Completed project: a staircase refinished in Markham

A staircase is one of the hardest-working surfaces in a house and often the last one anyone updates. This set in Markham had worn treads and dated risers that dragged down an otherwise bright hallway. The homeowners wanted the classic look that never goes out of style — clean white risers with natural wood treads.

The scope of work

We prepped every surface — filling, sanding and smoothing the treads, then masking and painting the risers and stringers a crisp white. The treads were refinished to a warm oak tone and sealed for the traffic a staircase takes. Careful cutting-in between the wood and the white paint is what gives the finished stairs their sharp, deliberate line.

The same staircase now reads as a feature instead of an afterthought. It is a small footprint with an outsized effect — the first thing you see walking in, finally looking the part.

What a staircase refinish costs

• Paint risers and stringers only: $400–$800
• Refinish treads and paint risers (a full two-tone staircase): $1,200–$3,000
• Replace treads or add new caps: quoted after inspection

The number depends on the number of steps, the condition of the treads, and whether wood is being refinished or replaced. Every staircase gets its own quote.

Why hire a professional

• Stairs take more wear than any floor in the house, so the finish has to be tough and applied properly to last.
• The crisp line between white risers and wood treads is all in the prep, masking and cutting-in.
• A staircase is hard to take out of service — a pro plans the work so you keep using the stairs while the finish cures.

Staircase and finishing work across York Region

We refinish and repair staircases across Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Vaughan, King City and the wider York Region. It pairs naturally with our interior painting and the trim and baseboard work that usually goes with a hallway refresh.

Got a staircase that is letting the hallway down? Request a free estimate.

"White risers and wood treads never go out of style. The trick is a crisp line between them and a finish tough enough for daily traffic."