn't meant to be on show. Lifting the carpet on one tread first is a good test.
Painted risers and stringers
Many people sand treads to natural timber and keep painted risers and stringers for contrast. That's often the most practical choice, since stripping paint from risers is slow work. In homes built before 1970, old paint may contain lead. Australian Government guidance warns against dry sanding lead paint, so tell your contractor about any painted surfaces.
Worn varnish or stain
Older staircases often have a dark stain or varnish worn pale in the middle of every tread. A full sand is needed to make the colour even again. A recoat won't fix bare patches.
Safety and slip resistance
Slipperiness is one of the most common worries people raise about polished timber stairs, so the finish matters. Points to discuss with your contractor:
- Sheen level. A satin or matt finish feels less slippery than gloss in socks.
- Slip-resistant additives. Some coating systems offer an additive or a specific anti-slip product for stairs.
- Nosing condition. Damaged or loose nosings should be repaired before finishing.
- Access during the job. If the stairs are the only route to bedrooms or a bathroom, ask how the coats will be staged. Some contractors coat alternate treads so the stairs stay usable, which adds time.
What the process usually involves
- Removal. Carpet, underlay, gripper strips, staples and nails are removed.
- Repairs. Loose treads are refixed, squeaks addressed and damaged nosings repaired or replaced.
- Sanding. Treads, risers and nosings are sanded with small machines, then edges and corners are scraped and hand sanded.
- Filling. Holes and small defects are filled.
- Colour. Stain is applied if wanted, then the clear finish. The choice of finish is covered on the floor polishing page.
- Drying. Coats are applied in stages with drying time between.
Matching stairs to floors
If the stairs lead to a timber floor, it's best to sand and coat them in the same job with the same product. Different timbers and different ages will still take colour slightly differently, so treat a perfect match as a goal rather than a certainty. A test patch on a tread is worthwhile if you're adding a stain.
What affects the price
Stairs are generally quoted per step, sometimes with separate rates for treads only, treads and risers, or full staircases including stringers. Prices published online vary widely by region and scope, so ask for a written quote that lists exactly which parts are included. Factors that raise the price include:
- number of steps and landings;
- open or closed risers;
- painted surfaces to strip;
- carpet removal and staple extraction;
- repairs to treads or nosings;
- balustrade and handrail work;
- stain or specialty finishes.
See typical prices for published ranges and their sources.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sand and polish stairs?
The sanding itself may take a day for a typical staircase, but coats and drying spread the job over several days. If you need to use the stairs, ask about staging the coats.
Can stairs be sanded after carpet removal?
Usually, if the treads are solid timber. Staple and nail holes can be filled but may remain faintly visible. If the treads are particleboard or low-grade timber, new treads or cladding may be a better option.
What finish is best for stairs?
A durable floor-grade finish in satin or matt is common, because it wears well and feels less slippery than gloss. Ask whether a slip-resistant option is available for the product being used.
Do I need to sand the risers too?
Not necessarily. Painted risers with sanded timber treads are a popular, practical combination. Sanding and staining risers adds time and cost, especially if they're painted.
Why are stairs priced per step?
Each step needs careful handwork on a small area, edges and nosing. Large floor machines can't be used, so labour per square metre is much higher than for a floor.
Ask about your stairs
Tell us how many steps there are, whether they're carpeted, painted or coated, and which parts you want finished. A photo of the stairs and of a lifted carpet corner helps. With your consent, we'll pass your enquiry to one independent local floor sander, who will contact you to inspect and quote. No cost or obligation.