How Much Does Staircase Remodeling Or Installation Cost?

Average Cost to Remodel a Staircase

Costs vary for remodeling an existing staircase. While the average price is between $250 and $690, some jobs—such as replacing a staircase—are considerably more expensive. 

Cost to Remove and Replace a Staircase

The typical cost to remove a staircase and replace it with a new one is around $10,000. This price includes a full staircase removal and replacement, including custom wooden stairs, new rails, baluster, and newel posts. 

Cost to Paint a Stairwell

The stairwell is the area and walls surrounding a staircase. Painting a stairwell costs between $350 and $450. The size and complexity of your stairwell will determine the price.

But painting your stairwell isn’t your only option. You can revamp your staircase by giving it a fresh coat of paint, which averages $590. With all its corners, rails, balusters, nooks, and crannies, painting a staircase takes longer and subsequently costs more.

If you only need to paint one part of your staircase, you could pay $4 to $12 per linear foot, which is the cost to paint a deck railing.

Railings and Handrails

Installing a handrail costs between $700 and $1,090 for 25 feet; a 50-foot handrail costs approximately $3,000 to $12,000.

Custom Staircase Remodel Cost

Depending on the project, custom stairs could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000 or even more. From ornate newels to modern floating treads, there's no limit to customizing your stairs.

Buying pre-built custom stairs is at least $1,000 to $2,000, but this often doesn't include railings or posts. Adding those features plus paying for installation costs $3,000 to $4,000. Remember that the more custom your stairs, the more you'll pay, with some custom projects running upwards of $40,000.

Other Staircase Renovation Cost

Renovating stairs averages $1,000 to $2,000, while a complete remodel costs at least $4,000 to $8,000. Take a look at some common renovation tasks you can tackle or hire a pro to complete and their associated costs.

Cost to Build a Staircase by Location

Where the staircase is determines how many steps there are, which materials are suitable, and how long the job takes. Therefore, the location is instrumental in determining the stairway installation price. 

Interior Stairs

Replacing your interior stairs will cost between $900 and $4,000, including installation. Higher quality materials and challenging projects could raise the price up to $10,000.

If you don’t need a full-blown installation, repairing stairs or railings costs around $310 to $1,000.

Exterior Stairs

Exterior stairs, such as those installed to reach the upper floor of a deck, can cost as much or more than an interior staircase. On the other hand, front steps and patio steps tend to be far less costly.

Deck Stairs

While building a deck costs around $4,110 to $10,640, stair installation on its own costs $25 to $50per stair. You may also want to explore deck railing costs if you're adding deck steps.

Patio stairs are often built from matching wood, and wooden stairs can add a small but elegant accent for a short-rise patio.

Front Steps

Concrete steps cost between $1,200 and $2,500. On the other hand, wooden steps are around $15 to $25 per square foot.

Cost of a New Staircase by Style

The staircase type you choose is key in determining the project price. The more complex the design or space it takes up, the more it costs to build and install.

Straight

Straight stairs are usually less complicated to install and cost approximately $1,900 to $5,000. They’re not often found in modern homes for safety reasons since a fall from the top of the stairs could mean falling all the way to the bottom.

Floating

Expect to pay at least $3,110 to $5,000 for floating stairs, though that price can rise as high as $30,000, depending on the materials and project complexity. Floating stairs anchor strongly at the wall but seem to have no visible support underneath. Some people install these without handrails for a minimalist look, which can make the stairs very dangerous.

Open

Open stairs are like floating stairs and will likely cost between $3,110 and $5,000. The riser is the vertical part of the step; the tread is the horizontal part where you put your feet. Open risers have no riser, which gives a staircase a modern, airy look. 

Spiral

Usually made of metal, an iron spiral staircase costs from $1,000 to $20,000. Spiral staircases are ideal for narrow or confined spaces. Remember that a competent spiral staircase installer will most likely cost as much as the staircase, but you may find the unique result worth the investment.

L- and U-Shaped

L- and U-shaped staircases cost around $2,200 to $5,700. These staircases are a good safety-conscious choice as they have either one or two turns, with a landing at each turning point. This makes them easier to navigate. L-shaped staircases do, however, take up more space than a traditional staircase.

Other Common Styles

• Helical staircases: These cost around $3,000–$20,000 and are spiral staircases but without a central pole.

• Winder stairs: They have steps that curve around corners but don’t have a landing like L- or U-shaped designs and cost more as a result. Keep in mind that winder stairs may present issues to those with mobility challenges or visual impairments.

• Arched or curved stairs: They curve gracefully and start around $8,000. These stairs require a lot of space and are generally only found in larger homes.

Staircase Prices by Material

The staircase material affects the project price. While some materials—like tile or composite—start at around $80 per step, concrete and glass can set you back $300 per step or more, as can hand-carved treads and other custom materials.

Hardwood Stairs

Hardwood stairs cost about $100 to $200 per step, including labor and materials. Any wood will work, but red oak is the most popular for its durability, price, and appearance.

Concrete Steps

Concrete steps cost around $300 each when you buy a complete staircase. A common choice for exterior stairs, concrete is durable and withstands weather exposure. Search for precast concrete steps vendors to get an exact quote, including delivery and installation. Remember that you'll also pay an extra $400 to $700 to remove the old staircase.

Wrought Iron Staircase 

A wrought iron railing costs around $2,600. For interior stairs, wrought iron serves as the balusters, vertical poles, columns, or other decorations between the steps and the railing.

Metal exterior staircases are usually made from steel and can range from $2,000 to $3,000.

Glass Staircase 

Installing a glass staircase ranges from $3,300 and $6,880. You can also update your staircase with a new railing instead of replacing everything. Installing just a glass railing costs between $1,500 and $8,500.

Metal or Steel Staircase

Metal steps are durable, often used for spiraling staircases, and cost around $200 per step. With demolishing old stairs and hiring a contractor, you’ll pay at least $1,000 to $2,000 in additional costs.

Stainless steel staircases run from $4,060 to $5,390, including labor costs.

Stone Steps

On average, stone steps cost around $2,200 but can go as high as $12,000, depending on your chosen material. Marble staircases cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

Brick Steps Cost

Less expensive than most other stair materials, installing brick steps costs between $2,390 and $3,040. Brick is commonly used for outdoor steps. If you have only a few steps leading to your front door, your project might be priced between $20 and $26 per square foot.

Composite

Composite stairs cost approximately $80 to $250 per step and are a good, durable option. They're not prone to rot, mold, splintering, or corrosion, making them a popular choice for exterior staircases. Composite stairs also require very little maintenance.

Tile

Tile stairs cost around $80 to $150 per step. Tiled staircases are easy to clean and require little maintenance, and there are endless color, finish, and material options. It's important, however, to go with a textured, non-slip surface for safety reasons. Additionally, tile can crack and need replacement if heavy or sharp objects are dropped on it.

Cost to Move Stairs

You'll need a contractor to move stairs. Relocating them costs anywhere from $45 to $85 per hour. Stair installation alone would take two carpenters about eight hours; moving a staircase could take 12 or more hours and cost around $720 to $2,040.

Moving the stairs is an involved process that opens the living space and transforms your home. A contractor's hourly rates depend on their experience, demand for their work, and the state you live in. Find a general contractor near you for an estimate.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional to Rebuild a Staircase

Rebuilding a staircase isn't just about adding a new aesthetic to your home. The number one priority should be safety, which is why you need a professional to ensure maximum care and precaution. It's a big job, so you'll need to hire a local carpenter if you're going with wood, or you may need to hire a remodeling contractor who specializes in staircases.

Calculating the width and rise of your stairs, obtaining building permits, ordering materials, and fitting them to your home are just some examples of expertise you'll need. Hiring a contractor might seem expensive but may be worth it for a job well done.

FAQs

Who does a staircase remodel?

A general contractor or subcontractor can handle the remodel.

How can I redo my stairs cheaply?

While there are stair kits available you can install yourself with the proper experience and tools, we advise against doing this project the “cheap” way. Stairs need to hold up against a lot of traffic and weight. Unless you have experience installing secure stairs, hire a local staircase and railing professional. 

How much is a staircasing system?

Staircasing systems cost around $10 per step and allow you to cover carpet stairs with hardwood.

How much does it cost to move basement stairs?

You might need an architect to determine the new basement staircase location, which will cost at least $150 per hour. If the project isn’t as intense, a contractor costs around $45 to $85 per hour and takes anywhere from eight to 12 hours or more to move. Your final bill could range from $360 to $1,800.

How much does it cost to add carpet to my staircase?

Carpet installation costs $760 to $2,520. Depending on the square footage of your stairs, you might pay on the lower end of the spectrum (versus carpeting multiple rooms). Use our carpet calculator to get an estimate.

How much is it to remodel stairs from carpet to wood?

Hiring a handyperson costs $60 to $65 an hour. You'll likely pay them anywhere from $75 to $300 to remove the carpet.

Adding hardwood costs anywhere from $100 to $200 per step for both labor and materials. Your final price depends on the type of hardwood, the number of steps, and the amount of time the project takes.

What about staircases with windows?

If there's a window along your staircase, some municipalities will require it to be installed with tempered glass or window film treatment. Expect that to increase the window cost by 50%.