How Much Does a Spiral Staircase Cost in 2024?

Average Cost to Install a Spiral Staircase

Spiral Staircase Cost Factors

The size, complexity, contractor, and other factors impact the overall price of a spiral staircase. Incorporate these variables when planning your budget for the project.

Labor

The cost of labor to install a spiral staircase runs from $60 to $200 per hour or $1,000 to $5,500 per project depending on the complexity and time required. Basic kits take less than a day to install, while custom designs can take as long as two weeks. The experience and specialty of the contractor you hire also influences labor costs—for example, a handyman may only charge between $50 to $100 per hour while master carpenters may charge between $100 and $200 per hour.

Locality can also affect labor costs. Low cost of living areas, a surplus of skilled workers, and other factors can result in lower costs than high cost of living or less competitive places.

Size

The price range to install a spiral staircase represents average dimensions of 8.5 feet tall and 3.5 feet wide. For each extra step beyond that height, add around $150 for low-end materials and $300 for high-end ones. As the width increases, add up to $100 per foot.

Treads

A staircase’s actual steps are called treads. Depending on the design and material, treads and risers cost between $1,800 and $2,500.

Treads are usually made of the same material as the rest of the staircase, such as the balusters or handrails, although some homeowners may opt for a mix-and-match effect. Sometimes, homeowners will opt for a spiral staircase made of metal (steel, aluminum, wrought iron, etc.) and then select wooden treads for the stairs, for example. The types of treads most commonly used on spiral staircases include wood, steel, tile, glass, stone, and composite.

Handrails

Handrails cost about $900 on average, generally ranging from $500 to $1,600. Like treads, handrails can be made of many materials but most often are made of the same material as the rest of the staircase. Wood and metal are some of the most common handrail options for spiral staircases, but some homeowners choose to use PVC, especially with outdoor stairs.

Materials requiring more time or effort to build and install can dramatically increase costs, with some glass handrails costing up to $8,500.

Balusters

In general, balusters cost about $1,200 to $1,600 or $3 to $17 each without installation. Besides adding visual appeal, balusters support the structure and make the staircase safer to use by supporting its handrail. Many balusters are adorned with special designs and finishes and are often made of wood, wrought iron, or other metal. Keep in mind that spiral staircases may require custom balusters, which can drive the cost significantly higher than standard staircases.

Installation Location

The use and installation location of the stairs, such as indoor vs. outdoor, may influence the type of materials it needs and therefore its total cost. However, some materials are better suited to indoor or outdoor purposes whether for durability, weather resistance, or visual appeal. Outdoor staircases typically use tough materials such as wood, aluminum, wrought iron, or trex. Indoor staircases can use most material types, including steel, cast iron, and glass.

Location accessibility and demolition needs can also affect costs. The cost of cutting out drywall, reinforcing floorboards, and similar tasks can greatly drive up the final price.

Spiral Staircase Prices by Material

Ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, the material prices of spiral stairways can vary. For example, a steel spiral staircase typically costs much less than wood, glass, and Trex installations. Materials may also affect the total amount needed for the project and the complexity of the design and installation.

Steel

When using steel, building spiral stairs costs about $1,000 to $4,400. Steel spiral staircase prices are often an affordable option and sold as full kits in various styles. Some even have wood treads that contrast with and complement metals.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is a popular spiral staircase material due to its upscale reputation and durability. If you choose wrought iron materials, expect this project to cost approximately $1,000 to $4,600. The kit includes the wrought iron railing price as well as the balusters, treads, and supports. As with the metal kits, you can choose to have wood treads installed.

Cast Iron

Similar in price to wrought iron, cast iron spiral stairs run anywhere from $1,000 to $4,600. Many homeowners appreciate cast iron spiral staircases for their high-end and Victorian-inspired look.

Wood

Expect to pay around $2,000 to $20,000 for wooden spiral staircases. Typically requiring fewer materials than traditional hardwood staircases, which can cost up to $30,000, spiral staircases may be a cost-effective opportunity to enjoy a hardwood design. The type of wood also factors into the cost—oak, pine, and other common wood represent the lower cost end of the range, while walnut and mahogany can carry high-end price tags.

Aluminum

Aluminum spiral staircases range between $2,500 and $20,000. These stairways are weather- and corrosion-resistant, making them an excellent choice for outdoor installations, but they also work well indoors. Homeowners living near the ocean may find an aluminum staircase better suited to resist the corrosive effects of the salty and humid environment.

Glass

Glass spiral staircases sit at the higher end of the cost spectrum, with a price tag of about $2,500 to $20,000. Designs often incorporate wood or metal materials for the railings, balusters, and supports. When sold as a kit, glass staircase costs include the price of cable railings.

Trex

Trex spiral staircases average from $4,000 to $8,000. Made from a composite material that’s resistant to pests, rotting, warping, and other wear, Trex is often used to replace indoor wood stairs and railings. Its enhanced durability also makes it well-suited to outdoors.

Budgeting for Installing a Spiral Staircase

Installing a spiral staircase in your home can be a budget-friendly project with these cost-saving strategies:

• Use cost-effective materials: Expensive materials aren’t necessarily the best—choose a material that matches your functionality and aesthetic needs while still staying within your budget.

• Consider durability and maintenance: Some materials, such as wood, are more prone to damage and wear over time. More frequent maintenance, repairs, and replacements can add to the lifetime cost.

• Minimize customization: Customization is one of the main factors that drive complexity and cost. Opting for a simpler design and prioritizing the details that matter most can help keep your project budget-friendly.

• Get multiple quotes: Speak to multiple staircase contractors near you for project estimates to ensure you get the best value from your investment.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.