Wood Refinishing in Shaw
Brick row houses and two-flats built between 1890 and 1920 — built-in hutches that punch above the exterior, original doors painted shut, original fir treads under carpet. Sue Wheeler knows the difference between what's worth saving and what isn't.
Shaw is a neighborhood of brick row houses, two-flats, and modest single-family homes built primarily between 1890 and 1920. It's a different architectural character than the Central West End or Lafayette Square — tighter lots, narrower houses, woodwork that's utilitarian in some rooms and surprisingly refined in others.
The dining rooms in Shaw's single-family homes often have built-in hutches or buffets that punch above what you'd expect from the exterior. The staircases in the two-flats are typically simple but solid — original fir treads, painted railings, newel posts that have been covered over and forgotten. The doors are frequently original, frequently painted shut.
Sue Wheeler has worked in Shaw throughout her career. She knows the difference between a row house that's been renovated well and one that's had shortcuts taken, and she'll tell you honestly what's worth restoring.
What We Do Most Often in Shaw
Shaw projects often involve built-ins that have been obscured by decades of paint — and doors that have been ignored for just as long.
Built-in hutches and buffets
Shaw's dining room built-ins are frequently painted over — sometimes multiple layers of latex over oil over shellac. Under that is often quartersawn oak or chestnut with profile detail that's still perfectly intact. We strip by hand, repair any damage, and refinish to match the room's millwork or flooring.
Door refinishing
Both exterior and interior doors in Shaw homes are frequently original and frequently worth saving. Front doors especially have been painted over until you can barely close them. We remove, strip, and refinish in our shop.
Staircase refinishing
The staircases in Shaw's row houses and two-flats tend toward the simple side — but original fir treads and solid newel posts are worth restoring properly rather than painting over again.
Historic District & EPA Requirements
The Shaw Neighborhood is a Certified Local Historic District. Sue's hand-strip method is compliant with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
EPA note: Nearly all Shaw housing stock predates 1978. Many homes have multiple lead paint layers, particularly on woodwork. EPA RRP regulations require a Certified Lead Removal for work that disturbs those layers. Sue Wheeler is EPA Certified.
From a Shaw Client
"We bought a two-flat in Shaw and the doors had been painted so many times they barely opened. Sue took them off, stripped them in her shop, and they came back looking original. She also did the built-in buffet in the dining room — stripped off three coats of paint and the oak underneath was perfect."
— Homeowner, Shaw
Get a Free Estimate for Your Shaw Home
Sue Wheeler answers every call personally: (314) 367-6054
She'll look at your built-ins, your doors, your millwork — and tell you what's under the paint and what it will take to bring it back.
Request a Free Estimate →EPA Certified Lead Removal. Est. 1989. St. Louis Magazine — "Perfect Finish."
Ready to talk about your wood?
Free estimates. No obligation. Sue answers every call personally.