Staircase oils: tips & tricks for a wooden staircase that keeps shining

A wooden staircase is often a real eye-catcher in the home, but it won’t stay looking its best on its own. Daily use causes scratches, wear and discolouration. With regular maintenance, your staircase will remain a showpiece in the hall – the first thing visitors see when they enter. Oiling your staircase is an effective way to nourish and protect it, and restore its fresh appearance. Discover our tips and tricks here.

Maintenance starts with the question: what result do you want to achieve? The two most popular treatments for a wooden staircase are varnish and oil.

• Varnish forms a protective layer on top of the wood. It is ideal if you want to preserve the natural colour and appearance, for example with light woods such as those found in Scandinavian interiors. Varnish provides good protection against wear and tear and gives your stairs a sleek, smooth finish.
• Oil penetrates deep into the wood and nourishes the wood layers from within. This gives the wood greater depth of colour and a warm, vibrant appearance. Oil protects and strengthens the wood in a natural way.

Would you like to get started yourself? If so, follow these steps:

1. Sand the stairs thoroughly to remove any old layers of varnish or oil.
2. Remove any dust from the stairs using a damp cloth.
3. Apply the first coat of oil – dilute it slightly with water if necessary and rub it in well with a sponge so that the oil can penetrate deeply.
4. Leave to dry and repeat the process with an undiluted coat of oil.

The result? A wooden staircase that looks as good as new and is also well protected against everyday wear and tear.

Use specific care products designed for oiled staircases to extend their lifespan. Regular cleaning and treatment will ensure that your staircase retains its warm appearance for years to come.

Oiling your stairs is a great way to maintain them, but it requires regular attention and effort. Would you prefer a permanent solution that doesn’t need ongoing maintenance? Then a staircase renovation using stair tread covers is a smart alternative. With durable materials, a scratch- and wear-resistant top layer and a non-slip finish, you can enjoy a staircase that will look great for years to come – without the need for oil or varnish.

Would you like to know what the best approach is for your staircase? Please get in touch with us or visit one of our showrooms for personalised advice.