Stair Sanding and Polishing Brisbane
At Floor, we believe your stairs deserve the same level of care and attention as the rest of your timber floors. Led by Mark Jolley – Brisbane’s master craftsman in floor sanding and polishing – our stair sanding service combines over 33 years of expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver results that are nothing short of exceptional.
Whether you’re restoring worn treads or looking to achieve a sleek, modern finish, our bespoke service is tailored to bring out the natural beauty of your timber staircase.
Request Your Free Stair Sanding Quote
Bring your timber stairs back to life with Brisbane’s stair sanding specialists. Contact Mark Jolley and the Floor team today for a free, no-obligation quote.

WHAT MAKES OUR STAIR SANDING SPECIAL?
Over 33 Years of Experience in Stair Sanding
Mark Jolley has personally sanded and polished over 10,000 timber floors and stairs across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. His eye for detail and commitment to perfection have made Floor the trusted choice for homeowners seeking a flawless finish.
Bespoke Service for a Flawless Finish
Every staircase is unique. That’s why Mark and his team take the time to understand your vision, selecting the ideal techniques and finishes for your timber stairs. From heritage restorations to contemporary designs, we deliver stunning results that last.
Advanced UV-Cured Coatings for Long-Lasting Protection
We use state-of-the-art UV-cured polyurethane technology to provide a finish that is ultra-durable, scratch-resistant, and safe for your family. Our coatings are dry within hours, so you can enjoy your newly restored stairs sooner.
STAIR SANDING - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Learn About Treads, Risers & Stringers

STAIR TERMINOLOGY
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.
OUR STAIR SANDING AND POLISHING PROCESS
Precision Sanding for Every Staircase
We carefully sand and finish the treads (the part you stand on) to achieve a perfectly smooth surface, ready for coating. This process removes scratches, imperfections, and signs of wear.
Protecting Risers and Stringers for a Perfect Result
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.
See Our White Staircase Example
- We Sand and Polish the Treads
- Risers are painted white (By your painter, after us not before)
- Side Stringers and Rails painted white (By your painter)


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
OUR STAIR SANDING GALLERY
See some of the stair cases we can sanded and polished here in Brisbane!

Treads Sanded
Old coating on Riser and Side Stringers (Painted White next image)

White Risers
Risers and Side stringers painted white

Step Treads
White Risers & Stringers

Step Treads
Black Japan Treads

Stairs & Handrail
Black Japan

Merbau Treads
Ready to stain Black

Black Merbau Treads
Stained and UV Rush

Black UV Rush
Black Stain coated with UV Cured Rush

Semi-Transparent stain
More expensive than Black Japan
STAIR SANDING FAQS
What parts of the stairs do you sand and polish?
We sand and polish the treads (the part you stand on). Risers and side stringers are usually painted by your painter after we’ve completed our work.
Can you stain my stairs?
Yes, we can stain timber stairs for a beautiful finish. Staining requires an additional day and is a premium option that highlights the timber grain.
What is the difference between Black Japan and a stain?
Black Japan creates a uniform, opaque finish ideal for hiding marks, while stains are semi-translucent, allowing the timber grain to show through.
How long does stair sanding and polishing take?
Most stair sanding jobs take 1-2 days depending on the size and finish chosen. Staining or specialty coatings may require extra time.
Will I be able to use my stairs while work is underway?
We’ll advise you on access restrictions during the process. With our UV-cured finishes, your stairs will be ready to use much faster than traditional coatings.