How to Refinish Stairs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking at your old, worn-out stairs covered in carpet? Those hidden hardwood treads can shine again with proper care and work. Refinishing stairs might seem hard, but with the right tools and steps, you can turn tired steps into a focal point in your home.

This guide will take you through each part of stair refinishing, from picking materials to adding final touches. You’ll learn about solid hardwood treads, proper staining methods, and how to handle common issues.

By the end, you’ll know if this project fits your skill level or if hiring a pro makes more sense.

Let’s get started on bringing those stairs back to life.

Why Refinish Your Stairs?

Old stairs often hide beautiful wood under worn carpet or paint. Refinishing them adds value to your home and creates a lasting impression. Wood stairs last longer than carpet and need less cleaning. They also make your home look bigger and more open.

When you remove the old carpet from the stairs, you might find solid wood that only needs sanding and staining. Even damaged treads can be fixed or replaced. The process takes time but costs less than new stairs.

You can match the color to existing floors or create contrast with white risers and dark treads.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stair Refinishing

Tools and Materials Needed

Tool	Purpose
Miter saw, Skill saw	Cutting stair parts
Multi-tool, Router (flush trim bit)	Trimming and shaping edges
Sander with dust control	Smoothing surfaces
Pry bar	Removing old treads and risers
Measuring tape, Combination square	Accurate measuring and marking
Collins tread gauge	Fitting treads and risers
Nail set, Foam brushes, Foam roller	Finishing and detailing
23-gauge pin nailer	Clean, precise fastening

Material	Purpose
Solid hardwood treads	Long-lasting stair steps
MDF or plywood risers	Paintable or stainable riser base
Wood glue, Stair adhesive	Secure bonding
Brad nails, Wood filler, or Bondo	Assembly and surface repairs
Oil-based primer (e.g., Zinser)	Prepping risers before painting
High-quality paint	Finishing risers
Stain, Clear coat with hardener	Coloring and sealing treads
Masking tape, Plastic, Paper wrap	Protecting surfaces while working

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Start by setting up dust barriers to contain the mess. Remove any carpet, nails, or staples from the stairs. Check for damage and fix loose boards. Cover nearby furniture or items with plastic sheets. Before starting, take photos of the stairs from several angles.

If you can, set up a cutting space outside to keep dust away from indoor areas. Make sure your walking path is clear for easy movement.

Step 2: Source and Prepare Materials

Use solid hardwood treads made from layered wood to reduce the chance of warping. Avoid regular flooring boards—they take longer to install. Choose MDF if you plan to paint risers or plywood if staining.

Measure the tread depth carefully and keep added height within safe limits. Use leftover wood to test stain colors before starting the full job.

Step 3: Remove Old Nosings and Treads

Use a multi-tool to cut along the tread edge where it meets the stair’s sides. Mark and cut the nosing with a saw, staying close to the riser. Use a router to clean up corners the saw can’t reach. Sand the cut edges to make them smooth and level.

Remove any leftover tread pieces from the stringers to prepare for filling.

Step 4: Prepare Stringers and Risers

Fill gaps in the stringers using wood filler or Bondo. Sand the surface until smooth. Prime and paint stringers with good-quality materials. If painting risers, cut MDF to size, then prime and paint them with a foam roller.

If the stairs have open sides, use treads with finished edges to cover visible cuts.

Step 5: Measure and Cut Risers & Treads

Use a tread gauge to get the correct shape for each riser. Cut just outside your marked lines, then test the fit. Some stairs may need sanding or scribing to get a tight fit.

For stairs with posts or trim in the way, make a quick template using hardboard and hot glue. For accuracy, each riser should be measured and cut separately.

Repeat the gauge process for the treads. Use masking tape to help you see the pencil lines on dark wood. Start your cut slightly off the line to check alignment. A 3-degree angle on the ends allows the treads to slide into place.

Use screws from below when possible, or cut treads indoors with a track saw to reduce dust and noise.

Step 6: Stain and Finish Treads

Sand the treads with 120-grit paper and clean them with a damp cloth. After drying, sand lightly again. Apply stain using a foam brush and let it dry fully. The next day, apply a second, lighter coat and wipe off extra after five minutes.

Let the stain dry for 24–48 hours. Add clear coats in layers, sanding between them. If allowed, add hardener to the final coat. Let treads sit flat and untouched while drying.

Step 7: Install Risers and Treads

Start with the bottom riser, adding glue and pressing it into place. Use pin nails along the bottom edge. Apply stair adhesive to the base, then set the tread. Secure from underneath when possible, or use brad nails where they’ll be hidden.

Continue up the stairs. For tricky cuts around posts, make a template first, then use it to trace and cut your tread.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

After all parts are in place, check for any small gaps. Depending on the finish, fill them with caulk or wood filler. Use wax crayons to hide nail holes. Touch up paint where needed, and clean any leftover glue with a damp cloth.

Let everything dry completely before using the stairs. A light polish can help protect the surface. If needed, add stair runners for extra grip. Before full use, make sure every tread is solid and safe.

Video Tutorial

Check out this YouTube video for a detailed step-by-step Tutorial on how to Refinish Stairs.

Simple Refinish Stairs Maintenance Tips and Care

1. Regular Cleaning

Sweep or vacuum your stairs once a week to remove dirt that can scratch the surface. Use a slightly damp microfiber mop for deeper cleaning, and avoid using too much water.

Clean spills right away to prevent stains or water damage. For tough spots, use a wood-safe cleaner on a cloth—not directly on the stairs. Never use steam or oil-based cleaners, as they can damage the finish over time.

2. Protective Measures

Add small rugs near stair entry points to catch dirt before it spreads. Use clear, non-slip treads in busy areas to protect the surface. Ask visitors to take off shoes with hard soles that may leave marks.

Add felt pads to furniture if you’re moving things on the stairs. Don’t drag heavy items across the steps. Block sunlight with curtains to help keep colors from fading.

3. Addressing Minor Damage

Fix light scratches with a touch-up marker or wax crayon that matches the wood. For deeper marks, clean the area, sand lightly, apply stain, and seal it. If treads feel loose, screw them in from the back. For squeaky spots, add talcum powder between rubbing parts or use trim screws to tighten the area.

4. Refinishing Touch-ups

Over time, high-traffic spots may wear down. Lightly sand worn areas, clean them, then reapply stain and sealant. For scuffed risers, clean first, and if needed, sand lightly and touch up with paint. This helps delay full refinishing and keeps your stairs looking clean.

5. Long-term Preservation

To keep stairs looking good, add a new clear coat every few years. Lightly sand with fine paper before doing so. Always use the same type of finish to avoid issues. Keep the room’s humidity steady—too dry or too damp can cause the wood to change shape. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier if needed, and check for signs of damage, like cracks or lifted edges.

Things to Avoid While Refinish Stairs

Don’t Do This	Why It’s Bad	Better Alternative
Use water-based primer on wood	Makes surface rough	Use an oil-based primer
Skip sanding between clear coats	Leaves a rough finish	Light sand with 320-grit
Use regular lumber for treads	Warps and cups over time	Use laminated hardwood treads
Stain without testing	The color may look off	Make sample boards
Rush drying time	Leaves sticky, dirty surface	Let dry for 48–72 hours
Using the wrong tools to cut nosing	Cuts are uneven	Use a multi-tool
Apply thick finish coats	Causes runs and bubbles	Use thin, even coats
Skip back bevel on treads	Glue leaks onto risers	Cut a 15° bevel on the back
Walking on stairs too soon	Finish gets damaged	Wait full cure time

Conclusion

Refinishing stairs takes time and patience but yields results that last for years. Depending on your skills and the condition of your stairs, the process might take a weekend or more.

The most important steps are proper preparation, careful measurement, and allowing enough drying time between coats. Take your time with staining to get the color right, as this is the hardest part to fix later.

The work pays off with stairs that add beauty and value to your home. Remember that if you find the job too complex, hiring a pro is always an option. Whatever you choose, your home deserves the warm look of well-finished wood stairs.

They create a striking first impression and stand up to years of daily use with proper care.