Staircase Painters in Barnstaple
Barnstaple Decorators are North Devon’s staircase painters, covering properties across the region.
- Balusters and spindles — each one painted individually by hand
- Handrail and newel post — prepared and finished to a durable standard
- Stair risers and side strings — clean lines at every edge
- Understairs area — walls, ceiling, and any storage space
- Victorian and Edwardian staircases — period joinery handled correctly
Ready to get started today?
Call 01271 444479 for your free quote.
Why Choose Barnstaple Decorators
Staircase Specialists
Period balustrades, turned spindles, and narrow working conditions. We paint every spindle by hand and keep the staircase in use throughout.
Clear Pricing
Fixed price from the first quote. No unexpected additions.
Fully Insured
Full public liability cover on every job.
Highly Recommended
Most of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals.
Staircase Painting Services
Staircase painting is one of the most technically demanding interior painting tasks. Spindles, newel posts, and handrails each need individual attention and cannot be rolled.
Balusters and Spindles
Spindles and balusters are the most labour-intensive part of any staircase job. Each one needs to be painted individually. Paint build-up between spindles from rushed work looks messy and traps paint that never fully hardens. We work along each spindle from top to bottom, cutting in at the handrail above and the string below. On Victorian staircases in Pilton and Barnstaple town centre, original turned spindles have detail that must be preserved. Not buried under thick paint.
Handrail and Newel Post
The handrail and newel post are the most touched surfaces on a staircase. They need a hard-wearing finish that resists daily contact and cleans up easily. We sand handrails and newel posts back to sound material before priming. Where previous paint layers have built up and created a thick, uneven finish, we strip back to wood. Oil-based gloss or hard-wearing eggshell both work well on staircase handrails. We advise on the best choice for your staircase.
Stair Risers and Side Strings
The risers are the vertical faces between treads. The side strings are the angled boards that run along the edge of the staircase. Both need clean lines where they meet the treads and walls. We mask and cut in precisely at each joint. Risers painted badly look sloppy immediately. The eye follows the staircase line and notices any inconsistency. We paint risers in a consistent colour with clean edges throughout.
Staircase painting requires patience and method. We complete one side before moving to the other so you can always access the stairs.
Understairs and Period Staircases
Victorian and Edwardian staircases require specialist handling. Period detail must be preserved, not buried.
Understairs Area
The understairs area is often storage space: a cupboard, a cloakroom, or an open recess. Walls and the ceiling sloping overhead need painting to match the hallway. A contrasting shade works well if the recess is open. We include the understairs ceiling and walls in the staircase scope where required. For the full hallway scope, see our hallway painting page.
Victorian and Edwardian Staircases
The staircase stock in Barnstaple’s Victorian and Edwardian properties includes original turned spindles, solid newel posts, and moulded handrails. Multiple paint layers can mask original detail and create a lumpy, uneven finish. We assess the condition of the joinery before starting and strip back where necessary. For a complete interior painting service across the whole property, see our interior painting page.
Call 01271 444479 to arrange a site visit and written quote.
Get My Free Quote
Speak to a local painter today
Here’s How It Works
1. Site Assessment
We inspect every element: spindles, handrail, newel post, risers, strings, and understairs. We note paint condition, any rot or damage, and the extent of old paint build-up.
2. Preparation
Handrail and newel post are sanded or stripped to sound material. Spindles are sanded along their length. Risers are filled where needed. Woodwork primer is applied to bare timber.
3. Spindle Painting
Each spindle is painted individually, working from the handrail down to the string. We complete one side of the staircase before moving to the other to maintain access.
4. Handrail, Newel Post, and Strings
These are painted after spindles are dry. This avoids dragging fresh paint onto newly painted spindles while reaching above them.
5. Risers and Finishing
Risers are painted last in the staircase sequence. We walk through the completed staircase in good light and address touch-ups before leaving.
Staircase Painting Costs in Barnstaple
Prices below are estimates only. Every property is different. Call 01271 444479 for a precise quote.
What Drives the Cost
Staircase painting is priced by the time involved, not by area. Three things drive the price: number of spindles and balusters (a single-flight staircase with twelve spindles is a faster job than a two-flight Victorian staircase with forty or more), preparation extent (stripping back to bare wood on a staircase with thirty years of paint layers takes considerably longer), and staircase complexity (a plain straight-flight staircase is more straightforward than one with a half-landing, return flight, or secondary stairs).
Typical Ranges
Single-flight staircase (modern property, light preparation): £350 to £550. Victorian staircase (original turned spindles, full preparation): £550 to £900. Two-flight Victorian staircase (town house, full scope): £800 to £1,400.
More Services
For the full hallway and staircase walls, see our hallway painting page. For a complete interior repaint, see our interior painting service. If the ceiling above the staircase also needs attention, see our ceiling painting page.
Call 01271 444479 to arrange a site visit and written quote.
Visit Barnstaple Decorators for our full range of services.
Staircase Painting FAQs
Get My Free Quote
Fill in the form below for a free quote: