Wood Refinishing in Compton Heights
Craftsman and Colonial Revival homes with built-in hutches, floor-to-ceiling bookcases, and staircases that were built to be permanent. Sue Wheeler has stripped more painted-over white oak in this neighborhood than she can count.
Compton Heights was developed primarily between 1890 and 1930 — the golden era of Craftsman architecture in St. Louis. The homes here are Colonial Revival, Arts and Crafts, and Foursquare styles, built with an emphasis on interior woodwork that you simply can't replicate today.
What defines Compton Heights woodwork is scale and integration. Built-in hutches in the dining room. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases in the library. Window seats with storage below. Staircase newel posts thick enough that they feel permanent — because they are. These weren't furniture pieces that could be moved or replaced. They were built into the house as part of its architecture.
Sue Wheeler has been refinishing woodwork in Compton Heights throughout her career. She's stripped more painted-over white oak hutches and shellacked bookcase surrounds in this neighborhood than she can count.
What We Do Most Often in Compton Heights
Compton Heights projects tend to center on built-ins and millwork — pieces that are architecturally significant and irreplaceable — alongside staircase work that matches the Craftsman character of the homes.
Built-in hutches and buffets
The dining room built-in is the signature feature of a Compton Heights Craftsman. Most are original white oak or chestnut, frequently painted over at some point in the 1950s or 60s. We strip them by hand — the only safe method when the piece is attached to the wall — restoring the grain and profile. Stain is matched to the surrounding floors or millwork.
Built-in bookcases
Library and living room bookcases in Compton Heights homes are often elaborate: leaded glass doors, fluted pilasters, crown detail at the top. The woodwork on these pieces requires hand work throughout. No shortcuts.
Staircase refinishing
Craftsman-era staircases in Compton Heights run from simple and clean to elaborate turned-spindle designs. We do the full scope: treads, risers, spindles, newel post, and railing — all stripped and refinished together so the result is visually consistent.
Historic District Status and Tax Credits
Compton Heights is a Certified Local Historic District — qualifying rehabilitation work may be eligible for both the Federal Historic Tax Credit (20%) and the Missouri Historic Tax Credit (25–35%). Built-in refinishing qualifies as a Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditure when the method is compliant with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Sue's hand-strip method is compliant. Chemical dip-stripping typically is not.
If you're planning a substantial restoration and your home is in the district, it's worth confirming your property's National Register status before work begins — the timing matters for which tax year the credit applies.
EPA note: Most Compton Heights homes predate 1978, and many original finish layers contain lead. EPA RRP regulations require a Certified Lead Removal for work that disturbs lead paint. Sue Wheeler is EPA Certified — containment, HEPA vacuuming, and documentation are standard on every project.
From a Compton Heights Client
"The built-in hutch in our dining room had been painted white at some point — we could see it was wood underneath but had no idea what we'd find. Sue stripped it by hand, and it turned out to be gorgeous quartersawn white oak. She matched the stain to our floors perfectly. It looks like it was always supposed to be that color."
— Homeowner, Compton Heights
Get a Free Estimate for Your Compton Heights Home
Sue Wheeler answers every call personally: (314) 367-6054
She'll look at your built-ins, your staircase, your millwork — and tell you what's under there and what it will take to bring it back.
Request a Free Estimate →EPA Certified Lead Removal. Est. 1989. St. Louis Magazine — "Perfect Finish."
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