How to Protect Wooden Stairs

Wooden stairs can crack over time as a result of improper coating or a finish that is wearing away. Wooden stairs must be properly protected so that no cracks or warping occurs in the wood. Warping that occurs for too long will eventually require the wood to be replaced. The best way to protect wooden stairs is to coat it with a wood stain, which will keep dirt and moisture from getting under the wood. You can color-match a wood stain to your steps at a paint store so that the new stain will match the color of the stairs.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Vacuum
• Belt sander
• Sandpaper
• Paint bucket
• Wood stain
• Wood stain brush

Instructions

1. Sweep away loose debris with the broom, and vacuum up all dirt from the stairs. Dirt or debris would otherwise create a barrier between the stain and the wood.

2. Load the sandpaper into the belt sander and sand down all the steps until all the steps are smooth and level. Vacuum up all the dust that has accumulated when you are done.

3. Pour the wood stain into the paint bucket, and apply the stain to the steps with the wood stain brush. Hold the brush the same way you would hold a pencil, and paint in a smooth, fluid motion going with the grain of the wood. Start at the top of the steps and work your way down so that you do not become trapped.

4. Allow the stain to dry, then add another coat if desired. You should not apply more than three coats of wood stain to the steps.

References

• Washington Post: Rejuvenating Stairs