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Avatar for Landson Construction

Landson Construction

5.00(
34
)
Approved Pro

Landson Construction

5.00(
34
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
104 local quotes requested

With over 25yrs of combined professional remodeling experience! We are locally owned and operated and understand the importance of getting the job done right and in a timely manner the first time! We are your one stop shop for all your interior and exterior remodeling needs we will ensure that you're extremely happy before we leave your premises! Give us a call today for your FREE estimate! We look forward to servicing you!

"I rank Landson Construction #1 in the list of contractors we have hired in our 40 years of home ownership. Ari and his team of subcontractors recently completed a challenging remodel of one of our bathrooms--challenging because it is a very small area with limited space. Their finished job looks better than our separate remodel of a larger bathroom completed by one of the big firms that advertises daily on television. Examples: the tile work in our small shower is exceptional, and the vanity/oversized sink is a perfect match that does not dominate the small room. Ari Erickson (no relation to me) offered selections from his preferred vendors, but we had full latitude to shop on our own for all tile and fixtures. He and his subcontractors kept us fully apprised at all stages of the project, arrived promptly throughout the course of the work, responded promptly to our texts and emails, and cleaned up their work area at the end of each day. My highest recommendation: I always seek at least four bids for a major project, but I would forego that process and hire Landson Construction again for future building/remodeling projects, and would encourage friends and family to do the same."

Richard E on May 2025

With over 25yrs of combined professional remodeling experience! We are locally owned and operated and understand the importance of getting the job done right and in a timely manner the first time! We are your one stop shop for all your interior and exterior remodeling needs we will ensure that you're extremely happy before we leave your premises! Give us a call today for your FREE estimate! We look forward to servicing you!

"I rank Landson Construction #1 in the list of contractors we have hired in our 40 years of home ownership. Ari and his team of subcontractors recently completed a challenging remodel of one of our bathrooms--challenging because it is a very small area with limited space. Their finished job looks better than our separate remodel of a larger bathroom completed by one of the big firms that advertises daily on television. Examples: the tile work in our small shower is exceptional, and the vanity/oversized sink is a perfect match that does not dominate the small room. Ari Erickson (no relation to me) offered selections from his preferred vendors, but we had full latitude to shop on our own for all tile and fixtures. He and his subcontractors kept us fully apprised at all stages of the project, arrived promptly throughout the course of the work, responded promptly to our texts and emails, and cleaned up their work area at the end of each day. My highest recommendation: I always seek at least four bids for a major project, but I would forego that process and hire Landson Construction again for future building/remodeling projects, and would encourage friends and family to do the same."

Richard E on May 2025


STEVE BAKER CONSTRUCTION

5.00(
1
)

STEVE BAKER CONSTRUCTION

5.00(
1
)
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

OWNER-OPERATED. NO SUBS. COST IS DETERMINED BY THE JOB. NO TRAVEL CHARGES. NO SERVICE FEE. EXTRA CHARGE FOR AFTER-HOURS SERVICE APPLY. ALSO SERVICES MEEKER COUNTY.

OWNER-OPERATED. NO SUBS. COST IS DETERMINED BY THE JOB. NO TRAVEL CHARGES. NO SERVICE FEE. EXTRA CHARGE FOR AFTER-HOURS SERVICE APPLY. ALSO SERVICES MEEKER COUNTY.


Avatar for Gunner Insulation Company LLC

Gunner Insulation Company LLC

4.78(
197
)

Gunner Insulation Company LLC

4.78(
197
)
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 91% of Angi customers
Recommended by 91% of HomeAdvisor customers

Welcome to Gunner Insulation Company, LLC! Why Choose Us? Gunner Insulation Co., LLC is the leading insulation contractor for all residential and commercial properties. Our company has been in business for 13 years, and has 40 years of experience, working on over 1000 homes and businesses in Minnesota. We are licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Minnesota, and fully equipped to manage all of your insulation needs! Our expertise is in insulation installation, but that is just one of our abilities. Our company offers complete insulation services to help cut down your energy bills, and keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer seasons. Our insulation services will help minimize heating and cooling costs to your home or commercial property. Our company offers free estimates for your home or office, to easily help you decide that we are the right people for the job! We are a company of honor. We service Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as their surrounding areas. All of our products come with their own warranties. We guarantee our workmanship for 5 years.

"The entire process was super easy from start to finish very professional and excellent response time with questions or potential issues. They came out and suggested to remove the old insulation from the attic (mineral wool, vermiculite with <1% asbestos, fiberglass bats) and spray 2 inches of closed cell foam on top of the sheet rock to make R14 and seal up any other open areas (which were many) with cardboard and spray foam over the top of it. Within minutes of spray foam they blew in cellulose over the top of that at a depth of around 12 inches to give me a total R value of 50 or greater. They also gave me a warranty in case the cellulose were to settle too much and they would come out and top it off to give me enough to make R50 again for up to 5 years. My only complaint was that one of the workers came into the home without notification and surprised my mother who was still in her pajamas which embarrassed her, he came in to use the restroom. Then the worker decided to walk around in areas that were difficult to access and walked over a very expensive rug with his shoes on. Otherwise the overall experience was great. Blower door test prior to sealing the attic was 1720CFM and after sealing with closed cell spray foam the test was ran again and it dropped to 958CFM. I would definitely hire them again!"

Curt L on May 2023

Welcome to Gunner Insulation Company, LLC! Why Choose Us? Gunner Insulation Co., LLC is the leading insulation contractor for all residential and commercial properties. Our company has been in business for 13 years, and has 40 years of experience, working on over 1000 homes and businesses in Minnesota. We are licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Minnesota, and fully equipped to manage all of your insulation needs! Our expertise is in insulation installation, but that is just one of our abilities. Our company offers complete insulation services to help cut down your energy bills, and keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer seasons. Our insulation services will help minimize heating and cooling costs to your home or commercial property. Our company offers free estimates for your home or office, to easily help you decide that we are the right people for the job! We are a company of honor. We service Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as their surrounding areas. All of our products come with their own warranties. We guarantee our workmanship for 5 years.

"The entire process was super easy from start to finish very professional and excellent response time with questions or potential issues. They came out and suggested to remove the old insulation from the attic (mineral wool, vermiculite with <1% asbestos, fiberglass bats) and spray 2 inches of closed cell foam on top of the sheet rock to make R14 and seal up any other open areas (which were many) with cardboard and spray foam over the top of it. Within minutes of spray foam they blew in cellulose over the top of that at a depth of around 12 inches to give me a total R value of 50 or greater. They also gave me a warranty in case the cellulose were to settle too much and they would come out and top it off to give me enough to make R50 again for up to 5 years. My only complaint was that one of the workers came into the home without notification and surprised my mother who was still in her pajamas which embarrassed her, he came in to use the restroom. Then the worker decided to walk around in areas that were difficult to access and walked over a very expensive rug with his shoes on. Otherwise the overall experience was great. Blower door test prior to sealing the attic was 1720CFM and after sealing with closed cell spray foam the test was ran again and it dropped to 958CFM. I would definitely hire them again!"

Curt L on May 2023


Avatar for Auto Transport - United Freight Of America

Auto Transport - United Freight Of America

4.84(
920
)

Auto Transport - United Freight Of America

4.84(
920
)
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 96% of Angi customers
Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers

United Freight of America is your all inclusive transport solution. CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE. please include pick up and Drop off locations and vehicle information

"Excellent, no problems. My car was new the first year I used the service and there has never been any damage during the transports. The men picking up and delivering the car have always been pleasant and cooperative. Both Ely and Guy at United Transport has been highly responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend this company."

CLAUDIA H on October 2021

United Freight of America is your all inclusive transport solution. CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE. please include pick up and Drop off locations and vehicle information

"Excellent, no problems. My car was new the first year I used the service and there has never been any damage during the transports. The men picking up and delivering the car have always been pleasant and cooperative. Both Ely and Guy at United Transport has been highly responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend this company."

CLAUDIA H on October 2021


Avatar for COUNTRYSIDE HEATING & COOLING SOLUTIONS LLC

COUNTRYSIDE HEATING & COOLING SOLUTIONS LLC

4.43(
56
)

COUNTRYSIDE HEATING & COOLING SOLUTIONS LLC

4.43(
56
)
Customers say: Super punctual
51 years of experience

Countryside is an award winning HVAC company in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. We provide great service, quality installations, and knowledgeable solutions for any situation. Our friendly staff, along with our technicians in the field make working with us an easy choice in selecting your heating and cooling contractor.

"Hello Tony, So we had xxxxxxxx come out and the following was discussed: 1. Because of the design of our home with the foyer and existing 2 levels what we “essentially” have is a two zone system. 2. If Countryside removes the zone system and dampeners we will have no heat in our lower level so they advise against that. 3. There was a way to give us a two zone system however because Countryside chose the layout the way they did there is no option to do anything different at this point. Short of a whole new system at the going rate of ~ $7000 (You have been paid $7505. Removing anything will lead us with just what we started with which is NOT ACCEPTABLE. 4. Countryside has provided us a “quote” and a final bill. There is no signed contract, no change order, no email agreement to do any additional work other than the quote and the crossed out “upgrade” that the quote identifies and Tony was told of specifically at the final “pre work” meeting. 5. We are starting drywall 01/28 and Doug and Joanne Hill are considering $7505 (paid) the total amount due. Please note this amount is ~ 20% more than the quoted amount. Again, there is no signed contract, no pre park scope agreement, no change order or any other conversation signaling to the homeowners the cost would be more the the originally quoted amount of $6505. 6. The homeowners also have two quotes that the desired two zone was possible and that due to the design of our home, essentially what we have. Except due to Countryside opting to add zoning system the two zone system can not be re routed any other way. 7. Doug and Joanne Hill has asked for the Owner to contact for over a week, this has been done via the Sales guy Tony, posted on the Complaint/review site, and a Better business Bureau has been filed over a week with No response from countryside. Given that all this has been done we are considering our relationship complete. Doug and joanne hill have paid Countryside in FULL (20% over quoted amount) and 10% over market value for work complete as evidence by report from Center-point home Services. Addendum 8. Doug and joanne previously offered to split the ~3300 upgrade homeowners did not agree to - leaving countryside to absorb 1505 and the homeowners to pay 1505. Given the assessment from xxxxxxxxxx this offer has been withdrawn! I will forward this to the owner and the BBB Done !"

joanne h on January 2023

Countryside is an award winning HVAC company in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. We provide great service, quality installations, and knowledgeable solutions for any situation. Our friendly staff, along with our technicians in the field make working with us an easy choice in selecting your heating and cooling contractor.

"Hello Tony, So we had xxxxxxxx come out and the following was discussed: 1. Because of the design of our home with the foyer and existing 2 levels what we “essentially” have is a two zone system. 2. If Countryside removes the zone system and dampeners we will have no heat in our lower level so they advise against that. 3. There was a way to give us a two zone system however because Countryside chose the layout the way they did there is no option to do anything different at this point. Short of a whole new system at the going rate of ~ $7000 (You have been paid $7505. Removing anything will lead us with just what we started with which is NOT ACCEPTABLE. 4. Countryside has provided us a “quote” and a final bill. There is no signed contract, no change order, no email agreement to do any additional work other than the quote and the crossed out “upgrade” that the quote identifies and Tony was told of specifically at the final “pre work” meeting. 5. We are starting drywall 01/28 and Doug and Joanne Hill are considering $7505 (paid) the total amount due. Please note this amount is ~ 20% more than the quoted amount. Again, there is no signed contract, no pre park scope agreement, no change order or any other conversation signaling to the homeowners the cost would be more the the originally quoted amount of $6505. 6. The homeowners also have two quotes that the desired two zone was possible and that due to the design of our home, essentially what we have. Except due to Countryside opting to add zoning system the two zone system can not be re routed any other way. 7. Doug and Joanne Hill has asked for the Owner to contact for over a week, this has been done via the Sales guy Tony, posted on the Complaint/review site, and a Better business Bureau has been filed over a week with No response from countryside. Given that all this has been done we are considering our relationship complete. Doug and joanne hill have paid Countryside in FULL (20% over quoted amount) and 10% over market value for work complete as evidence by report from Center-point home Services. Addendum 8. Doug and joanne previously offered to split the ~3300 upgrade homeowners did not agree to - leaving countryside to absorb 1505 and the homeowners to pay 1505. Given the assessment from xxxxxxxxxx this offer has been withdrawn! I will forward this to the owner and the BBB Done !"

joanne h on January 2023


S & B RESTORATIONS

5.00(
3
)

S & B RESTORATIONS

5.00(
3
)
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

Avatar for Allstar Construction

Allstar Construction

4.32(
41
)

Allstar Construction

4.32(
41
)
Customers say: Terrific value
47 years of experience

Allstar Construction is your area expert for roofing, siding, windows, gutters, stone and masonry work, and other exterior construction services. We work with homeowners, builders and architects, housing associations and commercial building owners. Allstar is certified as a Slate Crafter Specialist, GAF Master Elite Contractor and Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. The company is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, National Association of Home Builders, and Twin Cities Building Association. Some of the brands we work with include: • James Hardie Siding • Alside Vinyl • GAF Timberline Shingles • Anderson Windows and Doors • Duration Shingles • Eagle Windows • Mastic by PlyGem Siding • Marvin Windows and Doors • DaVinci Roofscapes • EZ Breeze Deck Enclosures • InsideOut Underdecking

"This is the most outstanding company I have ever done business with. We had them help repair water damage. From the constant communication to the professionalism of the cruise I can’t say enough good things about this company their work and work ethic are top notch."

Renee Z on March 2024

Allstar Construction is your area expert for roofing, siding, windows, gutters, stone and masonry work, and other exterior construction services. We work with homeowners, builders and architects, housing associations and commercial building owners. Allstar is certified as a Slate Crafter Specialist, GAF Master Elite Contractor and Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. The company is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, National Association of Home Builders, and Twin Cities Building Association. Some of the brands we work with include: • James Hardie Siding • Alside Vinyl • GAF Timberline Shingles • Anderson Windows and Doors • Duration Shingles • Eagle Windows • Mastic by PlyGem Siding • Marvin Windows and Doors • DaVinci Roofscapes • EZ Breeze Deck Enclosures • InsideOut Underdecking

"This is the most outstanding company I have ever done business with. We had them help repair water damage. From the constant communication to the professionalism of the cruise I can’t say enough good things about this company their work and work ethic are top notch."

Renee Z on March 2024


Spring doctor garage door services

No reviews yet

Spring doctor garage door services

No reviews yet

Our technicians are professionally trained and licensed to handle all your garage door needs. We are an established owner-operator business and have five technicians ready to spring into action.

Our technicians are professionally trained and licensed to handle all your garage door needs. We are an established owner-operator business and have five technicians ready to spring into action.


AW Home Services

No reviews yet

AW Home Services

No reviews yet

Avatar for UB Hardwoods LLC

UB Hardwoods LLC

4.56(
39
)

UB Hardwoods LLC

4.56(
39
)
Customers say: Quality work
24 years of experience

UB Hardwoods is a complete flooring company established in 2001. Based in Golden Valley and Plymouth, Minnesota we work throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro and surrounding areas, including Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago using our special dustless equipment that doesn’t pollute your home. We have built an excellent reputation and have many references from customers that have experienced the quality of our work and our dustless system. We work 7 days a week to accommodate your schedule. Additional DBA - UB Hardwoods Installation.

"It has been 1 year 5 months and 9 days since we officially started working with UB Hardwood and have now finished replacing floors in our kitchen, dining room, and entryway. This “one-day” project lasted much-much longer than the one-day which was quoted. This is one of several reasons to write this review. We chose UB Hardwood for two reasons: 1) UB Hardwood was recommended by the company that remodeled our kitchen and did phenomenal, fantastic, amazing job; 2) we were hoping to have an equally satisfying experience with this recommended installer. After we signed the agreement and payed 60% of invoice the “fun” has begun. The installation was scheduled about a month into the future. We were told it would take 1 day to install Adura Flex with grout. We heard nothing from UB the week leading up to the installation. So the day before the scheduled install date, we called them to see if things were still on-track. We were, at that time, the install would start at noon on the day-of. At 12:45 p.m. the day of installation we were still waiting (no communication from UB Hardwood). At 1:15 p.m. the installers finally showed up. They decided to install the new floor without removing the old one. They didn’t remove the trim (which we paid for), but rather cut it and did it very poorly. Then the glue was poured and installation begun. At 7:30 p.m. they were still working – clearly rushing – and still insisted they would be finished. At 8:00 p.m. they said they were done for the day and would be back tomorrow. As a result they didn’t clean the grout, off the floor surface, which on the package said to clean immediately. The next day they finished the installation, but the mess they left was enormous. After washing the floor 5 times to remove the dried grout (on hands and knees, with old mop, with a new mop), we gave up and called UB Hardwood. They ordered a cleaning solution (it took a week for it to arrive), which helped to clean the grout quite a bit, but not completely. Then the glue started to pop-up through the grout. The glue seeping through the tile seams was a continuous issue for the short life of the floor. Instead of installing a tile-matching stair nose, for which we were charged $78, a cheap metal one was installed. It was cut crookedly, with rough edges, attached with both re-used old and new screws. This was fixed eventually. And we thought we were done. But in about 6 months the grout started to crack. This was attributed to the defective floor and our bad luck. A claim was entered. Mannington satisfied the claim and we started everything allover again. We selected a different product because we couldn’t deal with the grout and glue again. Initially, even the 2nd floor was supposed to be a one-day installation. In early May, we scheduled our installation and at that time, they finally admitted it would be two days - July 6 and 7. On June 30th, 13 out of 16 boxes of flooring were delivered to our house. The other 3 boxes and stair nose didn’t make it. On July 6 around 1:00 p.m. we were still waiting for UB Hardwood and there was no communication. So we called. We were told that our installation was rescheduled to July 7-8 and they forgot to tell us. Nobody even asked us if were able to accommodate these changes. The second round of installation begun. We were getting different messages about the floor removal – if defective Adura was going to be removed or both old floors, or both old floors and plywood. How this was not articulated and clearly decided upon in advance, is unknown. , Ultimately both the defective Adura, previous old floor, and plywood were removed. Day 1 ended with our kitchen, dining room, and entry way in ruins with the removal of both floors and staples all over subfloor. Day 2 this was taken care of and installation of the new floor began. Again, due to poor communication and mixed messages from UB Hardwood, we expected a new plywood to go under the new floor. Sorting this out took several hours, meanwhile the installers just left and we were left with unusable kitchen/dining room for the entire weekend. On Monday the installers showed up again, with the missing stair nose and last 3 boxes of tiles. The stair nose was wooden, not vinyl as agreed upon and we got on the phone again. The floor was finished (without a new layer of plywood). Two weeks later, the proper stair-nose arrived and was installed. We were left with the aftermath of damaged trim, poorly installed shoes around our kitchen cabinets, and damage to the $30,000 cabinets from previous kitchen renovation . We chose to repair the woodwork ourselves as we couldn’t stand the idea of working with UB Hardwood any longer."

Justin D on September 2022

UB Hardwoods is a complete flooring company established in 2001. Based in Golden Valley and Plymouth, Minnesota we work throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro and surrounding areas, including Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago using our special dustless equipment that doesn’t pollute your home. We have built an excellent reputation and have many references from customers that have experienced the quality of our work and our dustless system. We work 7 days a week to accommodate your schedule. Additional DBA - UB Hardwoods Installation.

"It has been 1 year 5 months and 9 days since we officially started working with UB Hardwood and have now finished replacing floors in our kitchen, dining room, and entryway. This “one-day” project lasted much-much longer than the one-day which was quoted. This is one of several reasons to write this review. We chose UB Hardwood for two reasons: 1) UB Hardwood was recommended by the company that remodeled our kitchen and did phenomenal, fantastic, amazing job; 2) we were hoping to have an equally satisfying experience with this recommended installer. After we signed the agreement and payed 60% of invoice the “fun” has begun. The installation was scheduled about a month into the future. We were told it would take 1 day to install Adura Flex with grout. We heard nothing from UB the week leading up to the installation. So the day before the scheduled install date, we called them to see if things were still on-track. We were, at that time, the install would start at noon on the day-of. At 12:45 p.m. the day of installation we were still waiting (no communication from UB Hardwood). At 1:15 p.m. the installers finally showed up. They decided to install the new floor without removing the old one. They didn’t remove the trim (which we paid for), but rather cut it and did it very poorly. Then the glue was poured and installation begun. At 7:30 p.m. they were still working – clearly rushing – and still insisted they would be finished. At 8:00 p.m. they said they were done for the day and would be back tomorrow. As a result they didn’t clean the grout, off the floor surface, which on the package said to clean immediately. The next day they finished the installation, but the mess they left was enormous. After washing the floor 5 times to remove the dried grout (on hands and knees, with old mop, with a new mop), we gave up and called UB Hardwood. They ordered a cleaning solution (it took a week for it to arrive), which helped to clean the grout quite a bit, but not completely. Then the glue started to pop-up through the grout. The glue seeping through the tile seams was a continuous issue for the short life of the floor. Instead of installing a tile-matching stair nose, for which we were charged $78, a cheap metal one was installed. It was cut crookedly, with rough edges, attached with both re-used old and new screws. This was fixed eventually. And we thought we were done. But in about 6 months the grout started to crack. This was attributed to the defective floor and our bad luck. A claim was entered. Mannington satisfied the claim and we started everything allover again. We selected a different product because we couldn’t deal with the grout and glue again. Initially, even the 2nd floor was supposed to be a one-day installation. In early May, we scheduled our installation and at that time, they finally admitted it would be two days - July 6 and 7. On June 30th, 13 out of 16 boxes of flooring were delivered to our house. The other 3 boxes and stair nose didn’t make it. On July 6 around 1:00 p.m. we were still waiting for UB Hardwood and there was no communication. So we called. We were told that our installation was rescheduled to July 7-8 and they forgot to tell us. Nobody even asked us if were able to accommodate these changes. The second round of installation begun. We were getting different messages about the floor removal – if defective Adura was going to be removed or both old floors, or both old floors and plywood. How this was not articulated and clearly decided upon in advance, is unknown. , Ultimately both the defective Adura, previous old floor, and plywood were removed. Day 1 ended with our kitchen, dining room, and entry way in ruins with the removal of both floors and staples all over subfloor. Day 2 this was taken care of and installation of the new floor began. Again, due to poor communication and mixed messages from UB Hardwood, we expected a new plywood to go under the new floor. Sorting this out took several hours, meanwhile the installers just left and we were left with unusable kitchen/dining room for the entire weekend. On Monday the installers showed up again, with the missing stair nose and last 3 boxes of tiles. The stair nose was wooden, not vinyl as agreed upon and we got on the phone again. The floor was finished (without a new layer of plywood). Two weeks later, the proper stair-nose arrived and was installed. We were left with the aftermath of damaged trim, poorly installed shoes around our kitchen cabinets, and damage to the $30,000 cabinets from previous kitchen renovation . We chose to repair the woodwork ourselves as we couldn’t stand the idea of working with UB Hardwood any longer."

Justin D on September 2022

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FAQs for wood stairs and railings repair projects in Young-america, MN

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 Young-america, MN 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.