Stair Refinishing and Stair Flooring in Nashville and Springfield, TN
Your Stairs Take More Abuse Than Any Floor in the House
- Gray, bare edges on wood treads where the finish has worn through on the nosing.
- Flattened, stained carpet/b> down the middle of each step that no amount of cleaning brings back.
- Creaks and squeaks that announce everyone who walks upstairs at night.
- Loose or rounded nosingsthat feel unsteady underfoot and can catch a heel
- Stairs that no longer match after new floors went in downstairs or upstairs.
The Parts of a Staircase We Work On
| Part | What it is | Common problems |
|---|---|---|
| Tread | The flat part you step on | Worn finish, scratches, cracks, splits |
| Riser | The vertical board between treads | Scuff marks, outdated paint or stain |
| Nosing | The rounded front edge of each tread | Worn through finish, loose or chipped edges |
| Stringer | The frame that supports the treads | Loose connections that cause squeaks |
| Skirt board | The trim along the wall side of the stairs | Gaps, dents, mismatched paint |
| Landing | The flat area between flights | Needs to blend with both the stairs and the floor |
Stair Refinishing for Worn Wood Stairs
Staining Stairs to Match Your Floors
Staining stairs to match new or refinished floors makes the whole home feel connected. We test stain on a hidden tread first so you can see the color on your own wood before we commit.
Painted Stair Risers or Stained Risers
Painted stair risers in white or a soft color brighten a staircase and hide scuffs, while stained risers give a richer, all-wood look. We can sand and stain the treads and paint the risers in the same project.
Floors and Stairs in One Project
Refinishing your floors too? Doing both together means one stain, one finish, and one schedule. Learn more about our hardwood floor sanding service.
Carpet to Hardwood Stairs Conversions
Pulling up old carpet is one of the biggest visual upgrades you can make. The catch is what is usually underneath. Most carpeted stairs are built from construction-grade boards that were never meant to be seen, covered in staples, tack strips, and glue.
- Retrofit stair treads or tread caps. We fit new hardwood stair treads and risers over the existing structure after removing the carpet and old nosing. This is the most common approach and keeps the work faster and cleaner.
- Full tread replacement. The old treads come out completely and new solid treads go in. This is the right choice when the existing steps are damaged, uneven or need to be rebuilt.
Either way, we measure and cut every tread individually, because stairs are rarely as even as they look. If you are also replacing floors on the same level, see our hardwood floor installation service so the stairs and floors match.
Which Stair Flooring Option Fits Your Home?
| Option | Best when | Look | Durability | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refinish existing treads | Treads are solid wood with surface wear | Natural wood, any stain | High | Lowest |
| Retrofit treads and caps | Removing carpet over unfinished treads | New hardwood | High | Moderate |
| Full tread replacement | Treads are damaged or need rebuilding | New hardwood | Highest | Highest |
| Laminate with stair nosing | Matching laminate floors | Wood look | Good | Low to moderate |
| LVP with stair nosing | Busy homes, pets, matching LVP floors | Wood look | Good, water resistant | Low to moderate |
- Find Your Style
Our Stair Renovation Process
01
Free in-home estimate.
We assess what your stairs are made of, measure every step, and discuss refinishing, retrofit, replacement, or laminate and LVP options.
02
Color and material approval.
You see stain or material samples on your actual staircase before work begins.
03
Removal and prep.
We remove carpet, pad, tack strips, staples, and old nosing, and we check the structure.
04
Squeak fixes and securing.
Loose treads and risers are fastened properly to the stringers.
05
Installation or refinishing.
New treads are cut and fitted one by one, or existing treads are sanded, stained, and finished.
06
Planning around your home.
If the staircase is your only way upstairs, we plan the work so you can still get up and down as much as possible.
07
Final walkthrough.
We walk the stairs with you, top to bottom, before we finish the job.
- Find Your Style
Stair Refinishing Cost: What Affects Your Price
- Number of steps and landings. More steps mean more cutting, sanding and finishing.
- Open or closed sides. Stairs open on one side need return nosings and extra finish work on the exposed ends.
- Refinish, retrofit or replace.Refinishing existing treads is usually the most affordable. Stair tread replacement cost is higher because of materials and labor.
- Material. Hardwood treads cost more than laminate or LVP with stair nosing.
- Risers. Painting or replacing risers adds to the project.
- Condition.Damaged treads, heavy glue or paint, and loose framing add prep time.
- Final walkthrough. We check every room with you before calling the job done.
Why Homeowners Trust Us With Their Stairs
We Do the Floors Too
Most stair problems show up where the stairs meet the floor. Because we handle hardwood, laminate and LVP floors as well as stair flooring, the landing, transitions and color all line up. See all our flooring services.
Every Step Measured on Its Own
We never cut a whole flight to one size. Each tread is measured and fitted individually so the finished staircase looks straight and tight.
Honest Advice About What Is Underneath
If your existing treads cannot be refinished, we will tell you before you pay for it, and show you the option that will actually last.
Local and Easy to Reach
Ramirez Flooring is a local flooring contractor based in Springfield, close by if you ever have a question after the job.
Get a Free Hardwood Floor Refinishing Estimate
Send us a few photos of your floors and tell us which rooms you are thinking about. We will come out, check the wood, show you stain options, and give you a clear price with no pressure to book.
Protecting Your Newly Refinished Floors
Browse our staircase makeover photos, including carpet to hardwood conversions, refinished treads, and painted risers from local homes.
- FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does stair refinishing take?
Most staircases take a few days, depending on the number of steps, whether you choose stain, and how many coats of finish are applied. Converting carpet to hardwood stairs or replacing treads can take a little longer. We give you a timeline with your estimate.
Can I use my stairs during the project?
Usually, with some planning. If the staircase is your only way upstairs, we will work out a schedule with you so you can still get up and down while the finish dries.
What is under my carpeted stairs?
In most homes, carpeted stairs are built from rough, construction-grade treads that were never meant to be seen. That is why carpet to hardwood stairs projects usually involve new hardwood treads or tread caps rather than refinishing what is underneath.
Do my stairs need to match my floors?
They do not have to, but matching or coordinating the stairs with the floors at the top and bottom makes the home feel finished. Many homeowners choose stained treads with painted risers as a clean middle ground.
Is LVP or laminate a good choice for stairs?
Yes, when installed with proper stair nosing and every piece fastened securely. LVP is quieter and more water-resistant, while laminate is firmer and very scratch-resistant.
Can you fix squeaky stairs?
Yes. We secure loose treads and risers to the stringers during your project, which is the most reliable way to stop squeaks for good.
How much does stair tread replacement cost?
It depends on the number of steps, the wood species, whether your stairs are open or closed on the sides, and the condition of the structure underneath. We provide a free estimate with pricing for each option.