How to Refinish My Wood Stair

Adults, kids, dogs and cats trample up and down stairs several times a day. This constant abuse can quickly deteriorate the surface of your wood stairs. It is not uncommon for a pattern of wear to emerge in the center of each stair, demonstrating where it receives the most traffic. Refinishing wood stairs is similar to servicing other wood products. You will need to remove any previous coating or finishes from the surface and then apply the new one.

Broom
Rags
80- to 120-grit sandpaper
160- to 220-grit sandpaper
Wood stain
Stirring stick
Paint brush
Clear, protective finish

Instructions

- 1
  Sweep the stairs of dust and debris.
- 2
  Remove previous stains and debris from the stair surface with medium grade, 80- to 120-grit sandpaper. Move the sandpaper in long, straight lines.
- 3
  Smooth the surface with fine grade, 160- to 220-grit sandpaper.
- 4
  Wipe away leftover sandpaper dust with a damp cloth. Allow the stairs to dry thoroughly.
- 5
  Open the can of wood stain and stir it thoroughly with a stirring stick.
- 6
  Apply a wood stain to each stair using a paint brush. Allow the stain to dry for 2 hours.
- 7
  Lightly sand the stained stair with sandpaper. This is only necessary if you are applying a second coat of stain.
- 8
  Apply a second coat of stain to the stair if necessary. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.
- 9
  Apply a clear, protective finish to the stairs after the stain has dried. The finish will protect the stairs from wear and stains.

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