Staircase Restoration and Replacement London
Victorian and Georgian staircases tend to have many layers of paint which require removal, particular from the treads and risers. The removal of this paint is part of the renovation process and carried out prior to sanding.
Typically, we strip, sand and seal treads and risers on Victorian staircases and lacquer finish like we would a floor.
We use electric heat guns to melt and blister the paint as the first stage of the process, followed by a liquid chemical stripper and various grades of wire wool and then sandpaper, from approximately P60 – P120 Grade.
Once the staircase is fully sanded, it is stained and/or finished with at least three coats of lacquer, key-sanding (denibbing) between each coat, the same process as with floors.
Another popular ‘look’ is sanded and lacquered treads combined with painted risers, with the skirting or ‘stringer’ of the staircase remaining painted..
The staircase can then either be left uncovered or have a traditional stair runner fitted.
You can do anything to a staircase, from the most sensitive period restoration to something totally contemporary such as stair risers with fibre optics or recessed LED lights. We can give you many ideas to work with, from the traditional to the most unconventional and bespoke.
Georgian Staircase Restoration London
The sensitive restoration of a Georgian staircase in a period property in Hampstead, London.
1. 300 years of paint has to be burned off using heat guns. Carbon filter masks are essential while working and good ventilation is required as much of the older paint, particularly the primers, were lead-based.
2. The mahogany handrail was made from one piece of wood that would have been steamed and painstakingly bent into shape.
3. Some spindles had to be removed on the sharpest bend and on the final furl to allow us to actually get in and work.
4. Blotches of red lead paint used as knotting to prevent bleed through and discolouration of the paint
5. High and awkward to get to nosing required a tower scaffold.
6. After the heat gun, paint stripper and wire wool are used to clean and start to really bring the wood into focus.
7. The stripping revealed where the original spindles had been anchored before being cut out at some point
8. Some of the scotia moulding was worn and damaged it needed remaking and forming from two component resin filler. Dark oak filler was used to match the final tone that the staircase was to be stained.
9. The staining process begins with nosing and working inward.
10. Risers were to be painted white later.
11. Burnt Umber acrylic up onto each spindle to give the decorator something to ‘cut’ down onto & define the line in white.
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Staircase Restoration in London is one of the best expert staircase renovation and restoration services in London and its surrounding areas. You are in the best suburbs the energetic nearby of the busy districts of Camden. We have the expertise to rejuvenate your staircase and improve the looks of your home or business.
With years of understanding and a commitment to greatness, our skilled specialise in restoring a wide range of staircases, from classic Victorian designs with detailed barriers to modern styles with smart lines and contemporary finishes. Your staircase is decorated with Victorian floorboards quality, stylish handrails and newel posts in Willesden.
From NW6 , Kensal Green and throughout central London, our wide restoration services cover everything from repairs and replacements to sanding and refinishing. Your staircase requires slight repairs or complete maintenance; we work closely with you to understand your vision and deliver exceptional results that exceed your expectations.
In Paddington, our careful awareness of detail provides flawless results that improve the beauty and character of your staircase. We also serve Harlesden, and Shepherds Bush, providing tailored solutions to meet the unique requirements of each project.
From busy streets of the East End, Mile End. we take pride in delivering excellent staircase restoration services that transform your staircase into a lovely focal point of your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does staircase restoration involve?
Staircase restoration can include removing old paint, repairing damaged timber, sanding the treads and risers, replacing missing mouldings, staining the wood and applying a protective lacquer. The exact process depends on the staircase’s condition and the finish you want to achieve.
2. Can you restore Victorian and Georgian staircases?
Yes. We specialise in restoring Victorian and Georgian staircases in period properties across London. We work carefully to preserve original features while repairing damage and improving the staircase’s appearance.
3. Can you remove multiple layers of old paint from a staircase?
Yes. Period staircases often have many layers of old paint that must be removed before sanding. We use suitable stripping methods to carefully expose the timber beneath the existing coatings.
4. How do you remove paint from staircase treads and risers?
The process may begin with an electric heat gun to soften and blister the paint. A suitable liquid paint stripper, wire wool and different grades of sandpaper may then be used to remove remaining coatings and prepare the wood for finishing.
5. Is it safe to remove old paint from a period staircase?
Old staircases may contain historic paint coatings, including lead-based paint. Appropriate protective equipment, dust control and good ventilation are therefore important during the stripping and sanding process.
6. Can damaged staircase mouldings be repaired?
Yes. Worn, cracked or missing mouldings can often be repaired or recreated. Suitable timber repair products and colour-matched fillers may be used to rebuild damaged areas while retaining the staircase’s original character.
7. Can damaged treads, risers or spindles be repaired?
Yes. We can assess damaged treads, risers, spindles, nosings, stringers and other timber components. Depending on their condition, they may be repaired, strengthened or replaced with suitable matching materials.
8. Do you sand staircase treads and risers?
Yes. After the paint and old finishes have been removed, the treads and risers are sanded using progressively finer grades of sandpaper. This creates a smooth surface ready for staining, painting or lacquering.
9. Can you stain my staircase a different colour?
Yes. A suitable wood stain can be applied after sanding to enhance the timber or create a darker or lighter appearance. The chosen colour should complement the wood species, flooring and overall interior design.
10. What finish do you apply to a restored staircase?
A restored timber staircase can be protected with multiple coats of durable lacquer. Light key-sanding or denibbing is carried out between coats to help create a smooth and consistent finish.
11. Can I have natural wood treads with painted risers?
Yes. A popular design is to have sanded and lacquered wooden treads combined with painted risers. The staircase stringer, skirting, spindles or other elements can also remain painted to create a traditional contrasting appearance.
12. Can a stair runner be fitted after restoration?
Yes. After the staircase has been restored and finished, it can be left uncovered to display the timber or prepared for a traditional carpet stair runner.
13. Can you create a contemporary staircase design?
Yes. Staircase restoration does not have to reproduce a traditional finish. We can discuss contemporary and bespoke ideas, including contrasting colours, modern finishes and integrated lighting features.
14. Can you preserve original handrails and period details?
Where possible, original handrails, spindles, mouldings and other architectural details can be retained and restored. The approach depends on their condition, structural stability and the requirements of the project.
15. How long does staircase restoration take?
The timescale depends on the staircase’s size, number of paint layers, condition of the timber, repairs required and selected finish. Detailed period staircases generally require more time than straightforward sanding and refinishing projects.