Stair Refinishing Guide

Stair Refinishing Guide

Carpet removal, tread sanding, riser prep, stain, 2-3 coats Bona Traffic HD. Cost: $35-$75/step. 13-step staircase: $450-$975 typical.

What Stair Refinishing Involves

Refinishing hardwood stairs is more detailed than refinishing a flat floor. Each tread must be sanded individually, risers prepared separately, and stain and finish applied with careful edge control to avoid runs. A typical staircase takes a full day or more depending on the number of steps and the condition of the wood.

Carpet Removal and Prep

If your stairs are currently carpeted, the first step is removing the carpet, padding, staples, and tack strips. This often reveals hidden damage — water stains, pet damage, or soft spots — that must be repaired before sanding. We inspect every tread and riser before starting so there are no surprises mid-project.

Sanding and Staining

Stair treads are sanded with specialized equipment designed for the narrow, angled surface of a step. Once bare and smooth, we apply your chosen stain. Because stair edges are visible from many angles, we apply stain carefully and consistently so each tread matches. We always test a sample on a hidden area first so you can approve the color before the full application.

Finishing with Bona Traffic HD

For stairs, we recommend 2 to 3 coats of Bona Traffic HD — a commercial-grade water-based finish that resists the heavy wear stairs receive. It dries clear, stays non-yellowing, and has low odor, so you can use the staircase again sooner. Bona Traffic HD is the same finish we use on high-traffic commercial floors.

Cost Factors

Stair refinishing typically costs between $35 and $75 per step, depending on condition, stain complexity, and whether risers are painted or finished. A standard 13-step staircase usually runs $450 to $975. Stairs with extensive repair, replacement treads, or intricate spindles will cost more.

Stair treads use the same sanding technique as floors — review the hardwood floor sanding process first.

Related guides: For overall project pricing, see our hardwood flooring cost guide. Stairs also use different materials than flat floors — our LVP vs hardwood comparison covers those options.