Stairs in Vaughan homes work hard. Between kids running up and down, dogs scrambling for the door, and everything that gets dropped or dragged, they show wear faster than most homeowners expect. We’ve refinished stairs all over Woodbridge, Maple, and Kleinburg – some just need color updates, others are worn down to raw wood from years of traffic. Oak stairs from the 90s usually have good bones but outdated honey tones. Newer builds often used cheap stain that scratches easily. The fix depends on what you’re starting with. If the wood underneath is still solid, refinishing costs way less than replacement and looks better than trying to cover damage with runners. We’ve worked on everything from grand two-story entry stairs to simple splits between floors.

new stairs staining with white stringers and risers Vaughan

Why Choose Paint Lions For Stairs Staining

In 15 years we’ve seen terrible stair jobs all over Woodbridge and Maple. Colors that don’t match the floor even though they “tried.” Walls covered in stain drips. Fingerprints everywhere. We don’t work like that. When we stain stairs, we protect everything first. The job isn’t done when the stain dries – stairs need proper painting too. Want white stringers and risers? Flooring guys will paint them, but you’ll see thick caulking edges and paint bleeding onto treads. Looks amateur. Some people hire flooring for staining and painters for white work separately. Sure, if you want to pay more and deal with two companies. We handle both, do it right, charge less than splitting the job.

  • 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 Vaughan

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 Vaughan

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

  • 2025 06 29
  • 2025 08 04
  • IMG 20220220 153149 scaled
  • PXL 20230823 172652736
  • stairs staining and finishing in Annex 1
More Pictures

FAQs

After staining, we seal the wood with a durable clear coat suited for stair traffic. This helps reduce premature wear and keeps the finish looking consistent with everyday use.

In many homes, yes. We plan the steps so you have a safe access window between stages, depending on layout, airflow, and the number of coats required.

The finish typically dries quickly (often around an hour), but full curing takes longer. Plan for roughly 5 days for maximum hardness and durability.

Pricing depends on step count, current condition (old finish, paint, glue, damage), stain goals, and whether railings/spindles are included. 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 stair projects take about 4 to 5 days because sanding, staining, and protective coats need proper time between steps. We’ll outline a clear day-by-day plan before starting.

Yes. We can take a small sample and create test options so the staircase complements existing flooring. Matching can take about 10 business days depending on supplier timing and the target colour complexity.

Glue residue can affect how stain absorbs and may cause uneven colour. That’s why we remove adhesives during prep so the surface is clean and ready for a consistent finish.

In most cases, yes. We typically use low-VOC, water-based products and provide simple guidance on ventilation and access while the coatings dry.