Staircases and doors, old and new
A stained staircase is often the first thing a visitor sees. Treads, spindles and handrails are sanded evenly so the stain takes without going blotchy, and a clear protective coat goes over the parts that wear. We test the colour on a hidden spot first, such as the underside of a tread.
In Fordham, Valter and Denes stained a staircase and doors for Mrs M Turner, who thanked us for the amazing transformation. More of that kind of work is on our staining and varnishing page.
Skirtings and doors in newer Ely homes
With most of Ely built since the 1980s, much of the woodwork here is plain softwood skirting and doors under old gloss. Many owners now prefer satin or eggshell, which shows fewer imperfections. Bare pine is primed with Zinsser first so knots don't bleed resin through the finish.
Ely at a glance
- 12 milesby road from our Landbeach base, about 18 minutesOSRM routing
- 12%of properties were built before 1919VOA Council Tax stock
- 7%date from 1919 to 1939VOA Council Tax stock
- 86%are houses rather than flatsCensus 2021
- 199listed buildingsHistoric England
- 64%of homes are owner-occupiedCensus 2021
How we approach woodwork staining & varnishing
Woodwork is cleaned of grease and polish, then lightly sanded so the new coat grips. Gaps along skirtings and architraves are filled for a crisp line, and dents in door edges filled and rubbed down. For natural timber we sand evenly and test the stain on a hidden area. Beams get Osmo oil, painted joinery gets satin, eggshell or gloss. The full method, products and FAQs are on our woodwork staining & varnishing page.