True Cost Guide Stairs & Railings Repair Stairs or Railings

How Much Does It Cost To Refinish Or Repair Stairs Or Railings?

Typical Range:

$321 - $1,254

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,749 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated April 16, 2024

Reviewed by Ezra Laniado, Expert Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Repairing stairs and railings involves complex design, material choice, and structural improvement, justifying a professional's expertise.
The average cost to repair or replace stairs is $1,000 to $2,000, including materials and labor.
Staircase repair costs are influenced by design complexity, material choice, labor rates, and stair shape.
Common stair repairs include painting, carpeting, and structural improvement with specific material types.
Structural improvement needs, damage from fire, water, and mold, and potential step modification are signs to consider stair and railing repair.
Stair and railing repair benefits include structural improvement, aesthetic enhancement, and increased safety.

Highlights were summarized from this existing cost guide text using automation technology and were thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Stair Repair Cost

The cost to repair stairs is $4.50 to $8 per square foot for all material, an expert's time, and fittings. Replacing the handrail costs an additional $30 to $45 per linear foot. The total average project cost to repair stairs and railings is $787 or between $321 and $1,254.

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National Average	$787
Typical Range	$321 - $1,254
Low End - High End	$111 - $3,000

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,749 HomeAdvisor members.

Cost for Refinishing Hardwood Stairs & Stair Railings

the average cost to repair stairs or railings is $4.50 to $8.00 per square foot

The price for refinishing stairs is $4.50 to $8 per square foot for materials and a contractor. Stair replacement costs depend on the number of steps and surface area. Total project cost to refinish a 10 step staircase is $90 to $160, including material and labor time.

Stair & Railing Repair and Refinish Cost Factors

Factors affecting staircase repair cost or refinishing stairs and railings include:

Complexity of design.
Choice of material.
Labor charge.
Stair shape.
Location.

Common stair repairs include:

Painting.
Carpeting.
Structural improvement and joinery.
Step modification.
Servicing of specific material types.
Damage from fire, water, and mold.

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Types of Stairs and Cost

Material	Labor and Materials
Stone	$300 - $900
Concrete	$250 - $750
Wood	$120 - $150
Carpet	$280 - $400

Cost Impact of Stair Size & Slope

Surface area impacts on cost with the average price per square foot of step costing $6 for materials and installation. Making safe stairs requires a 30 to 35 degree angle. Steeper staircases cost slightly less because they require fewer steps from bottom to top.

Stair Costs in Different Parts of the Home

Basement and attic stairs are the cheapest to repair or replace since you can easily leave them unpainted and natural-looking.
Stairs in common areas usually cost more because homeowners choose to professionally finish the material with carpet, paint or wood stain.
Exterior concrete stair repair costs between $20 for a patch to $800 for extensive repairs.

Cost to Replace Stair Railing

The total price to replace a 10 foot length of a railing is $300 to $450, which includes a basic wooden handrail, labor time, and clean up. The cost to install stair railing and balusters together is more expensive due to extra time and material required.

Banister Installation Cost

The installation cost for a banister is $25 to $40 per linear foot for the labor time only. It requires 3 to 4 hours to fit a 10 foot section. For the rail material and fittings, it is an additional $5 to $7 per linear foot.

Cost to Install Newel Post

The average price to install a newel post is $365, including labor costs and mid-range materials. Single posts cost $35 to $550. The price depends on the dimensions and type of material. One post is used at each end of the rail.

Cost to Paint Handrails and Stairs

The cost to paint a staircase is $350 to $450 including the treads, walls, ceilings and handrails. Painting handrails alone costs between $20 and $50 per hour.

Cost to Replace a Banister

The cost to replace stair railing for a 10 foot section is $300 to $450 in addition to $250 to $470 if you need to replace the vertical spindles. The total project cost to fit both is $550 to $920 for all materials and labor included.

New Banister Cost

The cost for a new banister averages $38 per linear foot, including all material, fittings, and labor time.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY repair cost to refinish a staircase is $1.25 to $3.50 per square foot for the materials. Staircase remodel costs with a professional are $4.50 to $8 per square foot. “However, when it comes to replacing banisters or newel posts, you might want to leave that to a professional who will make sure it comes out level and—most of all—safe,” says Ezra Laniado, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Landmark Construction & Development Group, Inc.

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FAQs

How much does it cost to hire someone to refinish wood?

The price to hire a professional to refinish a wood staircase is $60 to $75 per hour. It takes 2 hours to complete a 10 tread staircase.

How much does it cost to sand and restain stairs?

The price is $120 to $150 in total to sand and restain a 10 step flight of stairs. This includes a laborer's time with power tools, wood stain, and cleaning up.

Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood stairs and railings?

The average cost to refinish hardwood stairs is $135 compared to $1,500 to replace a 10 step staircase, including all materials and labor time.

How much does it cost to resurface stairs?

The average price for resurfacing 10 stairs with carpet costs $340, $130 for sand and staining, or $1,500 for a brand new wooden setup. This includes all fittings, materials, and a professional's time.

How much does it cost to repair carpeting on stairs?

A 10 tread carpeted staircase costs $280 to $400 to replace, including 40 square feet of carpet to cover the entire top and front step and labor time.

How much does it cost to replace basement stairs?

The costs to add new basement stairs are $1,000 to $2,000 for materials and a contractor’s time. In most cases, aesthetics for below-ground installations are less critical, so they are cheaper than ground or upper floors.

How can I redo my stairs cheap?

You can reduce the cost to redo staircases by removing old carpeting and treads by yourself before a professional team comes in and choosing minimal or no finish on your chosen stair material.

How much does it cost to put hardwood on stairs?

The price for installing hardwood stairs is $100 to $200 per step for materials and labor time. In total, expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 for a 10 step flight.