- According to FIXr, the American national average cost to remodel a typical staircase is $3,563.00 USD. (Source)
- These days, staircase remodeling projects can have a price range starting as low as about $1,000.00, pending on what’s needed. On a high note, it can be as much as $5,000.00, if not more.
- If you’re looking to do a complete rebuild, spending as much as $10,000.00 isn’t unheard of, especially if you’re after an extensive customization project.
- On sites like FIXr and Kompare It, there is access to sourcing information to help determine what your actual staircase remodeling project will be. (Source)
- The average cost to remodel a staircase is actually based on where a person lives and how accessible the materials are to have the job done. Also, the overall size of the staircase and what sort of work is needed plays a factor in the final price of this project.
Calculating Cost Factors
- Step for Step (aka Risers and Treads)
- Railing
- Handrails
Bear in mind that the cost factors are estimates, Prices go up and down as frequently as the fuel at the gas pumps. If you’re really into penny-pinching, do your homework to see who has the best deals. Who has the materials you need at the best value?
Furthermore, is this a DIY project or do you intend to hire a contractor? With this in mind, a contractor becomes yet another cost factor to consider when it comes to your staircase.
1. Step for Step
Technically referred to as risers and treads, these are what you step on when using the staircase. The cost factor is based on how many of these you need. Also, how is the climb? Is it a straight up and down run or are there angles involved? There are L-shaped stairs, U-shaped stairs, as well as spiral and windy stairs.
The taller and more complex the staircase is the pricier the project becomes. The least expensive of the materials used in the treads is wood. It’s also the most commonly used. With a price range averaging between $50.00 and $150.00, this is how much it costs per step.
If you’re going with distressed wood, pine, or plywood, these are the least expensive of the group. Ash, maple, and oak sit in the middle between the $60.00 to $130.00 mark. Walnut, mahogany, and cherry are among the more expensive, starting at $80.00.
There are other materials you can also choose from. Brick, stone, tile, and composite materials share a cost similar to the mid to higher-priced woods.
Should you opt for metal, glass, or concrete, the average price starts at $100.00 per step with the metal and can fetch as much as $300.00 per step with concrete.
2. Railing
While not every staircase may have a need for a railing, the safety and support they provide are a plus. This is especially true in a family home.
Just like the treads and risers, the materials used for the rails can be as cheap as wood at less than $40.00 per linear foot or as high as $500.00 for glass. On the low side, it can be as cheap as $10.00 for wood and $100.00 for glass. Stainless steel, wrought iron, and cable are also popular choices.
The price range with these materials starts as low as $25.00 and as high as $200.00. The average cost factor weighs heavily on how simple or detailed you wish for the rails to be.
3. Handrails
Accommodating the railing along the topside are the handrails. When wall-mounted, they average anywhere between $25.00 to $40.00 per linear foot. For mopstick handrails, which is the simplest design, they are cheaper than the pig’s ear design which is curvier.
As for integrated rails, they can be anywhere from $30.00 to $100.00. The smoother and less detailed the handrail, the cheaper it is.
When it comes to staircases, the need to keep them as a safe means of travel between floors is essential.
Even if it’s a short climb from the ground above or below if it feels like each step feels like treading on something unstable, the need to remodel it should become a priority.
Between an open staircase and a closed staircase, it is an open that is more aesthetically appealing. The open is also regarded as a floating staircase and usually costs ten times as much as a closed staircase.
The more decorative you make the staircase the pricier it gets. In the end, it’s all about what you need When embarking on this project, be sure it meets the standard building codes.
This means they need to be at least three feet wide and have a minimum depth of ten inches. You also need at least 6.8 inches of headroom over each stair tread with a maximum riser height between steps of 7.75 inches.
More considerations
If you’re considering remodeling your staircase, there are a few things you should know before getting started. Here’s what you need to know about remodeling a staircase:
1. Decide on a budget. Remodeling a staircase can be a costly endeavor, so it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend from the outset. This will help you narrow down your options and make sure you don’t overspend on your project.
2. Choose a style. There are many different staircase styles to choose from, so take some time to browse through photos and figure out which look you prefer. Do you want a traditional look, or something more modern? Once you’ve decided on a style, you can start looking for specific staircase designs that fit your taste.
3. Consider the construction. If you’re not comfortable with do-it-yourself projects, you may want to hire a professional to help with the construction of your new staircase. This is especially important if you’re planning on making major changes to the structure of your staircase, such as adding or removing steps.
4. Think about safety. Safety should be a top priority when remodeling a staircase. Make sure there are no loose boards or nails sticking out, and that the stairs are sturdy enough to support your weight. If you have young children, you may want to consider adding a gate at the top or bottom of the staircase to prevent them from falling.
5. Choose your materials. There are many different materials you can use to remodel your staircase, so take some time to research your options. Do you want wood stairs, or would you prefer something more modern like concrete or metal? Once you’ve decided on the materials you want to use, you can start shopping around for the best deals.
Remodeling a staircase can be a big project, but it’s also a great way to add value to your home. By following these tips, you can make sure your staircase remodel goes smoothly and that you end up with the staircase of your dreams.
Doing DIY or hiring a professional
If you’re comfortable doing DIY projects, you may be able to do the remodeling yourself. However, if you’re not sure how to get started or you want the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional, there are many contractors who can help.
Just be sure to get quotes from several different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Understanding pricing
When remodeling a staircase, it is important to have a set budget in mind as this can help you determine the style and materials of your desired staircase.
It is also advised that those inexperienced in DIY projects consult with professionals before starting any construction, especially if changes to the original structure are planned. Finally, various materials for stairs are available on the market, so it is important to compare prices and choose the best option for your needs.
Tips for doing the remodel on a budget
1. Decide on a budget. This is the most important part of any remodel, especially when it comes to something as expensive as a staircase. Make sure to include all costs associated with the remodel, such as materials, construction, and labor.
2. Shop around for materials. There are many different types of materials you can use for your staircase, so take some time to compare prices before making a purchase. You may be able to find cheaper options if you’re willing to shop around.
3. Consider used materials. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider using used materials for your staircase remodel. This can be a great way to save money, but be sure to inspect the materials carefully before using them to make sure they’re safe.
4. Do it yourself. If you’re handy, you may be able to do some or all of the work yourself. This can be a great way to save money, but be sure you know what you’re doing before attempting any major construction.
5. Hire a professional. If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, you may want to hire a professional to help with the remodel. This can be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it may be worth it for the peace of mind it provides.
Rebuilding vs redesigning
When remodeling a staircase, it is important to decide whether you want to rebuild the staircase from scratch or redesign it. Rebuilding a staircase can be a more expensive and time-consuming project, but it can be worth it if you want a completely new look. Redesigning a staircase is a less expensive option, and it can be just as effective if you’re willing to make some changes to the existing structure.
1. Rebuilding a staircase from scratch. This option is more expensive and time-consuming, but it allows you to start with a blank slate and design the staircase exactly how you want it.
2. Redesigning an existing staircase. This option is less expensive and can be just as effective, especially if you’re willing to make some changes to the existing structure.
3. Hiring a professional. If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, you may want to hire a professional to help with the remodel. This can be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it may be worth it for the peace of mind it provides.
4. Doing it yourself. If you’re handy, you may be able to do some or all of the work yourself. This can be a great way to save money, but be sure you know what you’re doing before attempting any major construction.
5. Consulting with a professional. If you’re unsure about what you want to do, it may be a good idea to consult with a professional before starting the project. This can help you avoid making any mistakes that could end up costing more in the long run.
Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.
