Spindle and baluster refinishing in St. Louis.

Spindles and balusters are the most time-intensive component of staircase refinishing — and the most revealing of whether the work was done correctly. A row of 30 turned spindles, each with its own profile, each needing to be stripped, prepped, and finished individually: there are no shortcuts that produce a good result.

Dipping destroys spindle work. Chemical tank stripping attacks the glue joints where spindles meet the treads and handrail. The joints loosen. The turned profiles soften. The wood absorbs moisture and swells unevenly. A dipped spindle set looks wrong and structurally compromised.

We strip each spindle by hand. Detail tools, appropriate solvents, patience. The profiles stay sharp. The joints stay tight. The result looks like what it is: 100-year-old woodwork that's been properly cared for.

Many St. Louis staircases have painted spindles against a stained handrail and treads. This is historically accurate for a large proportion of late 19th and early 20th century construction — painted spindles were standard in many architectural styles. We refinish to whatever the original or desired specification is: painted white, painted black, or stained to match the rail.

If spindles were painted over original stain and the homeowner wants to return to stained wood, we assess what's present and advise on whether the original finish is recoverable.