Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the majority of UK homeowners still care about the appearance of their homes and are looking for the best ways to improve their interiors. Instead of replacing every part of the staircase, such as spindles or newel posts, stair cladding is a simple and quick way of renovating the entire look.
Oak stair cladding is a good way of transforming your staircase and creating a statement piece. It can update old and worn staircases into modern aesthetics for any home. If you are interested in stair cladding, consider the options available and what will work best for your home before purchasing.
In this guide, we will explore what an oak stair cladding kit is, what it contains, and how Jackson Woodturners can help.
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Find out what an oak stair cladding kit is and what this includes.
Read more about the benefits of stair cladding for your home.
Discover the different ways you can style oak stair cladding to find which is best for your home.
Read our guide on the best maintenance and cleaning advice for stair cladding from professionals.
Find out who Jackson Woodturners are and how they can help improve your staircase.
What is an oak stair cladding kit?
Oak stair cladding consists of panels of wood that cover the treads and risers on a staircase. The treads and risers are the parts that make up each step. In carefully prepared kits, homeowners can install the steps in unison.
At Jackson Woodturners, we offer two ranges of stair cladding. Our oak stair cladding range is available pre-finished and unfinished in oak, with a reversible riser in oak and white primed. We also sell the Stair Klad range by Cheshire Mouldings.
Please note you cannot mix and match between our own range of oak stair cladding and the Stair Klad range.
Browse through our oak stair cladding parts here.
What are the benefits of stair cladding?
Oak stair cladding is ideal for homeowners who are looking to change the look of their staircase. Instead of having to completely renovate a staircase, stair cladding kits are fixed onto the existing treads and risers.
After receiving the stair cladding kits, installation is simple and can be fitted within the same day. Stair cladding is easy to install and involves little to no maintenance afterwards. Wooden stair cladding is a good alternative to carpet regarding cleaning, as oak stair parts can be maintained with a hygienic solution or varnished with Treatex Hardwax Oil.
Oak stair parts are known for being aesthetically pleasing, and stair cladding is no exception. The cladding is highly durable and provides great protection in busy households or homes with pets.
Interested in stair cladding?
Our recommended pre-finished Oak Cladding:
Shop the Stair Cladding Pre-Finished Oak here.
This stair cladding system has a reversible riser and comes unfinished and pre-finished. The treads and risers are oak veneered and are not compatible with any Stair Klad system.
Stair cladding is a quick and easy system to install and can instantly transform the look of your existing staircase. The treads and risers are oak veneered and can be used either as a left or right bullnose tread.
Consider buying high-quality cladding stair parts. At Jackson Woodturners, our stair cladding products can be partnered with our other oak stair parts, including spindles or handrails, for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Browse through our stair cladding collection here.
How to style oak stair cladding
There are two distinctive designs of oak stair cladding:
Reversible riser
There is also the option of stair cladding that has a clear break between the riser and tread. This can be shown in the stair nosing peering over the riser.
At Jackson Woodturners, our oak stair cladding parts have reversible risers. Homeowners can choose between oak and white primed wood for their risers. This can offer an alternative contrast, showcasing the two luxury wood materials and creating a statement with the overall look.
Interested in a reversible riser?
Our recommended white primed reversible riser:
Shop Stair Cladding Pre-Finished Oak Tread with Reversible Riser 1000mm
This stair cladding system is an easy way to update the look and style of your existing staircase.
The stair cladding product has a reversible riser, which is white primed wood. The treads and risers are oak veneered with a pre-finished lacquer.
However, this option also provides some versatility for homeowners, as they do not have to show the reversible riser. Instead, the staircase can have a completely oak finish; still showing the break between the tread and riser with the stair nosing.
Shop our entire range of stair cladding here.
Seamless look
One type of stair cladding appears seamless from the tread to the riser, meaning that there is no obvious break in the wood. The overall look will blend the tread and riser into one piece, despite being two separate stair parts.
Interested in this stair cladding look?
Our recommended Stair Klad tread and riser product:
Shop Stair Klad Tread & Riser 1000mm - 1 Pack
This Stair Klad system is easy to install, as the treads and risers fit over your existing staircase. The Oak Lacquered Finish stair cladding kits either come in a pack of one or three.
Maintenance and cleaning tips for stair cladding
After installation, it is important to maintain regular cleaning and maintenance that ensures the stair cladding retains its appearance. Our recommended cleaning tips and products include:
Warm soapy water and microfibre cloth
Before cleaning, ensure you sweep or vacuum each step to ensure there are no dust particles or debris on the treads or risers. This will also help with the overall look and ensure the oak is not damaged. Start from the top of the steps and work your way down so that any dirt is passed down to be cleaned. Next, using warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth, wipe each step.
We recommend repeating these steps to ensure they are properly cleaned before adding any finishing product.
Oak String Veneer
String veneer is a great finish for stair cladding and can improve the entire look of the staircase. The strings refer to the part in which the risers and treads are attached. To finish off the staircase look and to expand the stair cladding, consider installing string veneer to enhance all the steps.
At Jackson Woodturners, we also provide string veneer in Pine and Walnut shades. However, to match the stair cladding, we recommend pairing it with Oak String Veneer.
Interested in String Veneer?
Our recommended Oak String Veneer product:
Oak String Veneer 250mm | Jackson Woodturners
This string veneer product has a glue back but is best fitted using a contact adhesive. String veneer is sold in 250mm and is available in Walnut, Pine, and Oak.
Shop the entire String Veneer range here.
Treatex Hardwax oil
Depending on the brand, oak stair cladding either comes pre-finished or with an oak lacquered finish. However, if the stair cladding is unfinished, this is an easy fix. Simply painting, varnishing or waxing can help enhance the look and maintain a nice shine throughout the staircase.
Using a brush or a roller, apply the clear Hardwax Oil over each step of the stair cladding, including the tread and riser. This type of Treatex Hardwax Oil provides a hard-wearing and attractive finish on oak stair parts, such as stair cladding, and can be used on the entire staircase, including the spindles.
Interested in Treatex Hardwax Oil?
Our recommended Treatex Hardwax Oil:
Shop Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil Ultra, Clear Gloss 1L
Treatex Hardwax Oil protects and enhances the wood of any stair part, including stair cladding. The product was developed to be user-friendly and quick drying. It is available in Clear Gloss, Clear Matt and Natural Hardwax Oil.
Shop the entire range of Treatex Hardwax Oil here.
How Jackson Woodturners can help
Jackson Woodturners has one of the largest ranges of traditional and modern stair parts available in the UK. Our showroom hosts an array of stair parts, including handrails, spindles and newel posts. In our stock, we have oak stair cladding with a reversible white primed wood side. Browse our range of stair cladding here.
Contact us today to see how Jacksons can help improve your staircase.
Frequently asked questions
Why is stair cladding popular?
There are several reasons why homeowners are choosing cladding for their staircases. As stair cladding is made of oak, the stair parts require little to no maintenance and are designed with longevity in mind.
Stair cladding is a quick and easy way to update the staircase look.
Find out more information on the considerations you should make when planning a new staircase.
What is the most durable stair cladding?
Like other hardwoods, oak stair parts are known for being highly durable and requiring little maintenance. Oak stair cladding is water resistant, and will not scratch, dent or deteriorate over time as easily as other woods, such as softwoods.
At Jackson Woodturners, we sell oak stair cladding with white primed wood as a reversible side. Browse through our collection of oak stairs cladding here.
Related content
Help Choosing The Best Oak Stair Parts | Expert Buyers Guide
The cost of living crisis has us all looking for ways to save, but we’re still looking for the best way to improve our home interiors. We care about the appearance of our homes, and our staircases are a great place to start a transformation. Stair cladding kits are a quick and easy way to renovate the look of your staircase on a budget instead of replacing every individual part and spending more than you’d like. So, what should you know about oak stair cladding kits?
Oak stair cladding is a great way to transform your staircase, allowing you to refresh a key focal point of your home’s interior. There are a number of options available, from pre-finished choices to unfinished cladding that allows you to add your own personal touch. Whether it’s covering up worn steps or adding a modern touch to an old staircase, oak cladding kits help avoid complete renovation, but be sure to consider which option is best for your home before purchasing.
In this blog, we’ll explore what an oak stair cladding kit is, the benefits they bring, and how to care for them.
- What is an oak stair cladding kit?
- What are the benefits of stair cladding?
- How to style oak stair cladding
- Maintenance and cleaning tips
- How can we help?
What is an oak stair cladding kit?
Oak stair cladding consists of two pieces - the treads and risers that make up each step. These kits are designed to cover existing staircases and create the appearance of a solid oak staircase. Cladding is the perfect way to upgrade your staircase while avoiding the expense and mess of a complete replacement.
Here at Jackson Woodturners, we offer two ranges of stair cladding. Our own oak stair cladding range is available in both pre-finished and unfinished options, with a reversible riser with an oak and white primed side. We also sell the ‘Stair Klad’ range from Cheshire Mouldings.
Important Note: You cannot mix and match between the Jackson Woodturners range of oak stair cladding and Cheshire Mouldings’ ‘Stair Klad’ range.
What are the benefits of stair cladding?
Ideal for those looking to change the aesthetics of their staircase, oak stair cladding brings a number of benefits, including:
- Avoids the mess, labour, and cost involved in replacing worn stair parts.
- Easy installation.
- Easier to clean than carpet, as they’re maintained with a hygienic solution or varnished.
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Highly durable and able to withstand busy households or homes with pets.
Top Tip: Our stair cladding products can be partnered with other oak stair parts, like spindles or handrails, to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing look.
How to style oak stair cladding
There are two distinctive designs of oak stair cladding for you to choose from, depending on the overall style and colour choices throughout the rest of your home.
Jackson Woodturners’ own stair cladding parts include a reversible riser. You can choose between showing an oak side for a seamless look with your riser or a white primed wood side to offer a contrasting look. No matter which side you choose, the break between the tread and riser will still be shown, thanks to the included stair nosing.
Alternatively, you can choose a stair cladding kit that offers a truly seamless transition from the tread to the riser. ‘Stair Klad’ products offer no obvious break in the wood, blending the tread and riser into one piece, despite being two separate stair parts. Finished with an oak lacquer, this kit truly adds a touch of luxury to your staircase.
Maintenance and cleaning tips
After installing your new stair cladding, it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your staircase to retain its appearance. Below, you’ll find some of our favourite cleaning methods and maintenance products, ideal for your newly renovated focal point.
Cleaning your stair cladding
Before you begin cleaning, be sure to sweep or vacuum each step to remove any dust particles or debris from the treads and risers. Next, using warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth, wipe each step gently. Repeat these steps regularly, especially before any plans to add a finishing product.
Top Tip: Start from the top of the steps and work your way down so that any dirt is moved onto the next step, ready to be swept away at the end.
Finishing products
After installing and cleaning your oak stair cladding, you might want to use a finishing product to not only improve the overall look of your staircase but also protect it in the long term.
Oak String Veneer
String veneer is a great finishing touch for stair cladding, improving the look of the entire staircase. These strips of veneer are applied to the stair’s stringers - the angled support beams on the sides of the staircase to which the risers and treads are attached. This product allows you to update all of your staircase, match every part to your new cladding, and is often more cost-effective than replacing the entire stringer.
Our string veneer products have a glue back but are best fitted using a contact adhesive. Sold in 250mm widths, this product is also available in walnut and pine finishes, but we suggest oak to pair seamlessly with your oak stair cladding.
Treatex Hardwax Oil
Depending on the brand, oak stair cladding may arrive to you with a finish already added. However, if you choose an unfinished option, simply painting, varnishing, or waxing the parts can help enhance its look and maintain a nice shine throughout the staircase.
Using a brush or roller, apply a finish, like Treatex Hardwax Oil, over each step of the stair cladding, including the tread and riser. This product provides a hard-wearing and attractive finish on both oak stair cladding and across the entire staircase, including the spindles.
How can Jackson Woodturners help?
Founded in 1910, Jackson Woodturners have over a century of woodturning expertise, showing through in every piece we create for your staircase renovation. Our family-run business is now in its fourth generation, providing the same cost-effective solutions and helpful advice that we always have. We’re here to make your house a home, so why not get in touch to see how the Jackson Woodturners team can help you today?
FAQs
Why is stair cladding popular?
There are a number of reasons why a homeowner would choose cladding over a complete staircase replacement. You’ll avoid the mess and cost of a full staircase renovation, with installation being quick and easy. Stair cladding is also made of oak, designed with easy maintenance and longevity in mind.
It’s important that you choose the right option for your home, budget, and space before investing in any staircase renovation. Why not check out our helpful blog to find out more? 8 Steps To A Successful Staircase Installation
What is the most durable stair cladding?
Like other hardwoods, oak stair parts are known for being highly durable and requiring little maintenance. Oak cladding is water resistant and won’t scratch, dent, or deteriorate over time like other woods, such as softwood.
Can I install the oak stair cladding kit myself?
Yes! Most oak stair cladding kits are quick and easy to install, as long as you have a few basic tools and can follow the instructions. For more complex stair shapes, you might want to consult a professional to get the best results.
Do I need to prepare my stairs before applying cladding?
Yes, you’ll first need to make sure the underlying stairs are structurally sound, clean, and level. Oak stair cladding is designed to make aesthetic changes and shouldn’t be used on unsound staircases, as this may pose a safety risk. Remove any old carpet, nails, or adhesive to ensure a cleaner application.
If the issues with your staircase are more structural than aesthetic, you may need to consider replacing your current parts instead of covering them with cladding.
