Staircase Finishes

Luckily, areas of wear and minor damage such as surface scratches on an oiled wooden staircase can be easily repaired. At Jackson Woodturners, we recommend the following:

1. Clean the affected areas with a cloth and water to remove all traces of surface dirt, dust and debris.
2. Allow the area to dry fully, especially if the water has penetrated into the surface of the wood.
3. You can now apply wood filler to fill small imperfections or our Treatex Hardwax Oil, which provides a hard wearing and attractive finish.

Of course. Our Treatex Hardwax Oil is the perfect choice for this project. With over 40 years of experience in the timber and wood finishing industries, Treatex Hardwax Oil was developed to be user friendly, quick drying, easy to maintain but above all to provide a hard wearing and attractive finish. Suitable for all types of internal joinery including floors, stairs, doors, furniture and kitchen worktops, just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance your wooden surfaces for years to come.

At Jackson Woodturners, we stand by the importance of staircase finishes. They serve the following crucial purposes:

• Protection - Staircase finishes help protect wooden stair components from wear, tear and damage caused by foot traffic, spills and sunlight.
• Enhancement - A staircase finish can enhance the natural beauty of wood, spotlighting its unique grain and colour.
• Durability - A quality staircase finish prolongs the lifespan of wooden stairs by providing a protective barrier against moisture, scratches and stains.

The most common types of staircase finishes include:

• Varnish - Provides a durable, glossy finish that highlights the natural beauty of wood.
• Oil - Penetrates the wood to enhance its colour and grain while providing a more natural, matte finish.
• Stain - Adds colour to the wood while also providing some level of protection.
• Paint - Offers a durable, opaque finish that completely covers the wood.

This is a question we get asked a lot. When choosing a staircase finish, we recommend that you consider the following factors:

• Desired appearance - Do you prefer a glossy or matte finish?
• Level of protection - How much wear and tear do your stairs endure?
• Wood type - Different finishes may work better with certain types of wood.
• Maintenance - Consider how much maintenance you're willing to do to upkeep the finish.

Generally, the lifespan of a staircase finish depends on several factors, including the type of finish used, the level of wear and tear and how well the finish is maintained. You’ll be pleased to know that most staircase finishes last several years before needing to be reapplied.

Many modern staircase finishes are formulated to be low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and environmentally friendly. In fact our Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil is low odour and meets with VOC emissions regulations.

*Top tip - look for finishes labelled as "low VOC" or "eco-friendly" for a more environmentally conscious option.