Staircase Staining & Refinishing
Renew your staircase with durable stains and finishes — done right, by Durham Region's trusted painting professionals.
Your Staircase Is the First Thing Guests Notice
Worn treads, scuffed risers, and faded stain don't just look tired — they communicate neglect throughout your whole home. A professional staircase refinishing transforms one of your home's most visible surfaces without the cost of replacement.
At Altona Painting, we handle every component: treads, risers, railings, spindles, and stringers. We use premium stains and topcoats engineered for high-traffic wood surfaces — finishes that stay sharp through years of daily use.
Complete Staircase Refinishing Services
From a single-flight refresh to full open-concept staircases, we approach every project with the same standard of prep and care.
Tread Staining & Refinishing
We sand, prep, and apply your chosen stain evenly across each tread, followed by durable topcoat application for long-lasting protection against foot traffic.
Riser & Stringer Painting
Painted risers and stringers are typically done in a complementary white or trim colour. We ensure crisp lines where the stain meets painted surfaces.
Railing & Spindle Refinishing
Railings and spindles require detailed hand work. We strip or sand as needed, re-stain or paint, and apply a hardwearing finish suited for constant contact.
Newel Post Refinishing
The newel post sets the tone for the whole staircase. We refinish posts to match or complement the treads and railing for a cohesive, intentional look.
Full Staircase Colour Changes
Switching from dated oak to a modern dark walnut or ebony? We guide you through stain selection and execute the full transformation from top to bottom.
Repairs & Surface Prep
Gouges, loose treads, failed finish — we assess and address surface issues before we stain. Solid prep is why our finishes last.
How We Refinish Your Staircase
Every project follows the same careful sequence — because prep determines the outcome.
Free On-Site Estimate
We assess your staircase in person, discuss stain options, and provide a clear, itemized quote. No guessing, no surprises.
Colour Matching
Before a single piece of sandpaper touches your staircase, we work with you to land on exactly the right stain. We collaborate with the experts at Oshawa Paint & Wallpaper — our go-to Benjamin Moore supplier — to dial in the perfect colour for your home's character and existing finishes.
Surface Preparation
We sand every component down to bare or sound wood, address any repairs, and clean the surface thoroughly before any product is applied.
Stain Application
Your chosen stain is applied evenly, wiped, and allowed to cure fully before topcoat. We work in phases so you maintain access to your home.
Topcoat & Cleanup
We apply a durable water-based or oil-based polyurethane topcoat, then clean up as if we were never there. Final walkthrough included.
Decades of Hands-On Experience
Michael trained under a mentor with 50+ years in construction. That foundation shows in how we approach surface prep and finishing.
Premium Products Only
We specify Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Minwax stains alongside professional-grade topcoats. No builder-grade shortcuts.
Clean Work, Every Time
We protect your floors, walls, and adjacent surfaces before work begins. At the end of each day, we leave your home tidy and accessible.
5.0 Stars on Google
Over 100 five-star reviews from Durham Region homeowners who came back — and referred their neighbours. Results you can verify.
Staircase Refinishing FAQ
How long does staircase refinishing take?
Most residential staircases take 2–4 days from start to finish, depending on size, the number of components, and drying time between coats. We'll give you a specific timeline during your estimate.
Can I still use the stairs while work is in progress?
Yes — we phase the work strategically so one side of the staircase is accessible while the other cures. In most homes, this means you're never fully blocked from accessing your floors.
What stain colours are available?
We work with the full Minwax and Varathane stain ranges, plus custom mixing. Popular choices in Durham Region homes right now include Dark Walnut, Ebony, Early American, and Classic Grey for a more contemporary look.
Do I need to move out during refinishing?
No. While water-based topcoats have minimal odour, oil-based products do off-gas during cure. We'll advise you on ventilation and timing so you're comfortable throughout the project.
Can you stain over existing stain, or does it need to be stripped?
It depends on the condition of the existing finish. In many cases we can sand and re-coat without a full strip. We assess this during the estimate and recommend the right approach for your specific staircase.
Serving Durham Region, the GTA & Beyond
Altona Painting provides staircase staining and refinishing services across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Newcastle, Peterborough, Cobourg, Port Hope, Newtonville, Etobicoke, Leslieville, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Whitchurch-Stouffville. Based in Ajax, we serve homes and businesses across Durham Region, Northumberland County, and the Central and Eastern Greater Toronto Area.
Ready to Transform Your Staircase?
Book a free on-site estimate. We'll assess your staircase, discuss stain options, and give you a clear quote — no pressure, no obligation.
Book a Free Estimate647-370-7239
michaelcappa@altonapainting.com
Ajax, ON
Serving the following areas:
Durham Region: Pickering • Ajax • Whitby • Oshawa • Courtice • Bowmanville • Uxbridge • Port Perry • Newcastle
Kawartha Lakes: Peterborough
Northumberland: Cobourg • Newtonville • Port Hope
Toronto: Etobicoke • Leslieville • Scarborough
York: Markham • Richmond Hill • Vaughan • Whitchurch-Stouffville