Stair Remodel Cost – The Ultimate Guide

Interior or exterior staircases make a huge first impression and reinforce your home’s architectural style. Remodeling your staircase can change the look and feel of your entryway, and fixing issues in your older staircase like loose or squeaky steps can make them safer and get rid of annoying defects. But, what is the average stair remodel cost? Minor repairs will cost less than a full remodel because your contractor will require fewer materials and the repairs are usually quicker than building a whole new staircase. Prefabricated staircases are also less to install than a custom structure.

On average, your stair remodel cost will be between $250 and $700. However, it’s not uncommon for this project to climb upwards of $4,000. Simple facelift procedures, like sealing and sanding, can cost as low as $40.00, while installing premium quality newel posts can cost as much as $1,000 per post. 

To build a brand new staircase, you’ll pay roughly $2,000. This project usually ranges from $950 to $3,300, based on the standard staircase size of 10 to 13 steps. However, you could easily pay upwards of $10,000 for more custom or extensive projects. 

Also, demand for siding and other building materials has skyrocketed over the past year and a half, so the manufacturers are increasing the prices of materials. Prices have risen 5% to 10% in the past year alone, and many parts of the country are having issues with extended delivery times. If you’re planning a project and want to know the average stair remodel cost, this is for you. We’ll outline the average costs, but we warn you to be ready for price fluctuations, and allow more time for your materials to get to you. 

Depending on the complexity of your project, your stair remodel price can fluctuate very quickly. So, you want to double-check and ensure you have everything you need while staying on budget.

Average Stair Remodel Cost

Costs will vary for your stair remodel cost. While the average price ranges from $250 to $700, some projects, like replacing a whole staircase, are much more expensive. 

Paint a Stairwell

The stairwell is an area and walls surrounding it. Painting your stairwell costs between $350 and $450 on average. The complexity and size of your stairwell will determine the final price. But, painting your stairwell isn’t your only option. You can revamp your staircase by giving it a fresh coat of paint, and this averages around $600. With all of the rails, corners, nooks, balusters, and crannies, painting your staircase will take longer and cost more. 

If you only need to paint a single part of your staircase, you could pay between $4.00 and $12.00 per linear foot, and this is the cost to paint a deck railing. 

Railings and Handrails

Installing a handrail as part of your stair remodel cost will fall between $700 and $1,200 for 25-feet, and a 50-foot handrail will cost between $3,000 and $12,000. 

Railing Type	Price Range	Average Price
Aluminum	$3,500 – $6,000	$4,750
Cable Wire	$2,500 – $3,250	$2,600
Composite or Vinyl	$2,000 – $3,500	$2,750
Glass	$1,500 – $8,500	$5,000
Steel Pipe	$1,200 – $2,700	$1,950
Wood Stair	$750 – $1,250	$1,000
Wrought Iron	$700 – $4,600	$2,650

Remove and Replace a Staircase

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

Custom Staircase Remodel Cost

Depending on your project, custom stairs could easily cost between $2,000 to $30,000 or more. From modern floating treads to ornate newels, there’s no limit you’ll find but your budget to customizing your staircase. 

Buying a pre-build custom stair could cost between $1,000 and $2,000, but this usually doesn’t include the posts or railings. Adding these features plus paying the installation costs range from $3,000 to $4,000. Remember, the more custom you want your stairs, the more you’ll pay, and some custom stair remodel costs can easily exceed $40,000. 

Other Stair Remodel Costs

Remodeling your stairs usually runs between $1,000 and $2,000, while a total remodel costs between $4,000 to $8,000. We’ve listed some of the prices for the main components most people choose to remodel below. 

Renovation Option	Typical Price Range	Average Price
Balusters	$1,200 – $1,600	$1,400
Banister (10 ft)	$300 – $450	$380
Cable Railing System (10 ft)	$500 – $700	$600
Carpet Runner	$500 – $2,000	$1,250
Newel Post	$35.00 – $550	$290
Railing	$340 – $580	$460
Tread and Risers	$1,800 – $2,500	$2,150

Stair Remodel Cost by Location

Where your staircase is will determine how many steps there are, which materials are suitable for it, and how long it’ll take. So, the location is key to helping you determine your total stair installation cost. 

Deck Stairs

While building a deck usually costs between $4,100 and $10,650 to complete, the stair installation by itself is roughly $25.00 to $50.00 per stair. You may also want to look at deck railing costs if you’re adding deck steps. Patio stairs usually get built from matching wood, and wooden stairs can add an elegant but small touch to a short-rise patio. 

Exterior Stairs

Exterior stairs, like those installed to reach the upper floor of a deck, can cost as much, if not more, than a whole interior staircase. On the other hand, front steps and patio steps are much more budget-friendly. 

Front Steps

Concrete steps cost between $1,200 and $2,500. On the other end of the spectrum, if you choose to go with wooden steps, you’ll pay between $15.00 and $25.00 a square foot. 

Interior Stairs

Replacing your interior stairs will usually cost between $900 and $4,000, and this includes the installation process. Higher-quality materials and more complex projects will raise the price upwards of $10,000. 

Location	Cost Range	Average Cost
Attic	$500 – $900	$700
Basement (Unfinished)	$900 – $1,500	$1,200
Basement (Finished)	$920 – $2,880	$1,900
Main	$2,400 – $4,000	$3,200

New Staircase Price by Style

The type of staircase you choose is one of the biggest factors to determining your stair remodel cost. The more space it takes up or complex your design is, the more it’ll cost to install and build. 

Staircase Style	Average Prices
Floating	$3,100 – $5,000
Helical	$3,000 – $20,000
L or U-Shaped	$2,200 – $5,700
Open	$3,100 – $5,000
Spiral	$1,000 – $20,000
Straight	$1,900 – $5,000

Floating

Generally speaking, you’ll expect to pay between $3,100 to $5,000 as your stair remodel cost for a floating staircase. This price can easily go up to $30,000, depending on how complex the project is and the materials needed. Floating stairs have to anchor strongly at the wall but seem to not have a support system under them. Some people install them without any handrails to match the minimalist decor scheme, but this makes them dangerous. 

L and U-Shaped

L and U-shaped staircases usually cost between $2,200 and $5,700. These staircase types are a very safety-conscious choice as they offer one or two turns, and there is a landing at each turning point. This makes them much easier to navigate. L-shaped staircases do take up more room than a traditional straight staircase.

Open

Open stairs are a lot like floating stairs but the stair remodel cost for them is between $3,100 and $5,000. The riser is the vertical part of each step, and the tread is the horizontal piece where you put your feet. Open risers come with no riser, and this gives them a very airy, modern look. 

Spiral

Typically featuring iron or metal, spiral staircases cost between $1,000 and $20,000. Spiral staircases work well in confined or narrow spaces. Remember that a competent installer for your spiral staircase will usually cost just as much as a traditional staircase, but you find the unique look well worth it. 

Straight

Straight staircases are usually much less complicated to install, and this brings your stair remodel cost to $1,900 to $5,000. You don’t usually find them in modern homes for safety reasons since a fall from the very top of the staircase could easily mean you fall all of the way to the bottom. 

Straight stairs were very popular traditionally, but there is an added dangerous component as if you were to fall, you’d most likely fall all of the way down to the floor instead of stopping at a landing.

Other Common Styles

• Arched or Curved –  These stairs curve very gracefully and they start at $8,000. They do need a lot of space to do correctly, and you usually only find them in bigger homes. 
• Helical – Helical staircases cost between $3,000 and $20,000, and they’re spiral staircases without the central pole. 
• Winder – These staircases have steps that curve around corners but don’t offer a landing like U or L-shaped designs, and the stair remodel cost is higher as a result. Keep in mind that these stairs can present issues to anyone with visual impairments or mobility issues. 

Stair Remodel Cost by Material

The staircase material you pick out will impact your stair remodel cost. While some material types like composite or tile start at roughly $80.00 per step, glass and concrete can easily set you back $300 a step or more, as can custom materials like hand-carved treads. 

Material	Average Price Per Step
Composite	$170
Concrete	$300
Hardwood	$150
Metal or Steel	$200
Tile	$120

Brick Steps

Brick is less expensive than other stair materials, but installing brick steps will add $2,400 and $3,050 to your stair remodel cost. Brick is commonly used for outdoor steps over indoor ones. But, if you only have a few stairs leading to your front door, your project price may fluctuate from $20.00 to $26.00 per square foot. 

Composite Steps

Composite stairs cost between $80.00 and $250 per step, and they offer a very durable choice. They’re not prone to issues with mold, rot, corrosion, or splintering, and this makes them a very popular choice for exterior staircase. Composite also needs very little maintenance. 

Concrete Steps

Concrete steps cost roughly $300 each when you buy a complete staircase. A common choice for exterior stairs, concrete is very durable and will withstand weather exposure. Try to find precast concrete step vendors and get an exact quote, including installation and delivery. Remember that your stair remodel cost will also include removing the old staircase at $400 to $700 on average. 

Glass Staircase 

Installing a glass staircase will range from $3,300 to $6,900. You can also update your staircase and add a new railing instead of doing a full remodel. Installing a glass railing will cost between $1,500 and $8,500. 

Hardwood Steps

On average, hardwood steps cost between $100 and $200 per step, including materials and labor. Any wood will do, but red oak is very popular due to the appearance, durability,and price point. 

Metal or Steel Staircase

Metal steps are very durable, and they’re commonly used for spiral-style staircases. They cost roughly $200 per step, and you’ll pay between $1,000 and $2,000 to demolish the old stairs and hire a contractor to come in. Stainless steel staircases range from $4,050 to $5,400, including labor. 

Stone Steps

Generally speaking, stone steps will cost between $2,200, but they can range as high as $12,000 from start to finish for your stair remodel cost. Your material will dictate the cost, and a marble staircase will range from $1,000 to $10,000 and up. 

Stone steps are very popular for exterior applications because they stand up very well to the weather without breaking down or cracking.

Tile Steps

Generally speaking, tile stairs will cost between $80.00 and $150 per step. Tiled staircases are usually easy to clean and require very little maintenance, and there are endless finish, color, and material choices. It’s important to note that you should go with a non-slip, textured surface for safety reasons. Also, tile can crack and need to be replaced if you drop sharp or heavy objects on it. 

Wrought Iron Staircase 

A wrought iron railing will cost roughly 2,600. In interior stair designs, wrought iron is popular to serve as the vertical poles, balusters, column, and other decorative elements between the railing and the steps. Metal exterior staircases are usually made out of steel, and your stair remodel cost with them will range from $2,000 to $3,000. 

Staircase Design Cost Breakdown

Renovating your stairs can cost from $1,000 to $2,000 on average, but this price can go up to $8,000 for a total overhaul. Aside from being a functional part of your home, staircases also play a big role as your home’s centerpiece. Playing with the materials, style, and size will greatly impact your stair remodel cost. The biggest elements that factor in are: 

Carpet Runners

If you want to have your stairs covered with a carpet runner, it’ll usually cost between $500 and $2,000. 

Newel Post and Banister

For newel posts, you’ll pay anywhere from $35.00 to $550, and they come in several designs while working to support the handrail and create a stunning architectural element. As for installing the banister, you’ll usually add between $300 and $350 to your stair remodel cost.

New Balusters

You can use balusters to style your handrails while providing support using a range of materials from iron to wood. The balusters will cost between $1,200 and $1,600 by the time you finish. 

Railing

When it comes to your hand railings, you can be creative with them. Installing different handrails can take your whole project to a new level. There are several styles and materials you can choose from, and they cost between $350 and $580. 

Treads and Risers

Risers and treads make up the steps of your staircase, and when you add them, you can turn your staircase into a focal point. They come in a range of designs, styles, and materials, and they cost between $1,800 and $2,500. 

If you add extravagant finishing touches to your stairs, your stair remodel cost will quickly skyrocket, especially if you use premium materials.

Cost to Move Stairs

You’ll need to enlist the help of a professional to move the stairs. Relocating them will cost between $45.00 to $85.00 per hour on average, and stair installation alone takes two people around eight hours. Moving an entire staircase can take upwards of 12 hours or more, and this runs between $720 and $2,050. Moving your staircase is a very involved process that will open up your living space and help transform your home’s look. The hourly rates will depend on the experience level of the contractor, the state you live in, and how in-demand the contractor is. 

What Factors Influence the Cost of Installing a Staircase?

There are a few factors that influence the final cost to install stairs and railings.

Cost to Tear Down Staircase

If you want to replace your staircase, you must first demolish old stairs. Your price will vary according to material and construction type, but generally, demolishing stairs will cost between $300 and $2,000. Contractors tend to take stairs apart instead of demolishing them to ensure that the surrounding structure stays in one piece. This is a time-consuming process that will increase your stair remodel cost. 

Custom Staircase Cost

Custom staircases are excellent ways to bring character and space to your renovation. These additional features, though pretty, will make your stair remodel cost go up. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $30,000 for a custom staircase with a finish like: 

• Additional curves or landings
• Built-in storage
• Elaborate materials 
• Etched detailing on risers, treads, or balusters
• Increased stair depth or tread size

DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

Remodeling your staircase isn’t just about changing your home’s aesthetic, and the top priority of this project should be safety. This is why you should enlist the help of a professional to ensure you get a sturdy finished product without any injuries. It’s a big job, so hire a local company if you’re going to work with wood, or you may need to hire a specialized company for staircases. 

Figuring out the width of the rise of your stairs, ordering materials, and getting the correct permits are just a few of the things you’ll need to consider. Hiring a contractor may seem expensive, but it’s totally worth the stair remodel cost. 

Bottom Line

Now you know how to figure out the average stair remodel cost, and you can take this guide and see what is and what isn’t in your budget. If you do it right, you’ll get a stunning new staircase that complements your home’s look seamlessly.