Bring Your Victorian Staircase Back to Life
There’s something remarkable about a Victorian Staircase Restoration. The craftsmanship, the strong lines, the deep wood grain, it all speaks of another time. Restoring these staircases is more than fixing worn wood or reattaching spindles. It’s about honouring a part of your home’s history. At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we love working on Victorian staircases, using skill and care passed down through generations.
Why Victorian Staircases Deserve Proper Restoration
Victorian staircases are often made from high-quality hardwood, like oak or mahogany. These were built to last and designed with detail, featuring carved newel posts, turned spindles, and solid treads. Over time, wear sets in. Treads become loose, handrails wobble, and the finish fades. Some homeowners see these flaws and worry that the whole staircase needs replacing. That’s rarely true.
Restoration lets us breathe new life into the original structure. We fix what’s broken, preserve as much of the old material as possible, and bring out the beauty that’s still there. This approach respects the character of your home while making everyday use safer and more enjoyable.
Step-by-Step: How We Restore Your Staircase
We begin by inspecting your staircase thoroughly. Each project is different. While some staircases suffer from surface wear, others need structural repairs. Depending on the issue,
We might:
- Replace damaged treads
- Strengthen or repair loose handrails and bannisters
- Re-glue joints and supports
- Sand, strip, and polish the wood
- Match historic mouldings and shapes for replacements
We’re careful about materials. If your balusters are missing or broken, we’ll replicate them by hand using matching wood and shapes, so the restoration looks like it’s always been part of your home.
You can see how our approach makes a difference by browsing our gallery on the Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration website. Each project tells a story of a staircase given a second life.
Wood Finishing That Stays True to Its Time
Finishing is one of the most important parts of staircase restoration. The wood may be strong and sturdy, but its finish gives it visual warmth and brings out details lost to the years. Many older staircases have been painted over or varnished in ways that hide their true texture.
We carefully remove layers of old paint or varnish, choose stains that match the original tones, and wax or oil the surface to protect it. Our aim is always to make the finish suit the period, not to make it shiny or too modern. Sometimes, we even leave subtle weathering to keep the staircase’s story intact.
Those who want to see what genuine Victorian details look like today should check out our recent staircase projects on the Simons Furniture & Staircases gallery.
Making Repair Safe and Subtle
Some staircases may look fine on the surface but have hidden problems like creaky steps or loose joints. While we want things to look good, we also need them to be solid. We take care to work beneath the surface to make sure everything is sturdy, steady and ready for daily use. Stair treads are often fixed from beneath to keep the top surface neat. Handrails are joined with traditional techniques that last and blend seamlessly with the original craftsmanship.
We also know that every detail counts. Victorian staircases often feature specific spindle patterns or handrail shapes that are no longer made in factories. We recreate them by hand, using photos, measurements and surviving sections to match everything precisely. This makes the restored staircase feel whole, not patched.
Matching Your Home’s Style
No two homes are the same. That means no two staircases need the same approach. Some homeowners want us to fully strip and restore every inch. Others want to keep a weathered texture or only fix key parts. We work closely with you to understand your vision, whether it’s about making the whole staircase shine or only carrying out the repairs, keeping your original finish.
Our restoration team works across the UK, but we handle each project like it’s around the corner. We aim to keep our service friendly, local, and responsive. Whether we’re fixing a handrail or rebuilding a full flight of stairs, we treat every staircase with the same care we would give our own homes.
Here’s what a restored antique flight can look like with the right care:
Why Work with Local Experts?
Restoring Victorian features isn’t the job for a general handyman. It needs someone who knows the details of the style, understands old building techniques, and can work with materials that don’t come from modern hardware shops. That’s what we bring.
At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we’ve spent over 30 years working on period features like Victorian staircases, Georgian bannisters, and Edwardian handrails. You can see the difference in our careful joints, period-correct finishes, and custom-made parts. People come to us not just for our skills, but because they know we understand what their home means.
If you would like a look at the quality we aim for, have a look at our recent Victorian staircase repairs portfolio and gallery online. We post honest before-and-after shots so you can judge the detail for yourself.
FAQs
How long does restoration take?
Most projects are completed within one to two weeks, depending on the condition of the staircase and how much work is required.
Is it messy or loud?
We take care to keep the mess to a minimum by sealing off our workspace and using dust extractors. There will be some noise from sanding or sawing, but we plan jobs carefully to limit disruption.
Can you fix just part of my staircase?
Yes. Some people only want part of the staircase restored, like the spindles or the handrail, and we’re happy to do that.
Will the new materials match my original wood?
We work hard to match both the species of wood and the colour. This includes careful staining and finishing to blend everything evenly.
Do you work with listed buildings?
Yes. We have experience working within building regulations and with listed properties. All our repairs are made to preserve original features.
Keeping History Alive in Your Home
Victorian staircases are more than just a way to go upstairs; they are a part of your home’s character. Replacing them with modern parts loses that charm forever. Restoring them keeps the story going. That’s what we’re here for.
Working with Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration means you get experienced hands, careful work, and a result that fits your house like it’s always been there. We don’t just fix wood, we help preserve what makes your home special.
Let’s Talk About Your Staircase
Is your Victorian staircase showing its age? Are you thinking about sanding, repairing, or fully restoring it? We’re ready to help. Head over to Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration and get in touch.
We’re happy to offer advice, provide quotes, and help plan the best way to bring your staircase back to life. Let’s keep the tradition going, one step at a time.