Best Oak Stair Cladding Kits in York: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Staircase Specialist
Replacing a staircase entirely is a massive structural undertaking, often causing significant disruption to your hallway plaster and decoration. For many homeowners in York, particularly in our older terraced properties, the existing staircase structure is sound, but the treads are worn, painted over layers deep, or simply look tired.
This is where oak stair cladding comes in. It allows you to overlay your existing softwood or MDF treads with high-quality hardwood, giving the appearance of a solid oak staircase without the structural renovation. However, not all kits are created equal. Some use thin veneers that wear through, whilst others don't account for the inevitable unevenness of older joinery.
In this review, I've selected three oak cladding options that I trust. We'll look at a budget-friendly tread for simple upgrades, a complete kit for a standard straight flight, and a robust option that solves the issue of matching landings and risers.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Simplicity of Installation"
"Marketing often claims you can 'cut and glue' these kits in a few hours."
In York's older properties, no staircase is perfectly square. You will likely need to create a template for every single tread to scribe it to the wall strings accurately. It takes patience and a sharp chisel.
The Spec: "Solid Oak Terminology"
"Products are labelled 'Solid Oak', implying a single piece of timber."
Most cladding is 'engineered' or laminated staves. This is actually preferable for cladding as it reduces the risk of cupping and warping, which is common with wide, single-piece oak boards in centrally heated homes.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
1000mm Long 22mm Thick Solid Oak Stair Tread Cladding
Generic
This is a straightforward, no-nonsense option if you want to source your own risers or only need to clad specific treads. At 22mm thick, it creates a substantial, solid feel underfoot that cheap laminates cannot match.
The Good
- 22mm thickness allows for sanding down if scratched later
- Solid feel eliminates the 'hollow' sound of thinner laminates
- Cost-effective if you only need to do a short flight
The Bad
- Requires purchasing risers separately
- 1000mm width may be tight for wider Victorian hallways (measure first!)
Installer Tip:
Because this is 22mm thick, it will raise the height of your step significantly. Ensure your top step aligns with the landing floor level, or you may create a trip hazard at the top of the stairs. You might need a specific landing nosing to transition smoothly.
Priced at £54.50 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon13 Tread Oak Straight Stair Kit
Heritage Oak Straight 12 Stair Kit
This kit is designed for the standard straight flight found in many UK homes. It takes the guesswork out of ordering by providing enough material for 13 treads. The timber quality is consistent, which is crucial when you want a uniform look across the entire flight.
The Good
- Complete pack simplifies the ordering process
- Consistent grain and colour match across the batch
- High quality unfinished oak allows for custom staining/oiling
The Bad
- Expensive initial outlay compared to buying piece-by-piece
- Only suitable for straight flights (winders require different packs)
Installer Tip:
Before installation, fix any squeaks in your existing stairs. Screw down the old treads firmly to the risers. Once this oak cladding is glued on with flexible polymer adhesive, you won't be able to get back underneath to fix a squeaky step!
Priced at £710.48 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSolid Oak Stair Cladding Kit - Tread & Riser
House of Worktops
House of Worktops produces exceptionally stable timber. This option is ideal because they offer matching options for landings and risers, ensuring your hallway flows seamlessly. The 27mm tread thickness is incredibly robust, feeling permanent and structural.
The Good
- Thickest option at 27mm – extremely durable
- Includes matching riser for a complete look
- Landing area options available for seamless transitions
The Bad
- The significant thickness (27mm) requires careful planning of the top riser height
- Heavier to handle and cut than thinner alternatives
Installer Tip:
The 300mm depth is excellent for older Victorian stairs which can sometimes be deeper than modern standards because they weren't built to current regulations. If the existing nosing protrudes too much, cut it flush before fitting this cladding to get a solid bond.
Priced at £160.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Does oak cladding make the stairs slippery?
How do I fix the cladding to the existing stairs?
Can I fit these kits on a turning staircase (winders)?
My stairs creak badly. Will cladding stop the noise?
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