# Staircase Refinishing Toronto | Staircase Railings Toronto URL: https://staircaserailingstoronto.ca/staircase-refinishing-toronto/ Dustless HEPA Sanding # Staircase Railings Toronto: Staircase Refinishing in Toronto, Dustless Sanding, Restaining and New Treads Milled in Our Etobicoke Shop By The Staircase Railings Toronto Crew [/about/#staircase-railings-toronto-crew →](/about/#staircase-railings-toronto-crew) | Last updated: September 26, 2026 Staircase refinishing restores existing stairs by sanding or stripping treads, risers and handrails, then restaining and sealing them, without tearing out the structure. Staircase Railings Toronto runs dustless HEPA sanding on site and mills any replacement treads in our 6,000 sq ft Etobicoke facility to match your floor species. Pricing runs $65-$140 per tread CAD for sand-and-restain through full strip, $145-$225 per new tread, and $18-$32 per linear foot of handrail, finished in low-VOC water-based polyurethane. $65-$140 CAD / tread per tread - ✓OBC Section 9.8 / 3.4 Drawings - ✓In-Shop TIG and MIG Welding - ✓Published CAD Pricing - ✓Written Workmanship Warranty ![Freshly refinished oak staircase with dark stained treads and white risers](/images/misc/freshly-refinished-oak-staircase-with-dark-walnut-.webp) Dustless HEPA Sanding, Water-Based PolyStain Matched to Floor Thanks, we got your request. A lead technician will call you back within one business day to book your in-home consultation. - 22 Years of Custom Stair and Railing Fabrication - 5,000+ GTA Installs - 5-Star Customer Satisfaction - Top-Rated Toronto Custom Stair and Railing Contractor - 99% First-Visit Inspection Pass Rate - WSIB Registered, $2M Liability ## Staircase Refinishing Services in Toronto Refinishing brings an existing stair back without tearing it out. Any new treads, nosings or handrail parts are milled in our Etobicoke shop to match what you have, the same shop that builds our custom staircases and railings in Toronto [/ →](/) . ### Dustless Sanding Sanding with HEPA extraction at the tool, so the dust is captured where it’s made. It’s the fastest way to take a worn stair back to bare wood without covering your house in grit. From $65 per tread for a basic sand and restain. ### Full Strip For stairs buried under decades of varnish, shellac or paint, a chemical strip removes the old finish without sanding away the wood’s character. Common on heritage stairs in Cabbagetown, Rosedale and Downtown Whitby. $110-$140 per tread. ### Water-Based Polyurethane Low-VOC water-based polyurethane in matte, satin or semi-gloss. It stays clear instead of yellowing, dries fast and has little odour. Dustless sanding with water-based poly runs $85-$125 per tread. ### Tread Replacement Cracked, cupped or badly worn treads are replaced with new ones milled from the same species, $145-$225 each. We also recap builder pine treads under old carpet with hardwood caps. ### Handrail Restoration Handrails and newels stripped or sanded by hand, loose balusters re-set and the rail finished to match or contrast the treads, $18-$32 per lin ft. ![Two refinishers sanding oak stair treads with a HEPA extractor](/images/content/two-refinishers-in-safety-glasses-sanding-oak-stai.webp) ## A Recent Job: A 1908 Riverdale Semi The stair in this Riverdale semi had four layers of varnish, a few treads that had been replaced with the wrong oak years ago and a handrail gone almost black. We stripped it rather than sanding hard, so the quarter-sawn ray fleck stayed crisp. Three treads were replaced with quarter-sawn oak milled in the shop, then the whole stair was stain-matched to the original on sample boards, which we do everytime. $6,800 CAD, and it looks like it did in 1908. Some days the shop is chaos, some days a masterclass, and this one was the second kind. ## Refinish, Recap or Replace? - **Refinish** solid hardwood treads that are worn but sound. It’s the lowest-cost option. - **Recap** builder pine or particleboard treads found under carpet. A hardwood cap goes over the old tread. - **Replace treads** that are cracked, split or cupped beyond sanding. - **Replace the stair** if the stringers are failing or the layout can’t meet code. See full staircase and railing replacement [/staircase-stair-railings-toronto/ →](/staircase-stair-railings-toronto/) . ## Refinishing Options Compared | Option | Best for | Downtime | Price | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Basic sand and restain | Sound treads, colour change | 2-3 days | $65-$95 / tread | | Dustless water-based poly | Occupied homes, clear finish | 2-3 days | $85-$125 / tread | | Full strip and restain | Heritage stairs, heavy old finish | 3-4 days | $110-$140 / tread | | New tread replacement | Cracked or cupped treads | Same visit | $145-$225 / tread | ![Stain sample boards held against a hardwood floor](/images/content/three-stain-sample-boards-on-quarter-sawn-oak-laid.webp) ## What Moves a Refinishing Price | Factor | Effect on price | | --- | --- | | Finish level | Basic sand lowest; full strip highest | | Tread count | Priced per tread, so longer stairs cost more | | Replacements | Each new tread or recap adds $145-$225 | | Handrail and newels | Priced per lin ft, more for turned or ornate parts | | Risers | Painted risers with stained treads need extra masking | ## Detail Notes We use **dustless HEPA sanding** with Festool-style tools, **Bona Traffic HD** or equivalent **water-based polyurethane**, and **low-VOC** stains. **Chemical stripping** is used when sanding would remove too much wood. **Tread recapping**, **riser cladding** and new **nosing** profiles are milled in house, and **stain matching** is done on your species. **Sheen levels** from matte to semi-gloss are available, and **squeak elimination** is done from below where we can reach. Want new balusters too? Pair a refinish with iron balusters [/metal-iron-railings-toronto/ →](/metal-iron-railings-toronto/) . Need a whole new stair? See custom wood staircases [/custom-wood-staircases-toronto/ →](/custom-wood-staircases-toronto/) . Know Before You Buy ## The Dustless Refinishing Process: 5 Steps How a stair goes from worn to finished without grit in your living room. 1. Step 1 ### Protect and contain Floors at the top and bottom are covered, the stair is sealed off with zip walls where needed, and HEPA extractors are set up before a sander turns on. 2. Step 2 ### Sand with extraction at the tool Festool-style sanders connected to HEPA extractors capture dust where it's made. Old finish comes off treads, nosings and risers. 3. Step 3 ### Repair and replace Cracked or cupped treads are swapped for new ones milled in our Etobicoke shop. Squeaks are fixed from below where we can reach. 4. Step 4 ### Stain-match on your species Sample boards on your actual wood, checked against your floor in your light, before any stain goes on the stair. 5. Step 5 ### Seal in water-based poly Low-VOC water-based polyurethane like Bona Traffic HD, applied on alternate treads so the stair stays usable. Straight Answers ## 4 Reasons Toronto Homeowners Put Off Refinishing Their Stairs Most people wait years longer than they need to. These are the usual reasons. ### Dust Won't sanding fill the house with dust? Dust: HEPA-extracted dustless sanding, no grit through the living room. ### Replace? Shouldn't I just replace the stair? In our opinion tearing out a solid century-old staircase is often a mistake; refinishing keeps 80 more years of life. ### Downtime How do we get upstairs? Downtime: alternate-step method keeps the stairs usable. ### Colour What if the stain doesn't match? Colour match: stain sample boards on your actual species before we commit. Our 5-Step Process ## How Our Staircase Refinishing Process Works in Toronto, 5 Steps The same five steps on every job, from a one-tread refinish to a curved foyer stair. You see drawings and a written scope before anything is cut. 1. Step 1 ### In-Home Consultation With Material Samples Our lead tech visits your Toronto or GTA property with glass swatches (12mm vs 15mm), wood grain boards and iron patina samples, then laser-measures rise, run and stringer angles. We identify the species, check for loose or cracked treads and bring stain sample boards and sheen samples. 2. Step 2 ### Permit-Ready CAD Drawings and OBC Compliance We draw every project to OBC Section 9.8 (residential) or Section 3.4 (commercial): 900-965mm handrail height, 100mm max baluster spacing, 42-inch guard on drops over 600mm. You approve every reveal before metal is cut. We never promise permit approval. For refinishing jobs the drawing covers any tread replacements, recaps or guard upgrades that need to meet OBC 9.8. 3. Step 3 ### Written, Itemised Scope Design fee, CAD drawings, materials, fabrication and install are itemised separately in writing. Per-tread pricing for each finish level, new treads and handrail footage are listed separately. Some Toronto shops over-charge for tread milling thinking clients won't check other quotes. We publish our CAD bands so you can. 4. Step 4 ### In-Shop Fabrication in Etobicoke Under founder Michael Bennett's supervision our crew mills rough-sawn hardwood, TIG and MIG welds every metal joint and dry-fits full spans on shop jigs at our 6,000 sq ft Etobicoke facility. Replacement treads and nosings are milled in the shop from the same species as your floor. 5. Step 5 ### On-Site Install and Walkthrough Clean assembly on site, usually 1 to 4 days, with a vacuumed stair run and a maintenance walkthrough. Trust us, you're in good hands. Most stairs are done in 2-4 days using the alternate-step method. Published CAD Pricing ## Staircase Refinishing Cost in Toronto per Tread, Published in CAD Refinishing is priced per tread, with handrails per linear foot. The finish level and how many treads need replacing decide the total. ### Staircase Refinishing (per tread) | Basic sand / restain | $65-$95 / tread | | --- | --- | | Dustless water-based poly | $85-$125 / tread | | Full strip / restain | $110-$140 / tread | | New tread replacement | $145-$225 / tread | | Handrail | $18-$32 / lin ft | Risers, nosings and recapping quoted per tread in writing. ### Estimate Your Staircase Refinishing Budget Pick a system, enter linear feet or treads, and see the published CAD budget band. Select Railing or Stair System Powder-Coated Aluminum ($75-$155 / lin ft)Interior Wrought Iron ($95-$185 / lin ft)Exterior Scrollwork Wrought Iron ($145-$225 / lin ft)Cable Stainless ($145-$215 / lin ft)Glass Spigot / Framed ($150-$225 / lin ft)Stainless ($175-$285 / lin ft)Frameless Glass with Standoffs ($225-$350 / lin ft) Straight Wood Staircase, 13-15 treads ($8,500-$14,500)L-Shape Staircase ($12,000-$18,500)U-Shape Staircase ($15,000-$24,000)Spiral Staircase ($12,500-$26,000)Floating Tread Staircase ($18,500-$38,000)Curved Staircase ($22,000-$45,000) Basic Sand / Restain ($65-$95 / tread)Dustless Water-Based Poly ($85-$125 / tread)Full Strip / Restain ($110-$140 / tread)New Tread Replacement ($145-$225 / tread) Linear Feet or Treads Linear feet for railings, treads for refinishing. Estimated Budget Band (CAD) $5,625 - $8,750 Priced on 25 linear feet Includes shop fabrication, hardware and install. Design fee and CAD drawings are itemised separately on your written quote. Estimates use our published CAD bands and are not a quote; site access, stair rakes, corners and code upgrades can move the price within or outside the band. Get an Itemised CAD Quote [/contact/ →](/contact/) Want a written follow-up on your number? Use our full cost estimator [/tools/stair-railing-cost-estimator/ →](/tools/stair-railing-cost-estimator/) to send it to our lead tech. ![Group of stair fabricators reviewing a CAD drawing in the Etobicoke shop](/images/misc/group-of-three-stair-fabricators-in-safety-glasses.webp) No-Obligation, Written Quote ## Every Staircase Refinishing Job Backed by a Written Workmanship Warranty WSIB registered with $2M liability coverage, and every project drawn in CAD to OBC 9.8 or 3.4 before we cut anything. Book a free in-home consultation anywhere in the GTA. Get Free CAD Quote [/contact/ →](/contact/) Call (416) 555-0100 [tel:+14165550100 →](tel:+14165550100) - ✓ Written workmanship warranty - ✓ Itemised CAD quote, no gated pricing - ✓ WSIB registered, $2M liability Why Choose Us ## Why Toronto Homeowners Choose Our Etobicoke Shop for Staircase Refinishing What's included on every staircase refinishing job: dustless hepa sanding, full chemical strip for heavy old finishes, low-voc water-based polyurethane, and more. - ### 22 Years of Custom Stair and Railing Fabrication Two decades building and restoring stairs from our 6,000 sq ft Etobicoke facility. - ### Truly Dustless Sanding HEPA extraction at the tool, so dust is captured before it reaches the rest of the house. - ### Replacement Treads Milled In House When a tread is past saving, we mill a new one from the same species in our shop. - ### Stain Matched on Your Wood Sample boards checked against your floor and handrail before we commit. - ### Low-VOC Water-Based Finishes Clear, durable water-based polyurethane in matte, satin or semi-gloss, with little odour. - ### Stairs Stay Usable The alternate-step method keeps a path up and down while coats cure. ### What's Included With Every Staircase Refinishing Project - ✓Dustless HEPA sanding - ✓Full chemical strip for heavy old finishes - ✓Low-VOC water-based polyurethane - ✓Replacement treads milled to match floor species - ✓Handrail and newel restoration - ✓Squeak elimination from below where accessible Recent Work ## Our Staircase Refinishing Work Across the GTA Every piece below was cut, welded or milled in our Etobicoke shop before it went into a Toronto or GTA home. Click any photo to enlarge. ### Before and After: See the Difference ![Before: worn orange-toned oak treads with scratched finish](/images/misc/before-worn-orange-toned-oak-stair-treads-with-scr.webp) Before ![After: the same oak stair refinished in natural matte water-based polyurethane](/images/misc/after-the-same-oak-stair-sanded-dustless-and-refin.webp) After Customer Reviews ## What GTA Customers Say About Our Staircase Refinishing First names and neighbourhoods only, with the real material, size and price from each job. > "Pulled the carpet, found builder pine, and they recapped 13 treads in white oak for $2,600 CAD. Dustless sanding on the risers, barely any mess." Paul V. Streetsville Tread Recapping > "Full strip and restain on our row-house stair, 12 treads at $120 each plus handrail restoration. Stain matched our floor on the second sample board." Irene M. Cabbagetown Full Strip > "Dustless water-based poly on 16 oak treads, $1,700 CAD. We used the stairs every night with the alternate-step method." Daniel Y. Bramalea Dustless Water-Based Poly FAQ ## Staircase Refinishing FAQ: 12 Questions Toronto Homeowners Ask ### How much does stair refinishing cost in Toronto? $65-$95 CAD per tread for sand and restain, $85-$125 dustless water-based poly, $110-$140 full strip, $145-$225 per new tread and $18-$32 per lin ft of handrail. A typical 14-tread oak stair with dustless sanding and water-based poly lands around $1,200-$1,750 before handrail work. A full strip on a heritage stair with heavy old varnish or paint sits higher. Recapping carpeted pine treads in hardwood is priced per new tread. Every line is itemised so you can see exactly what you're paying for. ### Is your refinishing really dustless? Yes. We sand with HEPA extraction so dust is captured at the tool. You'll still see a little at the edges where hand sanding happens, but nothing like the grey film older methods leave through the whole house. ### How long does stair refinishing take? Usually 2-4 days; the alternate-step method keeps the stairs usable while coats cure. Water-based finishes dry fast enough for several coats a day. ### Should I refinish, recap or replace my treads? Refinish solid hardwood, recap builder pine, and replace cracked or badly cupped treads. ### Can you turn carpeted stairs into hardwood? Yes. We pull carpet and tack strip, then refinish, recap or replace depending on what's underneath. ### How do you match stain colour? Sample boards on your actual species, checked against your floor and handrail before we commit. ### Do you restore heritage stairs in Port Credit and Riverdale? Yes, including a 1908 Riverdale semi refinished with a quarter-sawn oak match for $6,800 CAD. ### What finish do you use? Low-VOC water-based polyurethane in matte, satin or semi-gloss. ### Can you fix squeaky stairs while refinishing? Often, yes. If we can reach the underside, we glue and screw treads to stringers. From above we use concealed fasteners. Squeaks from failed stringers may need more work. ### Can you paint the risers and stain the treads? Yes. Painted risers with stained treads is one of the most popular looks. We mask carefully and use a durable enamel on the risers. ### Do I need to move out during refinishing? No. Dustless sanding and low-VOC water-based finishes mean most families stay home, and the stair stays usable with the alternate-step method. ### Can you refinish the handrail and newel too? Yes. Handrails are $18-$32 per lin ft. We strip or sand them by hand, repair loose balusters and newels, and finish them to match the treads or contrast them. Related Services ## Often Paired With Staircase Refinishing One shop builds the stair, the railing and the finish, so these are quoted on the same drawing set when you need more than one. - ![Hand-milled white oak staircase with bullnose treads and a walnut handrail](/images/cards/hand-milled-white-oak-staircase-with-bullnose-trea.webp) Popular Here ### Custom Wood Staircases $8,500-$45,000 CAD Straight, L, U, curved, spiral and floating staircases milled from rough-sawn hardwood in our Etobicoke shop. $8,500-$45,000 CAD. Explore custom wood staircases [Custom Wood Staircases →](/custom-wood-staircases-toronto/) - ![Hand-forged wrought iron scrollwork railing on a curved staircase](/images/cards/hand-forged-wrought-iron-scrollwork-railing-on-a-c.webp) Popular Here ### Metal & Iron Railings $95-$285 CAD / lin ft Interior wrought iron balusters, exterior scrollwork, straight-bar modern and custom forged railings, welded and powder-coated in-shop. $95-$225 CAD per lin ft. Explore metal & iron railings [Metal & Iron Railings →](/metal-iron-railings-toronto/) - ![Complete new oak staircase with a frameless glass railing](/images/cards/complete-new-straight-oak-staircase-with-frameless.webp) Popular Here ### Stair & Railing Replacement $8,500-$45,000 CAD + railing Complete staircase plus railing system replacement designed, fabricated and installed as one package. Staircase band plus railing per lin ft. Full staircase and railing replacement [Stair & Railing Replacement →](/staircase-stair-railings-toronto/) Not sure which system fits your home? Our lead tech brings samples of all of them to your free in-home consultation [/contact/ →](/contact/) , or browse our 14 GTA service areas [/service-areas/ →](/service-areas/) . ![Stair fabrication crew loading a finished white oak stringer at the Etobicoke shop](/images/misc/two-fabricators-in-safety-glasses-carrying-a-finis.webp) Free In-Home Consultation Across the GTA ## See Your Stain Colour on Your Own Wood First We make sample boards from your species, check them against your floor in daylight and send a per-tread price before any sanding starts. Get Free CAD Quote [/contact/ →](/contact/) Call (416) 555-0100 [tel:+14165550100 →](tel:+14165550100) - ✓ Written workmanship warranty - ✓ Itemised CAD quote, no gated pricing - ✓ WSIB registered, $2M liability