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Find Wood stairs and railings repairers in Orinda

H & H Construction

7434 Larkdale Avenue
4.75(
19
)
Approved Pro

H & H Construction

7434 Larkdale Avenue
4.75(
19
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Terrific value
Recommended by 94% of Angi customers
Recommended by 94% of HomeAdvisor customers
37 years of experience

Established in 1988, H & H Construction continues to be a family owned and operated and prides itself on an outstanding record of quality service, integrity and attention to detail.

"John is a super honest guy, who takes a lot of pride in his work, and isn't someone who is out to take advantage of people. I had 4 other bids besides his, and he provided not only the best price, but the best solution to remedy my deck issues. He went above and beyond what was stipulated in his bid to ensure that the problem that I had experienced would not reoccur again in the future. And, he didn't ask for any additional money. His work is top notch and I will be having him back to work on another project down the road. I highly recommend him!!!!"

Gayle S on December 2017

Established in 1988, H & H Construction continues to be a family owned and operated and prides itself on an outstanding record of quality service, integrity and attention to detail.

"John is a super honest guy, who takes a lot of pride in his work, and isn't someone who is out to take advantage of people. I had 4 other bids besides his, and he provided not only the best price, but the best solution to remedy my deck issues. He went above and beyond what was stipulated in his bid to ensure that the problem that I had experienced would not reoccur again in the future. And, he didn't ask for any additional money. His work is top notch and I will be having him back to work on another project down the road. I highly recommend him!!!!"

Gayle S on December 2017


Avatar for Wright S. Miller

Wright S. Miller

3249 Helen Street
4.59(
47
)
Approved Pro

Wright S. Miller

3249 Helen Street
4.59(
47
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 93% of Angi customers
Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers
44 local quotes requested

Wright S. Miller is a local general building contractor providing expert remodeling or handyman projects. We provide top quality work and every job reflects exceptional craftsmanship and experience!

"Responsive and responsible. Work very good."

Alberta K on February 2022

Wright S. Miller is a local general building contractor providing expert remodeling or handyman projects. We provide top quality work and every job reflects exceptional craftsmanship and experience!

"Responsive and responsible. Work very good."

Alberta K on February 2022


Avatar for Heath Stairworks, Inc.

Heath Stairworks, Inc.

2660 Mercantile Drive, Suite A
4.75(
79
)
Approved Pro

Heath Stairworks, Inc.

2660 Mercantile Drive, Suite A
4.75(
79
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 97% of Angi customers
Recommended by 97% of HomeAdvisor customers
29 local quotes requested

Specialists in remodeling interior stairways, both wood and wood/iron combinations. We have been building stair and railing systems for over 20 years and can handle any stairway. We also do the complete job, including paint and stain of the finished project. We do not repair exterior stairs or railings.

"This company took on my small job when other companies couldnâ t be bothered. I greatly appreciate that. It was heartening to know that someone is looking out for the little guy."

Ron D on June 2022

Specialists in remodeling interior stairways, both wood and wood/iron combinations. We have been building stair and railing systems for over 20 years and can handle any stairway. We also do the complete job, including paint and stain of the finished project. We do not repair exterior stairs or railings.

"This company took on my small job when other companies couldnâ t be bothered. I greatly appreciate that. It was heartening to know that someone is looking out for the little guy."

Ron D on June 2022


Avatar for Entrust Masonry Recovery

Entrust Masonry Recovery

2829 Loma Vista Ave
4.83(
9
)
Approved Pro

Entrust Masonry Recovery

2829 Loma Vista Ave
4.83(
9
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
6 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet every consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent customer service from start to completion of a project. To understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a personal and professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"Manual and his team were excellent workers. They kept the work area clean and did a great job. We had bricks repointed and porch surface restored. Would hire them again with no reservations. "

Donald H on June 2025

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet every consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent customer service from start to completion of a project. To understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a personal and professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"Manual and his team were excellent workers. They kept the work area clean and did a great job. We had bricks repointed and porch surface restored. Would hire them again with no reservations. "

Donald H on June 2025


SGB Inc.

24301 Southland Pl #540
5.00(
4
)
Approved Pro

SGB Inc.

24301 Southland Pl #540
5.00(
4
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
19 local quotes requested

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"The team was amazing! We had an old deck in our backyard and we hired Palm Construction to replace and extend it and they did a great work! The job was done in less than 2 weeks, Communication was great, they cared about the backyard and plants and we are so happy itâ s all ready just before summer. Highly recommended!!"

yael h on May 2024

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"The team was amazing! We had an old deck in our backyard and we hired Palm Construction to replace and extend it and they did a great work! The job was done in less than 2 weeks, Communication was great, they cared about the backyard and plants and we are so happy itâ s all ready just before summer. Highly recommended!!"

yael h on May 2024


Avatar for Brothers Home Improvement Inc

Brothers Home Improvement Inc

125 Component Drive
4.82(
183
)
Approved Pro

Brothers Home Improvement Inc

125 Component Drive
4.82(
183
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
Recommended by 96% of Angi customers
Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers
423 local quotes requested

Family Owned and Operated since 1994. Nine Brothers & Sisters Striving For Your Complete Satisfaction! Energy Efficient, Replacement Windows and Doors. No Subcontractors! No High-pressure Sales! Ranked Among The Top Nationwide by Qualified Remodelers! AAMA Certified and Members of the Better Business Bureau. Quality Craftsmanship. Lifetime Warranties. Save $75 per window & $150 per door. Financing Available.

"They are great communicators, on time, explain everything, clean, polite and respectful. I am so impressed and quite glad to work with a company you represent."

Pastor Mikr G on October 2023

Family Owned and Operated since 1994. Nine Brothers & Sisters Striving For Your Complete Satisfaction! Energy Efficient, Replacement Windows and Doors. No Subcontractors! No High-pressure Sales! Ranked Among The Top Nationwide by Qualified Remodelers! AAMA Certified and Members of the Better Business Bureau. Quality Craftsmanship. Lifetime Warranties. Save $75 per window & $150 per door. Financing Available.

"They are great communicators, on time, explain everything, clean, polite and respectful. I am so impressed and quite glad to work with a company you represent."

Pastor Mikr G on October 2023


Avatar for Mr. Handyman Serving Walnut Creek & San Ramon Valley

Mr. Handyman Serving Walnut Creek & San Ramon Valley

Mr. Handyman Serving Walnut Creek & San Ramon Vall
4.78(
9
)
Approved Pro

Mr. Handyman Serving Walnut Creek & San Ramon Valley

Mr. Handyman Serving Walnut Creek & San Ramon Vall
4.78(
9
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
468 local quotes requested

If you don't relish the thought of spending all your free time on repair and maintenance tasks such as clearing rotting muck out of your rain gutters or replacing loose boards on your deck, you're certainly not alone. It takes a lot of work to maintain a property, whether it's your home or a commercial facility, and most people just don't have the time, equipment or know-how to tackle every last repair, maintenance and improvement task that needs to be done. Fortunately, there's a simple solution: just call your local handyman in Walnut Creek and San Ramon Valley, CA! The dedicated team of service professionals at Mr. Handyman Serving Walnut Creek and San Ramon Valley is the right choice for experienced, trustworthy Walnut Creek and San Ramon Valley handyman services, from major improvement projects to minor home repairs in Walnut Creek and San Ramon Valley, CA. Give us a call today to find out more about what our team can do to make your residential or commercial property more comfortable, livable and appealing.

"Next day service, completed very quickly but showing cracks and some areas are not smooth or clean. Cost was too high for the skill level and time spent. I was injured so couldn’t inspect the job until today."

Lorraine E on October 2025

If you don't relish the thought of spending all your free time on repair and maintenance tasks such as clearing rotting muck out of your rain gutters or replacing loose boards on your deck, you're certainly not alone. It takes a lot of work to maintain a property, whether it's your home or a commercial facility, and most people just don't have the time, equipment or know-how to tackle every last repair, maintenance and improvement task that needs to be done. Fortunately, there's a simple solution: just call your local handyman in Walnut Creek and San Ramon Valley, CA! The dedicated team of service professionals at Mr. Handyman Serving Walnut Creek and San Ramon Valley is the right choice for experienced, trustworthy Walnut Creek and San Ramon Valley handyman services, from major improvement projects to minor home repairs in Walnut Creek and San Ramon Valley, CA. Give us a call today to find out more about what our team can do to make your residential or commercial property more comfortable, livable and appealing.

"Next day service, completed very quickly but showing cracks and some areas are not smooth or clean. Cost was too high for the skill level and time spent. I was injured so couldn’t inspect the job until today."

Lorraine E on October 2025


Avatar for Roxy Glass Inc.

Roxy Glass Inc.

7401 Unit A Morton Ave
4.67(
3
)
Approved Pro

Roxy Glass Inc.

7401 Unit A Morton Ave
4.67(
3
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
585 local quotes requested

Whether you are a home owner with just a broken window, or a contractor with a glass-front multi-million dollar high-rise project, or maybe you are just thinking about a new patio door or mirror, you have come to the right place. Our team has been serving the greater Bay Area for over 40 years, including over 10 years through Roxy Glass. We pride ourselves on offering affordable and competitive pricing, as well as professional designers who employ technological advances to bring your project to life. Our commitment to you is as clear as our glass – if you can imagine it, we can deliver it. Our state of the art installation techniques can be applied to all your glazing needs. We strive to not only meet your expectations, but to exceed them. Whether you are a home owner with just a broken window, a contractor with a glass-front multi-million dollar high-rise project or maybe you are just thinking about a new patio door or mirror, you have come to the right place. *Commercial or Residential Website - http://www.bayareawindowglass.com

"All smooth, a great experience...Jass was super responsive. The installers were friendly and very professional. Very happy with the experience."

Rishi S on August 2019

Whether you are a home owner with just a broken window, or a contractor with a glass-front multi-million dollar high-rise project, or maybe you are just thinking about a new patio door or mirror, you have come to the right place. Our team has been serving the greater Bay Area for over 40 years, including over 10 years through Roxy Glass. We pride ourselves on offering affordable and competitive pricing, as well as professional designers who employ technological advances to bring your project to life. Our commitment to you is as clear as our glass – if you can imagine it, we can deliver it. Our state of the art installation techniques can be applied to all your glazing needs. We strive to not only meet your expectations, but to exceed them. Whether you are a home owner with just a broken window, a contractor with a glass-front multi-million dollar high-rise project or maybe you are just thinking about a new patio door or mirror, you have come to the right place. *Commercial or Residential Website - http://www.bayareawindowglass.com

"All smooth, a great experience...Jass was super responsive. The installers were friendly and very professional. Very happy with the experience."

Rishi S on August 2019


Avatar for SMB servs

SMB servs

5.00(
5
)
Approved Pro

SMB servs

5.00(
5
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
3 years of experience

I work for general construction for the last 10 years, doing different projects like plumbing, electrical, paint, carpenter, hardwood flooring, tile, windows, drywall, etc.

"Great! Salvador Benavente did an excellent job, efficient, knowledgeable, courteous, reasonably priced & friendly. Will definitely use his services again."

Toula S on July 2025

I work for general construction for the last 10 years, doing different projects like plumbing, electrical, paint, carpenter, hardwood flooring, tile, windows, drywall, etc.

"Great! Salvador Benavente did an excellent job, efficient, knowledgeable, courteous, reasonably priced & friendly. Will definitely use his services again."

Toula S on July 2025


Avatar for America's Dream HomeWorks

America's Dream HomeWorks

7115 Watt Ave
4.09(
172
)
Approved Pro

America's Dream HomeWorks

7115 Watt Ave
4.09(
172
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
3339 local quotes requested
24 years of experience

America's Dream HomeWorks Is A Family-Owned Full Service Home Improvement Contractor In California Offering Complete Home Remodeling Services. We Help Homeowners And Property Owners With All Of Their Home Improvement Needs. With The Professional Knowledge And Vast Resources, We Are Able To Provide Our Customers With The Best Products, Unmatched Customer Service And Affordable Prices. Secondary Phone: Secondary 916.739.0996

"If what you are looking for is the best possible upgrade project imaginable in your home, America’s Dream Homeworks is the company you want to hire … period. My wife and I shopped around a few different remodel companies for our master bathroom job. There were several things that set America’s Dream Homeworks (hereafter “ADH”) apart from the competition. First, the quality of the materials. Upon entering their huge showroom floor, you notice that they order and work with huge slabs of rock. We were looking to have our shower walls be made of single large slabs of stone, rather than tile or other patchwork linked together by grout. Grout is the first part of one’s shower to gather mildew, so having a single rock panel for the wall has a marked impact on reducing mildew problems. In addition, the other materials that they work with were all five-star quality as well. After leaving the showroom, we were sold. The only thing that could have made us choose another company at that point would have been poor customer service. However, the service team also left us very impressed. Osa, our in-home design consultant, was incredibly friendly, very informed about all of ADH’s product offerings, and had a very good knack for hearing my wife’s style preferences and finding great solutions for our bathrooms. She took her time taking measurements, and looking through product offerings to find solutions that would work well for our space. Osa presented us with a few different options for materials, at various quality/price tiers, so that we got a very good idea of what our finished job would look like at various price points. My wife of course chose some of the most high-end materials for our job, but it was within the scope of our budget. The entire in-home design consultation was handled thoroughly, methodically, and the end result was a design we knew we were going to love. Great work, Osa! Now we waited. Julie was assigned to be in communication with us during the waiting period and she was diligent about keeping us up to date. ADH had current projects ongoing and needed to make sure those were properly wrapped up. In addition, our materials had to be ordered and some of them had long lead times. Contract was signed in late October 2018. All materials were not received until mid-February 2019. For projects such as this, delays are a reality that must be both expected and worked around, so we were ready to wait. Julie also did a very good job keeping us informed during the waiting period, so we were never left in the dark and always knew what was happening. Mid-February arrived and our installation team was ready to go. Alex, Eric, and Ivan were our main go-to guys for the work. They demoed the bathroom. Upon opening up the walls, one often finds unexpected surprises, and we had a couple, but nothing serious. Within the first week, all of the principle demo work was done and they were ready to start installing. They did the ground work for the install of the various parts of the project, including taking extremely detailed measurements for the stone work. Throughout the entire process, the guys were very sensitive to our needs (we have a two-year-old son, so they were particularly sensitive to his nap and bed times) and they worked super long hours to make sure we stayed on schedule. Demo, patching up, and prep work took about a week and a half to complete. The special stone team came in led by another Alex (different from the Alex taking primary project lead) during week #2, and they were miraculously in and out in a single day. There was one panel in the master bathroom that they could not install on that day because we ordered a jacuzzi tub, so they needed the space open to access the wiring for the motor installation. Overall, though, we couldn’t believe that they did the stone work so incredibly fast. Also, the resulting fit and finish is super professional. It is extremely difficult to tell where two rock panels are cut and bonded together because of the seamless way they sealed the pieces up. Also, they did an amazing job matching the rock patterns from panel to panel, such that even where two separate panels are adjoining, the patterns flow from one to the other almost seamlessly. It was a fantastic install job! Week #3 rolled around and the team did some more basic patching work, including hooking up the sink hardware and installing our new toilets. However, this was a quiet work week as they scheduled some other install projects and gave some time for the rock sealing to set-up properly. Week #4 they knocked out the countertop, new sink hardware, and backsplash in our guest bathroom. Two-day turnaround for that. Then, they moved back into the master bath, installed the tub, put the final rock panel in place (complete with stone access door for the tub motor), and grouted the shower floor. Only the glass and some final patch-work remained to be done. There were a couple of additional delays for the glass delivery, which took two weeks, but again we knew that delays like this are commonplace for a project like this, so we took it in stride. Also, we were able to start using our jacuzzi tub and shower even though the glass wasn’t in yet, so we could start enjoying our new space while we waited … and enjoy it we did! Once delivered, the glass was installed in just two hours, and as of this morning all of the finishing touches were put in by Ivan, we passed city inspection, and happily shook hands with the team congratulating them on a job well done. Our finished bathrooms are … well … the company is called America’s Dream Homeworks for a reason … our finished project is like a dream come true. My wife and I now have our own personal luxury spa in our own home, complete with jacuzzi tub, overhead rain shower (with detachable spray handle that we can hold and modulate water pressure to while still getting rain shower from above), gorgeous rock walls with beautiful clear tempered glass enclosing the shower, and brand new countertops with deep sinks. We only did half of our guest bathroom. When we finish that project (need to remodel the shower space as only the counter tops were done in there) we will be calling ADH back. Overall 5-star work. 5-stars on the finished job. 5-stars on the customer service at all levels. 5-stars on the quality of the materials. 5-stars on the communication before and during the job. 5-stars on the professionalism and friendliness of our install teams. I can’t use enough superlatives for this company, for its people, and for the top tier quality of their workmanship. I say again here to close what I said at the beginning … if what you are looking for is the best possible upgrade project imaginable in your home, America’s Dream Homeworks is the company you want to hire. We could not be happier with the result. We will be calling them again in the future."

Daniel C on March 2019

America's Dream HomeWorks Is A Family-Owned Full Service Home Improvement Contractor In California Offering Complete Home Remodeling Services. We Help Homeowners And Property Owners With All Of Their Home Improvement Needs. With The Professional Knowledge And Vast Resources, We Are Able To Provide Our Customers With The Best Products, Unmatched Customer Service And Affordable Prices. Secondary Phone: Secondary 916.739.0996

"If what you are looking for is the best possible upgrade project imaginable in your home, America’s Dream Homeworks is the company you want to hire … period. My wife and I shopped around a few different remodel companies for our master bathroom job. There were several things that set America’s Dream Homeworks (hereafter “ADH”) apart from the competition. First, the quality of the materials. Upon entering their huge showroom floor, you notice that they order and work with huge slabs of rock. We were looking to have our shower walls be made of single large slabs of stone, rather than tile or other patchwork linked together by grout. Grout is the first part of one’s shower to gather mildew, so having a single rock panel for the wall has a marked impact on reducing mildew problems. In addition, the other materials that they work with were all five-star quality as well. After leaving the showroom, we were sold. The only thing that could have made us choose another company at that point would have been poor customer service. However, the service team also left us very impressed. Osa, our in-home design consultant, was incredibly friendly, very informed about all of ADH’s product offerings, and had a very good knack for hearing my wife’s style preferences and finding great solutions for our bathrooms. She took her time taking measurements, and looking through product offerings to find solutions that would work well for our space. Osa presented us with a few different options for materials, at various quality/price tiers, so that we got a very good idea of what our finished job would look like at various price points. My wife of course chose some of the most high-end materials for our job, but it was within the scope of our budget. The entire in-home design consultation was handled thoroughly, methodically, and the end result was a design we knew we were going to love. Great work, Osa! Now we waited. Julie was assigned to be in communication with us during the waiting period and she was diligent about keeping us up to date. ADH had current projects ongoing and needed to make sure those were properly wrapped up. In addition, our materials had to be ordered and some of them had long lead times. Contract was signed in late October 2018. All materials were not received until mid-February 2019. For projects such as this, delays are a reality that must be both expected and worked around, so we were ready to wait. Julie also did a very good job keeping us informed during the waiting period, so we were never left in the dark and always knew what was happening. Mid-February arrived and our installation team was ready to go. Alex, Eric, and Ivan were our main go-to guys for the work. They demoed the bathroom. Upon opening up the walls, one often finds unexpected surprises, and we had a couple, but nothing serious. Within the first week, all of the principle demo work was done and they were ready to start installing. They did the ground work for the install of the various parts of the project, including taking extremely detailed measurements for the stone work. Throughout the entire process, the guys were very sensitive to our needs (we have a two-year-old son, so they were particularly sensitive to his nap and bed times) and they worked super long hours to make sure we stayed on schedule. Demo, patching up, and prep work took about a week and a half to complete. The special stone team came in led by another Alex (different from the Alex taking primary project lead) during week #2, and they were miraculously in and out in a single day. There was one panel in the master bathroom that they could not install on that day because we ordered a jacuzzi tub, so they needed the space open to access the wiring for the motor installation. Overall, though, we couldn’t believe that they did the stone work so incredibly fast. Also, the resulting fit and finish is super professional. It is extremely difficult to tell where two rock panels are cut and bonded together because of the seamless way they sealed the pieces up. Also, they did an amazing job matching the rock patterns from panel to panel, such that even where two separate panels are adjoining, the patterns flow from one to the other almost seamlessly. It was a fantastic install job! Week #3 rolled around and the team did some more basic patching work, including hooking up the sink hardware and installing our new toilets. However, this was a quiet work week as they scheduled some other install projects and gave some time for the rock sealing to set-up properly. Week #4 they knocked out the countertop, new sink hardware, and backsplash in our guest bathroom. Two-day turnaround for that. Then, they moved back into the master bath, installed the tub, put the final rock panel in place (complete with stone access door for the tub motor), and grouted the shower floor. Only the glass and some final patch-work remained to be done. There were a couple of additional delays for the glass delivery, which took two weeks, but again we knew that delays like this are commonplace for a project like this, so we took it in stride. Also, we were able to start using our jacuzzi tub and shower even though the glass wasn’t in yet, so we could start enjoying our new space while we waited … and enjoy it we did! Once delivered, the glass was installed in just two hours, and as of this morning all of the finishing touches were put in by Ivan, we passed city inspection, and happily shook hands with the team congratulating them on a job well done. Our finished bathrooms are … well … the company is called America’s Dream Homeworks for a reason … our finished project is like a dream come true. My wife and I now have our own personal luxury spa in our own home, complete with jacuzzi tub, overhead rain shower (with detachable spray handle that we can hold and modulate water pressure to while still getting rain shower from above), gorgeous rock walls with beautiful clear tempered glass enclosing the shower, and brand new countertops with deep sinks. We only did half of our guest bathroom. When we finish that project (need to remodel the shower space as only the counter tops were done in there) we will be calling ADH back. Overall 5-star work. 5-stars on the finished job. 5-stars on the customer service at all levels. 5-stars on the quality of the materials. 5-stars on the communication before and during the job. 5-stars on the professionalism and friendliness of our install teams. I can’t use enough superlatives for this company, for its people, and for the top tier quality of their workmanship. I say again here to close what I said at the beginning … if what you are looking for is the best possible upgrade project imaginable in your home, America’s Dream Homeworks is the company you want to hire. We could not be happier with the result. We will be calling them again in the future."

Daniel C on March 2019

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FAQs for wood stairs and railings repair projects in Orinda, CA

Hiring a pro to refinish wooden stairs means labor makes up 20% to 30% of your total budget. That price covers sanding, staining, and sealing each step. In most cases, a certified refinisher can tackle a 10-step staircase in about two hours, then apply stain and sealant for a durable, eye-catching finish that stands up to daily traffic.

A pro can sand a standard 10-step staircase in roughly two hours, then needs another four to six hours for each coat of stain and sealant to dry. DIYers should budget up to a week for sanding, staining, and sealing in stages. With a crew on site, the bulk of the work is completed in a single day, minimizing disruptions while still achieving a high-quality finish.

It’s possible to refinish stairs without full-scale sanding by using chemical strippers, power buffers, or simply layering a fresh finish over the existing coat. Chemical strippers break down old stains and sealants, while buffers quickly shave off surface material. Even so, a quick hand-sand with fine-grit paper helps the new finish bond properly and look smooth. As always, suit up in protective gear and follow product directions to keep your wood—and yourself—safe.

For most stair projects, you’ll want two sandpaper grits. Begin with 80- to 120-grit to strip the old finish and even out rough spots, then move to 150- to 220-grit for a smooth, ready-for-stain surface. A power sander speeds up the coarse pass, but switches to hand sanding with the fine grit in corners and along edges to keep abrasion even and give stain or sealer something to grab onto.

The Orinda, CA homeowners’ guide to wood stairs and railings repairs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.