Oak Stair Cladding.
Stair Cladding Explained.
What Is Stair Cladding?
Cladding, sometimes called over-cladding or stair covering, gives a sound but tired staircase a completely new surface. New solid oak treads are fitted over the existing treads, with oak faces over the risers and new nosings on the front edge of each step.
The original staircase stays where it is and carries on doing its structural job. Only the surfaces you see and walk on are new.
When Cladding Is the Right Choice
Cladding suits a staircase that is structurally sound but has a surface that is worn, damaged or simply dated. Treads that are scuffed, split or patched, and nosings that have worn round over the years, are all covered by the new oak.
If you want an oak staircase and the flight itself is in good order, cladding is almost always the better-value route to it.
When Cladding Isn’t the Answer
Cladding changes the surface, not the structure. If treads are loose, the stairs creak badly or a newel post moves, those faults need putting right first, because covering them only hides them.
If a string is split along its length or the staircase has pulled away from the wall, the flight may be past the point where cladding makes sense, and we will say so plainly. Our staircase repairs page covers these faults in more detail.
How We Clad a Staircase
We measure and cut each tread individually, because no two staircases are truly square and a tread cut to a standard size shows it at the wall and the string.
The new oak treads, riser faces and nosings are then fitted over the existing stairs. Because every piece is cut to its own step, the finished flight reads as a solid oak staircase rather than a covering.
How Long It Takes
Cladding a standard flight typically takes three to four days. The stairs stay usable throughout, so you are not cut off from upstairs while the work is going on.
We will confirm the timescale for your own staircase when we quote.
Cladding With New Spindles, Handrails or Glass
Cladding is often combined with new spindles, a new handrail and newel posts, or glass panels, so the whole flight is updated at once rather than leaving a tired balustrade next to new oak treads.
See our spindle and banister replacement page for the options.
Common Questions
Can we still use the stairs while you work?
Yes. The stairs stay usable throughout, including on a three to four day cladding job.
What timber do you use?
Solid oak for the treads, riser faces and nosings.
Can you clad a staircase that creaks?
The creaks need fixing first, because cladding over a loose tread only hides the problem. We deal with that as part of the job.
How much does stair cladding cost?
Every staircase is different, so we price each job individually rather than publish a price list. Send us a photo of your staircase and we will tell you what it needs, then quote properly. Quotes are free and there is no obligation.
Every job is carried out by Mark Lloyd personally — City & Guilds qualified, over 30 years in the trade, fully insured, and rated 5.0 from more than 100 Google reviews. We work throughout Southampton, Winchester, Romsey, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, Hedge End and local Hampshire.
Not sure whether your staircase is suitable for cladding? Send a photo and we will tell you.
See also: staircase repairs · spindle and banister replacement · staircase gallery
