Preserve the Past Through Expert Heritage Staircase Restoration
Restoring an original staircase is one of the finest ways to honour the history of your home. Whether your house dates back to the Edwardian era or an even earlier period, its staircase often carries the distinctive detail that defines the entire property. At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we know how much charm, warmth and beauty these staircases bring to a home. We’ve helped countless homeowners across the UK keep that spirit alive by carefully restoring their heritage staircases.
Why Older Staircases Deserve Special Attention
Every old staircase tells a story. You might notice worn treads where people have climbed them over decades, handrails polished smoother by generations of hands, or spindles that still carry original decorative carvings. Unlike modern staircases, period stairs were usually handmade by skilled craftspeople using solid hardwood and detailed joinery.
Left untouched, exposure to moisture, everyday use, or even previous repairs using poor materials can wear these features away. That’s why restoration, not replacement, is often the best path. It lets you hold onto the character of your home while bringing new life where it’s needed.
Our Expertise with Edwardian Staircases
Edwardian staircases are some of the most elegant ever built. Compared to the highly decorative Victorian design style, Edwardian staircases became simpler but light, airy, and surprisingly bold. Think gentle curves, square newel posts, and subtle panelling along the stringers. They still used beautiful woods like mahogany, pine and oak, but the designs spoke more of symmetry and balance than heavy ornamentation.
At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we’ve worked on many Edwardian homes across the UK. We know how to match timbers, preserve grain patterns and get paintwork colours just right. Whether you need one step replaced or complete sanding, repolishing and restructuring, we know how to bring it all together without losing an ounce of charm.
How We Bring Staircases Back to Life
Every restoration project we take on starts with a deep look at the condition of your stairwell structure. We check for loose or broken treads, signs of past woodworm or general wear. We never rush this stage. Once we understand the staircase’s current health and original style, we create a plan that focuses on long-lasting repairs.
Some of the standard services we include in our restoration process:
- Replacing missing or damaged spindles with ones crafted to blend in naturally
- Repairing or replacing worn treads and risers using matching wood types where possible
- Complete sanding of railings and other timber areas
- Applying wax, oil or custom-matched wood stain to bring the finish back to its former glory
- Reassembling key joints for long-term stability
We are cautious when it comes to handrails. They can be tricky because they have been touched and used more than any other part of the staircase, making it vital to maintain their original line and fit. With skilled techniques, we can restore broken handrails instead of replacing them.
Bringing Out the Beauty in Every Detail
One of our favourite things is revealing the beauty hiding under paint and wear. Many heritage staircases are layered with old paint or stains. By stripping these layers carefully and evenly, we can bring out the rich grain of the wood underneath. This opens the door to applying new finishes that either match the original look or provide a fresh feel without losing the staircase’s timeless appearance.
You can see examples of the finishes and styles we’ve restored by browsing our project gallery. We update our gallery regularly with real before-and-after photos for inspiration.
Why Not Restore Instead of Replace?
Many people think replacing a staircase is the only way to solve damage or squeaks. But often, the original staircase needs expert attention. Restoring an existing one is usually less intrusive, helps keep the value of the property and is friendlier to the environment too.
Plus, once restored, a period staircase can look just as polished and beautiful as a modern feature, even more so, with the extra warmth and character that only age and careful workmanship can give. We always guide homeowners through the process by offering honest advice on what’s worth keeping and what needs replacing.
Trusted by Homeowners Across the UK
Over the years, we’ve worked on everything from small early-Victorian cottages to large Edwardian townhouses. Whether your staircase is hardwood or softwood, painted or stained, we bring the same level of care and respect to every job.
You can learn more about our background and how we started through our main website, where we also outline the other services we offer, such as furniture restoration and antique furniture work. But staircase restoration remains our most loved type of project.
FAQs
How long does restoration take?
Each staircase is different, but most restoration projects take between two and three weeks. More complex cases, such as when the stairs are badly damaged or require complete structural work, might take a little longer.
Can you match existing wood and finishes?
Yes, we’ve developed expert ways of identifying wood types and matching stains or paints so that new sections blend in seamlessly with the old.
Will I be able to use the staircase while you work?
Depending on the level of work needed, we may need to block off parts of the staircase for safety while we’re restoring it. We’ll always agree on everything ahead of time and keep you informed.
What kind of homes do you work in?
Most of our work is in classic British homes, including Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian properties. But we’re happy to work on any older staircase that needs restoring.
Can you do fully painted staircases, too?
Yes. Many people want a painted finish, and we’re able to match new paint to existing colours or help you choose something more period-accurate.
Keeping the Craft Alive
We see heritage staircase restoration as more than just a job. It’s a way of helping people keep a piece of their home’s history alive. In every project we take on, we use methods that have stood the test of time, joined with modern safety and repair techniques to keep your staircase strong for the future. When we walk away from a finished staircase that looks and feels right in the home, it gives us a real sense of pride.
Many of the staircases we restore haven’t been touched in years. Some are still in good shape but dull, while others are falling apart. With every project, we aim to ensure the work lasts. If you’d like to see what’s possible with a staircase like yours, our gallery is a great place to start.
Bring Back the Beauty of Your Staircase with Expert Restoration Across the UK
If your home has a staircase full of character but showing its age, we’re here to help you restore and protect it. At Simons Staircase & Furniture Restoration, we put our skill and care into every part of every step. Working throughout the UK, we’ve earned trust by helping give heritage staircases the attention they deserve.
Take a look at what we do by visiting our website, or reach out if you’d like to talk through your stairs. Let’s bring the original charm of your staircase back to life.
