Refreshing your staircase can be a costly purchase, especially if you are wanting to renovate every stair part; such as the handrail, tread and spindles. Instead, a cost-effective alternative may be replacing the carpet with stair cladding; updating the aesthetic and making the staircase appear more modern.
One popular material for stair cladding is oak. With over 500 different species of oak trees, the wooden panels are used to create an elegant texture and rustic feeling within homes. Typically used for furniture and any extensions, oak can be utilised in stair cladding and treads; great for renovating the look of a staircase.
This guide will take a closer look at oak stair cladding, highlighting its features, benefits and interior design tips homeowners should be aware of.
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Discover the key features of oak cladding and what you can expect before and after installation.
Find out about the different stair cladding styles, and which works better for your home.
Learn about the benefits of oak cladding and why you should consider it for your staircase.
Compare oak stair cladding against other wood types, including hardwood and pine.
Discover our top interior design tips for your stair parts, décor and cladding.
A brief overview of who Jackson Woodturners is, and the services we provide.
Oak stair cladding – what should you know?
To refresh a staircase look, homeowners should consider stair cladding. Oak cladding can easily fit over your existing staircase tread and update any worn aesthetics of the treads. As oak is long-lasting and easy to maintain, the cladding can improve the strength of the structure and create a safer staircase for your home.
Durability
As aforementioned, oak is a highly durable material and is primarily used as the main material for staircases. It makes it ideal for busy homes, where there is an expected large number of foot traffic.
All our oak stair parts are made of high-quality materials that are naturally strong. That is why we recommend utilising oak in furnishings such as stair cladding. Discover more about oak stair parts here.
Different shades and finishes
At Jacksons, our stair cladding comes in either pre-finished or unfinished styles. This alters the shade of the wood, which may match your interior décor better.
Browse our collection of unfinished and pre-finished cladding here.
Oak vs other wood stair cladding
There are various wood materials that you can use for stair cladding; each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The riser on our stair cladding range is reversible, allowing you to choose from oak or white primed, to create your own unique design.
Although oak is one of the more expensive materials, this results in a higher-quality and stronger wood. Oak does not require a lot of maintenance post-installation and is known for its durability.
Find out more about our oak stair cladding here.
Interior design tips and finishes
To ensure your staircase maintains its appearance, we recommend certain maintenance tips and techniques after installation.
Make sure to inspect your staircase
To fully understand which parts may need repairing or replacing, homeowners should check each stair tread for any damages. Ensure you are checking the condition; are any of the treads creaking? Is one of the spindles out of place? Is the carpet worn out?
Identifying these damages can help ensure any safety risks are eliminated, whilst allowing you to update the stair parts and aesthetic.
If you have carpet and are wanting a fresh look, consider oak stair cladding. This is a quick and simple way to not only renovate your staircase, but also, make any maintenance much easier; as oak is a durable material. Discover more about stair cladding here.
Use wood filler for imperfections
Your staircase will take its fair share of foot traffic throughout the day; scuffs and marks may occur from daily use. However, this does not mean that you must replace every stair part. Instead, applying the wood filler on the imperfections may refresh your staircase and hide any scratches or chips.
At Jacksons, we sell a variety of Wood Filler products, in a variety of shades. Find the shade that closely matches your staircase and helps improve the look. Discover our Wood Filler products here.
Reapply varnish
The transparent and clear layer on a wooden surface is typically referred to as a finish. This is to protect the wood from any scratches, dents and discolouration. However, over time, this finish may start to face and open up to any external damages.
Reapply the varnish to update the staircase look and keep it looking fresh. This includes the handrail, oak tread and oak riser. At Jacksons, we provide a Treatex Hardwax Oil range that works similarly. Applying two coats with a brush or roller will enhance the look of the oak stair cladding or other stair parts. The wax is fast drying and provides a hard-wearing and attractive finish.
Interested in wood finishing?
Our recommended Treatex Hardwax Oil Product:
Just two coats of our Clear Hardwax Oil will protect and enhance wooden surfaces.
Apply two coats with a brush or roller. One coat of Treatex Hardwax Oil Natural can be applied underneath Treatex Hardwax Oil Clear Gloss.
Browse our Hardwax Oil range here.
What stair parts should you partner with oak cladding?
As the oak stair cladding riser is reversible, there are many stair parts that can complement the cladding. This can either partner with the oak side or the reversed white primed wood cladding.
Oak stair parts are versatile in their design, meaning that they partner nicely with other materials. Consider complementing the oak cladding with glass panels. This is a great way to enhance the natural light in the home and the overall aesthetic of the staircase.
The 300mm Landing Glass Stair Panel is part of our great range of contemporary glass stair parts.
Browse the entire glass panel range.
For white primed cladding, we recommend partnering the stair parts with white primed and brushed nickel spindles. Using wood and metal stair parts combines contemporary and traditional aesthetics for a unique style.
Interested in metal stair parts?
Our recommended product to partner with white primed stair cladding:
This spindle is part of the Forge range of modern stair parts and is designed to be used on a staircase. The chrome products have a shiny finish and are sold individually.
Shop the entire Forge range here.
Find out more information on how to choose the right stair part accessories here.
How Jacksons can help
Jacksons Woodturners has one of the largest collections of stair parts in the UK, both traditional and modern pieces. We have a variety of staircase styles available that can complement your interior design décor; including, oak stair cladding, stair handrails and glass panels.
If you are interested in any of our services, call us on 0114 272 1228 and speak to one of our specialists today.
Frequently asked questions
What material is used for cladding?
Stair cladding utilises different types of wooden flooring. There is a variety of different materials that can be used; however, oak is the most popular option.
At Jacksons, we supply oak stair cladding, including finished and unfinished products. Visit our showroom today to browse our cladding.
What is the best finish for wooden stairs?
To update your staircase, make sure to use Treatex Hardwax Oil for a clear finish. This protects the stair parts from any damage, scratches and chips; ensuring an aesthetically pleasing look.
There is also pre-finished stair cladding that has already been finished with lacquer before purchase. Our pre-finished cladding is reversible; one side is oak, and the other is white primed. Discover our oak stair cladding range here.
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Creating a gallery wall above your staircase
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 on a budget. Instead of replacing every part of the staircase, such as spindles or newel posts, stair cladding is a simple and quick way to update the look of your staircase. So what is oak stair cladding?
Oak stair cladding is an easy way to cover old treads and risers on a staircase. This allows you to transform your worn and tired stairway without removing your existing steps. Installing stair cladding can also provide extra protection and durability.
In the rest of this guide, we will explore what an oak stair cladding kit is, what it contains, and how Jackson Woodturners can help.
What is an oak stair cladding kit?
Oak stair cladding consists of panels of wood that cover the treads and risers on a staircase. Stair cladding kits are simple to install and are designed to be fastened or glued onto the existing treads and risers. 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 want to update their staircase but don’t have the budget for a full renovation. Instead of removing your existing steps, stair cladding kits are fixed onto the existing treads and risers.
After receiving the stair cladding kits, installation is simple and your stair cladding 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 and is much easier to clean. Oak stair parts can be maintained with a mild cleaning 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?
We recommend our Pre-Finished Oak Cladding:
This stair cladding system has a reversible riser and comes with a pre-finished lacquer, so there’s no need for varnishing or waxing. The treads and risers are oak veneered and are not compatible with any Stair Klad system. The riser is reversible, with one side being oak and the other white primed.
Shop our Pre-Finished Oak Cladding here. Or browse our full stair cladding collection on our website.
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?
We recommend our Stair Cladding Pre-Finished Oak Tread with Reversible Riser:
This stair cladding system is an easy way to update the look and style of your existing staircase. The treads and risers come with a pre-finished lacquer.
The stair cladding product has a reversible riser, which is made from white primed wood and oak veneer, so you can decide which look will work best in your home. This makes it a versatile choice for homeowners, as you can choose between a complete oak finish or add some contrast with a white-primed riser. Both options will still show the break between the tread and riser with the stair nosing.
View our Stair Cladding Pre-Finished Oak Tread with Reversible Riser or shop our entire range of stair cladding here.
Seamless look
The other 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?
We recommend this Stair Klad Tread and Riser Kit:
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.
Learn more about this Stair Klad Tread and Riser Kit or browse our full range of stair cladding on our website.
How do you fit oak stair cladding?
Stair cladding is quick and simple to install. Follow these steps from our staircase experts to install your oak stair cladding:
- Prepare your existing stairs. Ensure your old treads and risers are clean and dry. You can use an electric sander if they are uneven. Make sure you remove any existing stair coverings, such as carpet.
- Measure and cut your oak stair cladding to size. Carefully measure the width of your existing treads and cut your new treads and risers to the same size.
- Attach packing strips to the existing risers. Measure and cut some packing strips to the correct size and screw these into the existing risers. This ensures the bottom of the riser level is inline with the nose of the step above.
- Glue your risers and treads. Apply plenty of polymer adhesive to an existing riser and press the cladding in place. Then repeat for the tread. Start from the top of the stairs and work your way down to the bottom.
- Add extension boards. If you have a quarter landing or large steps, you might need to add extension boards.
- Let the adhesive cure. You should leave the treads for at least 12 hours before using.
How to maintain and clean oak stair cladding
After installation, it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your stair cladding to ensure it 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 look of your staircase, we recommend installing high-quality string veneer.
At Jackson Woodturners, we provide string veneer in oak, pine and walnut shades. However, to match the stair cladding, we recommend pairing it with Oak String Veneer.
Interested in string veneer?
We recommend our easy-to-use Oak String Veneer:
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 oak, pine and walnut.
Shop our 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. 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?
We recommend 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, Clear Satin and Natural Hardwax Oil.
Shop the entire range of Treatex Hardwax Oil here.
Oak stair cladding kits from Jackson Woodturners
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. We also offer a range of high-quality oak stair cladding with reversible white primed risers, in addition to the Stair Klad range by Cheshire Mouldings.
Browse our full range of stair cladding on our website. Or contact our friendly team if you have any questions about stair cladding or any other stair parts. You can call our staircase experts on 0114 272 1228 or email [email protected]
Oak stair cladding kits FAQs
Why is stair cladding popular?
There are several reasons why homeowners are choosing cladding for their staircases:
- Easy to install and requires little maintenance
- Durable and helps to protect stairs from damage
- Cost-effective way to update the look of your staircase
- Available in a range of designs to suit your home
Learn more about the factors you should consider when renovating your staircase in our blog, ‘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 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.
