Thinking about giving your stairs a makeover? As professional handymen, we’ve seen our share of stair refinishing projects, and we’re here to share our expertise on transforming those worn-out steps into a stunning centerpiece of your home.
The Hidden Challenge Under Your Carpet
One of the biggest surprises homeowners face when tackling a stair refinishing project is what lies beneath their carpet. Often, there’s a stubborn layer of carpet adhesive that can be a real headache to remove. This glue can deeply penetrate the wood, making the refinishing process more complex than initially expected.
Many contractors will simply suggest replacing the wood entirely – and sometimes that’s the right call. But at White Glove Handyman ServiceLLC, we believe in exploring all options. With proper sanding techniques and the right equipment, we can often restore the original wood to its former glory, saving you money and preserving your home’s original materials.
The Refinishing Process
When we tackle a stair refinishing project, we:
- Carefully remove all carpet and tack strips
- Assess the condition of the wood underneath
- Remove any remaining adhesive through careful sanding
- Repair any damaged areas
- Sand the entire surface to achieve a smooth finish
- Apply high-quality stain and protective coating
Is Refinishing Right for Your Stairs?
Before deciding whether to refinish or replace, consider:
- The age and condition of your existing stairs
- The thickness of the wood (multiple sandings may have reduced it)
- Your budget (refinishing typically costs less than replacement)
- Your timeline (refinishing takes longer but preserves original materials)
Recent Project
We are wrapping up refinishing stairs for a repeat customer. Looking for a rustic look, they wanted to keep the original wood. So pulling all staples and nails, preparing the wood to take stain, it’s been quite a journey. To add to the story, the stain was a bit dark for the customer. We went back and sanded to restain. We also needed to remove residual glue, even after heavily sanding, to make sure the stain would take. See the below photo before the second round of stain.
At White Glove Handyman Service LLC, we provide honest assessments and help you make the best choice for your home. Sometimes, replacement is the better option, particularly if the wood is severely damaged or too thin from previous refinishing attempts.
Want to learn more about transforming your stairs? Contact White Glove Handyman Service LLC for a professional consultation. We’ll help you weigh your options and create a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Photo: Cafe Design Interior Objective Shop Concept by rawpixel on 123RF