Lake living is hard on stairs. Sand gets tracked in, wet boots from fishing, humidity from the water. We refinish stairs all over Keswick, Jackson’s Point, Sutton. Lots of old cottage stairs that need work. Pine stairs especially show their age. Some homes were cottages, now they’re year-round. Those stairs need proper finishing for everyday use. We know what works near the lake. Moisture-resistant products that last. Most cottage stairs are solid wood underneath. Just need proper treatment. Makes a huge difference. Stairs feel solid again, look fresh. Works with Lake Simcoe’s conditions.

new stairs staining with white stringers and risers Georgina

Why Choose Paint Lions For Stairs Staining

In 15 years of painting business we’ve seen it all, from colors not matching at all even though they tried to match it to the floor, to all walls messed up with stain drips and fingerprints.

Why choose Paint Lions for stairs staining? We’re not gonna leave mess behind. Staining stairs not ending with clear coat application it ends with painting, and we finish it the right way. Decided to go with stringers and risers white? Flooring guy who will stain stairs, can definitely do it, will it look professional? Never seen before! Edges looks too thick from too much caulking, paint all over top of tread and total look of stairs is ruined.

I will hire flooring guy to stain my stairs, and painting company to finish with painting part, you might say. True! If you want to spend more, not save.

  • Experience matters – We have 15 years of experience and have witnessed many poorly executed staining jobs, including colour mismatches, drips, and fingerprints.
  • Staining requires painting expertise – Properly finishing stairs involves both staining and painting (especially for white stringers and risers), not just applying clear coat.
  • Flooring professionals may not deliver quality painting – While flooring contractors can stain stairs, their painting work often looks unprofessional with issues like excessive caulking and paint on treads.
  • Using one company saves money – Hiring separate contractors for staining and painting costs more than using a single painting company that can handle both tasks properly.

New Stairs Staining

Staining stairs enhances the natural beauty of wood and gives it an irresistible appeal. Paint Lions offers professional stair staining services for new staircases. Our team has an eye for detail and never loses sight of your vision. Crown your new staircase in your custom home or addition with beautiful staining that seals the deal.

new stairs stained Georgina

Stairs Refinishing

Scratches and dents are signs of a well-worn staircase. As time goes on, staining colour fades and imperfections begin to stand out more. Paint Lions will give your staircase the attention it needs with outstanding staircase refinishing that renews its appeal and protects the wood from further damage.

stairs refinishing Georgina

Stair Staining Procedures

First, whether dealing with new or old stairs, we need to take a floor sample to the stain manufacturer to match the stain color. This process takes up to 10 business days.

We start by carefully removing any protective coverings and staples your stairs. Next, we sweep and clean the stairs, making sure it’s free of any dirt and debris. Then we fill all dents and damages on your staircase with wood filler to ensure a smooth surface.

We use a dustless system for sanding along with a palm sander connected to our vacuum to sand the stairs and nosings. This step is crucial to smooth out any rough areas and remove any water or stains.

This part starts with staining the stairs and to achieve the best results, we make sure to follow the wood grain. After the stain is dry, we apply the first coat of varnish evenly across the stairs. Once the first coat is dry, we sand the surface to ensure a smooth finish, then clean off any dust.
Lastly, we apply a second even coat of varnish to protect and finish the stairs.

For existing old stairs, the refinishing procedures follow a similar process. We start by removing the railings and pickets. Next, the old finish is sanded down to bare wood then we follow the same staining and varnishing process.

Our Latest Projects

FAQs

Stair staining is typically done on-site. We protect the surrounding areas and complete the sanding, staining, and clear coats right in your home for a seamless result.

Often, yes. We plan the timing so you can safely pass through when needed, and we’ll tell you exactly what’s allowed based on where we are in the process.

The finish can dry quickly, but it needs time to harden fully. We recommend being extra careful for about five days so the coating can fully cure and resist scuffs.

Quotes depend on step count, stair condition, repairs, and the stain/finish system selected. As a general reference, older stairs are often around $250 per step and new installs are often around $150 per step.

Contact Paint Lions for a custom quote.

Most regular home stair projects take about 4–5 days. That allows time for proper sanding, stain work, and building durable protective coats.

Yes. We can create stain samples and fine-tune the tone so it blends well with your floors. For close matching, supplier testing can take around 10 business days.

Yes. Adhesive needs to be removed so stain absorbs evenly. We handle old carpet glue during prep to avoid blotchy colour and uneven results.

We typically use low-odour, water-based products, and we’ll guide you on airflow and ventilation during drying. Most families find it very manageable while living in the home.