Staircase Renovations & Painting - Edinburgh

Thistle Decorators specialises in painting and refurbishing communal stairwells across Edinburgh including traditional tenement closes, common stairs in blocks of flats, and private residential staircases. With over 40 years of experience, we work directly with property factors, landlords and residents to deliver high-quality common stair painting and refurbishment with minimal disruption.

Our experienced team is fully certified across IPAF, IOSH, PASMA, CSCS, elevated platform training and British Red Cross First Aid, giving you complete confidence your communal stair refurbishment is in safe, professional hands.

Painters and decorators trusted by landlords and property owners

Painters that specialise in staircase renovations and more

Services across Edinburgh and Central Scotland

Our Communal Staircase and Bannister Painting Services in Edinburgh

Thistle Decorators offers a wide range of painting and refurbishment services for both interior and exterior painting needs in tenements, closes and common staircases across Edinburgh. From common stair painting and bannister refurbishment to specialist communal stair projects in traditional Edinburgh tenements and Victorian stairwells, our team delivers high-quality, long-lasting finishes with minimal disruption.

We coordinate closely with residents, property factors and building managers to ensure safe access, clear communication and efficient completion on every project.

Our communal stairway services include:

Interior painting and decorating
Plastering and surface preparation of treads, risers and spindles
Colour consultations and scaffolding provisions
Preparation and finishing of timber staircase materials, including pine and oak cladding
Balustrade refinishing, including handrails and bannisters
Replacing or repairing missing and damaged handrails and balustrades
Repairing concrete treads and glazing repairs on cupolas and communal glazing
Painting walls, ceilings, cupolas, woodwork and railings
Varnishing or oiling handrails
Lighting upgrades in communal areas (coordinated with approved contractors)
Pre-decoration repairs, including minor joinery work and timber bannister restoration

Previous water damage repair, glass replacement, cornice and associated mouldings spray finished, and scaffolding services on cupolas
Surface preparation, stabilising substrate, plaster repairs and painting in a highly durable finish for top and lower walls
Surface preparation for stripe banding, including stabilising substrate, plaster repairs and painting in a highly durable finish
Staining, varnish removal, wood repairs, resin repairs and high UV protection applied to handrails
Priming rust and bare areas on balustrades using zinc phosphate primer and a highly durable metal finish
Exterior entrance doors: paintwork stripping, resin repair and door furniture cleaning using Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield range
House door and surround: paintwork stripping, resin repair and door furniture cleaning using Johnstone’s Trade Quick Dry Aqua Guard range

Get your tired staircases and bannisters looking like new again with our staircase contractors in Edinburgh. We don’t just paint – we prepare, repair, and coordinate all works. Get in touch with our helpful team now to discuss your painting and decorating needs.

The Benefits of Our Edinburgh Staircase Painting Services

A professional staircase refurbishment can improve the look and feel of your existing stairs without the added costs and disruption of a full replacement. Our experienced team ensures every project complies with current building regulations, helping to improve durability and overall performance.

Modernise Your Existing Staircase with a Full Staircase Refurbishment

Many Edinburgh tenements, blocks of flats and private properties have existing staircases that remain structurally sound but look outdated. Staircase refurbishments allow you to update your staircase design with fresh colours, new finishes, and restored detailing without the cost of full replacement. This gives your staircase a fresh new look while keeping the renovation process efficient and practical.

Protects High-Traffic Surfaces from Daily Wear

Stairs in many houses and commercial properties experience heavy foot traffic and daily wear, making them more vulnerable to scuffs, marks and general wear. Professional painting helps protect treads, risers, handrails and bannisters from impact, helping maintain their appearance for longer while offering easy cleaning.

Increases Perceived Property Value

A modern, well-finished staircase creates an excellent first impression, especially in entrance halls and communal areas. Updating your existing stairs helps improve your house or commercial property’s perceived value, making it more appealing to potential buyers or tenants.

Extends the Lifespan of Timber Staircases

Timber staircases, including pine and oak cladding, benefit from the added protection and proper maintenance that refurbishment provides. Surface preparation, repairs, and varnishing or oiling handrails in a high-quality finish helps protect your wooden staircase from moisture, lifting, chipping and long-term damage.

Heritage & Period Property Expertise

Edinburgh's traditional tenements and Georgian and Victorian stairwells require a sympathetic approach to decoration. Our team has extensive experience working with period properties. Using breathable paint systems and heritage colour schemes, we respect the character of older buildings, including properties in conservation areas.

Delivers Smooth, Professional Results

Delivers Smooth, Professional Results Achieving a consistent finish throughout your spindles and bannisters requires adequate preparation and professional painting techniques. Our team of painters and decorators use premium-quality materials and proven painting processes to deliver smooth, even results.

Manufacturer Specification Surveys

Where required, we coordinate a full specification survey directly with the product manufacturer provided at no additional cost to our clients. This ensures your project benefits from the correct materials, expert technical guidance, and manufacturer-approved application methods for maximum durability and performance.

Premium Materials & Technical Data

We only use high-quality, manufacturer approved products. Full product specifications and technical data sheets are available on request or can be attached to your estimate for transparency and reassurance.

Trained & Certified Team

All members of our team are fully trained decorators with additional specialist access certifications and up to date health and safety training. This guarantees your project is completed safely, professionally, and to the highest standard.

Professional Processes

Every job is carried out following structured preparation, application, and finishing procedures. Method Statements, Risk Assessments, and safe working practices are in place to ensure quality, safety, and consistency across all projects.

Guaranteed Workmanship

All our work is backed by written guarantees, giving you full confidence in the quality and longevity of the finished result.

“When necessary, we bring in the product manufacturer to complete a detailed specification survey at no extra cost to you. This ensures your project benefits from the correct products, professional guidance, and manufacturer-backed recommendations.”

Licensed Member of the Scottish Decorators' Federation

Frequently Asked Questions

What preparation is required before painting communal stairs or tenement closes in Edinburgh?

Proper preparation includes cleaning, sanding and repairing minor damage before the project begins. Priming treads, risers, spindles and handrails also helps ensure a durable finish and improves paint coverage.

We use dustless sanding systems to minimise disruption while maintaining a cleaner working environment.

What finishes work best for high-traffic staircases?

Hard-wearing, trade paints are ideal for commercial spaces, while a high-quality specialist paint is suitable for residential spaces. The best option depends on materials, usage and the desired style you’re looking to create.

How long do staircase refurbishments usually take?

Timelines vary depending on the size of the staircase, preparation required, drying times and project complexity. Larger projects, such as communal stairwells, may take two weeks or more.

We’ll provide a clear schedule with projected timelines before work begins.

Will the staircase be usable during the project?

In most cases, yes. Work is phased to maintain safety and easy access while minimising disruption. We’ll communicate all plans before work begins, so your residents or building manager knows what to expect.

Do you work on traditional staircases?