Sanding Stairs: Our Process and What You Need to Know
Treads – Risers – Stringers
Stair Terminology
Parts of the stair case
So we are all on the same page, when discussing your stairs,
'Open' usually means no Risers.
'Floating' - usually means no Risers and no side stringers, just treads.
The tread is the part you stand on and includes the nose - thickness of the tread.
In this picture, we sanded and finished the treads only. Note how they are now a lighter colour than the Riser and stringers? The old coating has yellowed and some people do not like this look, so it is more cost effective to paint the Side Stringers and Risers afterwards. See below.
Side stringers run down the wall, and in this picture, under the hand rails.
Not all staircases have side stringers.
Sanding and Polishing Stairs
We sand and finish the Treads only.
- Treads Sanded and Polished
- Risers painted white (By your painter, after us not before)
- Side Stringers and Rails painted white (By your painter)
As sanding the treads will cause small amounts of damage to the Riser and Sidestringers, they should be painted after we sand and finish the treads, never before, or they will need to be redone.
Sanded, Stained and coated with UV Rush.
Staining Stairs - Beautiful but expensive
Stain is semi-translucent so you still see the timber beneath
Staining adds an extra process and an extra day to the job, so it is more expensive. If you just wanted Black stairs, then Black Japan will save you money. Black Japan is a cover-all and is great for hiding stains and making everything a uniform colour. Whereas stain will still show a variation in the timber colour.
Stair Sanding and Coating Options
- Sand & Finish with a Clear Coating
- Sand and Coat with Black Japan
- Sand, Stain and Finish with a Clear Coating
