Hardwood floors are one of the most attractive features in a home, but what about the stairs? For many homeowners, stairs are the most-used part of the house, and over time they take on scratches, dents, or fading. Refinishing your stairs not only brings them back to life but also gives you the opportunity to match them with your hardwood floors for a seamless, polished look.
In this guide, we’ll walk through why stair refinishing matters, how to match floors and stairs correctly, and what steps a professional contractor like Danzco Hardwood Floors takes to ensure quality results.
Call us today at +1-410-788-5919 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Matching Floors and Stairs Matters
When the stairs don’t match the hardwood floors, the entire design feels “off.” Some homeowners install brand-new floors in the living room or hallways but leave stairs unfinished, painted, or in a different stain. This mismatch can:
- Make the home look incomplete
- Reduce the resale value
- Cause a visual break in open floor plans
- Make spaces feel smaller or less cohesive
On the other hand, coordinated stairs and floors create a continuous flow, giving your home a luxury feel.
Step 1: Inspecting Your Existing Stairs
The first step in stair refinishing is inspection. Are the treads (the horizontal parts) solid wood or covered with carpet? Are the risers (vertical parts) painted, veneered, or natural wood? Understanding what’s underneath helps determine whether the stairs can be sanded and refinished or if new treads are needed.
Step 2: Sanding and Preparing the Wood
Just like floors, stairs require sanding to remove the old finish, scratches, and dirt. Professionals use smaller, specialized sanders to reach edges and corners. After sanding, the wood is cleaned thoroughly to prepare for stain and finish.
Step 3: Matching the Stain to Your Floors
This is the most important step: color matching.
- A flooring professional applies test stain samples directly on your stairs to show how the color looks in your home’s lighting.
- The stain is compared with your hardwood floors so the final color blends seamlessly.
- Popular stain colors in Maryland include natural oak, walnut, espresso, and gray tones.
Remember: the same stain can look slightly different on stairs than floors due to wood species and lighting, so testing is critical.
Step 4: Finishing with Protection
Once the right stain is chosen, a polyurethane finish is applied to protect against foot traffic. Because stairs are used daily, at least three coats of finish are recommended for maximum durability. A satin or semi-gloss finish is the most popular, offering shine without being slippery.
Step 5: Upgrading with New Treads or Railings
If your stairs are in poor condition, new hardwood treads can be installed over existing steps. You can also upgrade:
- Handrails
- Newel posts
- Balusters
- Moldings
These upgrades ensure the entire staircase matches the beauty of your refinished floors.
DIY vs. Professional Refinishing
Some homeowners attempt DIY stair refinishing. While possible, it’s a tough project:
- Stairs are small, detailed surfaces — mistakes stand out.
- Uneven sanding or staining can ruin the look.
- Safety is a concern if stairs are left unfinished during use.
Hiring a professional ensures precision, dust control, and lasting results.
Cost of Stair Refinishing in Maryland
The price depends on:
- Number of steps
- Type of wood
- Condition of the stairs
- Additional upgrades (rails, treads, risers)
On average, Maryland homeowners can expect refinishing stairs to cost less than replacing them entirely — making refinishing a smart investment.
Hardwood stair refinishing is the finishing touch that makes your home feel complete. By matching the stairs with your hardwood floors, you create a unified design that adds value, comfort, and beauty.
👉 Call Danzco Hardwood Floors at +1-410-788-5919 or visit danzcohardwoodfloors.com to schedule your free estimate. Let us bring your stairs back to life and perfectly match them with your floors.
