What Is Best For Staining Stairs

[smudge 11]

after sanding stairs back to bare wood,has anybody got any suggestions on what is the best stain to use,we need some thing that is not slippy as we have a grand child.Also thinking of painting the risers,would it be better to stain the treads first then paint the risers or the other way round.Thanks in advance to any suggestions.

[ummmm]

I would paint the risers first as any spilt paint can easily be sanded off.

I did mine with just a wood stain, no varnish, and they still looked good 8 years later when I sold up and moved.

[The Builder]

It all depends on the type of timber used, Smudge. If it's a period staircase, then think about not staining at all. Wax such as Briwax can be clear/antique/wood colours. "Antique gives a great vintage look. Finishing oil is another good way to go with old staircases.

If it's a standard modern flight, then the risers are most probably plywood. I've always reckoned that there's not much you can do with ply. It always looks just what it is. Paint is probably the best way. It's a matter of personal taste though.

Any good interior woodstain is fine. If you don't want much shine, then go for satin/semi-gloss/matt.

Ummmm's right about the painting. Get it over with first, and clean off any spillages.