How much does it cost to build a staircase?
How much does it cost to build a staircase?
$1,000 – $5,000 average cost to build a new staircase
$2,000 – $7,000 average cost to replace a staircase
$500 – $4,000 average cost to remodel a staircase
Average staircase cost
The cost to build a staircase is $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the style, materials, location, and labor costs. A staircase remodel costs $500 to $4,000 to renovate outdated features or replace damaged components. The cost to replace a staircase is $2,000 to $7,000, including the removal of the old steps and railing.
| Type | Average installed staircase cost |
|---|---|
| Attic ladder | $350 – $2,500 |
| Basement stairs (unfinished) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Basement stairs (finished) | $1,500 – $3,300 |
| Exterior deck stairs | $500 – $2,000 |
| Front steps | $300 – $3,000 |
| Interior main staircase | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Cost to build exterior stairs
Exterior stairs with a landing pad cost $500 to $2,000 to install, depending on the number of stairs. A landing pad at the bottom of the steps is required to meet building codes in most areas. Exterior stair projects often include costs for repairs and upgrades, including:
Adding a deck railing costs $200 to $6,000 to install a 10' section, depending on the material.
Deck repairs cost $100 to $750 for simple repairs and $2,500 to $10,000+ for complex repairs.
Interior stair installation cost
Cost to install attic ladder
Attic ladder installation costs $350 to $1,000 for a basic replacement or up to $2,500 for projects involving structural modifications. Aluminum and wood attic stairs are the cheapest to install, while steel ladders cost more but offer more strength and durability for frequently used attic spaces.
Cost to replace basement stairs
Replacing basement stairs costs $1,000 to $2,000 for an unfinished staircase. Most people include a finished staircase costing $1,500 to $3,300 as part of a full basement finishing project costing $15,000 to $75,000.
Cost to build or rebuild main interior stairs
The cost to install a new main interior staircase ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 on average. Rebuilding an existing staircase involves more work than remodeling an old set of stairs but is a more cost-effective option when the old staircase is in poor condition and needs extensive repairs.
New staircase cost by style
The more complex and difficult the style of the staircase is, the more it costs to install. Straight staircases are the easiest and cheapest to install but take up more linear space in the room. Spiral and helical staircases are best for smaller spaces, while curved or arched staircases are dramatically large.
| Staircase style | Average installed staircase cost |
|---|---|
| Straight | $1,900 – $5,000 |
| L-shape / U-shape with landing | $2,200 – $5,700 |
| Spiral | $1,300 – $18,000 |
| Helical | $3,000 – $20,000 |
| Winder | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Floating | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Arched / curved | $9,000 – $100,000 |
Straight staircases are the least costly to install costing $1,900 to $5,000 for simple straight steps without any curves, turns, or landings.
L-shape (quarter turn) and U-shape (switchback) staircases cost $2,200 to $5,700 for two smaller flights of steps connected by a landing area in the middle for more safety.
Spiral and helical staircases cost as little as $1,300 or as much as $20,000 for uniquely curved staircases that wind up in the shape of a coil.
Winder staircases cost $2,000 to $5,000 for a space-saving staircase that changes direction without having a separate landing.
Floating stairs cost $3,000 to $15,000 for an open staircase with no visible risers.
Arched or curved staircases cost $9,000 to $100,000 for dramatic steps with no landing. These sweeping stairs are seen mostly in grand, elegant homes.
Staircase price by material
Staircase prices range from $40 to $400 per step for materials alone, but keep in mind that using a cheaper material does not equate to building a cheaper staircase. Some materials are more difficult and labor-intensive to install, such as stone and glass which require specialized equipment and more time.
| Staircase material | Average material price (per step)* | Average installed cost per step |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $50 – $150 | $100 – $250 |
| Precast concrete | $40 – $170 | $100 – $350 |
| Composite | $80 – $150 | $110 – $200 |
| Glass | $150 – $250 | $250 – $550 |
| Metal | $100 – $200 | $150 – $275 |
| Stone | $150 – $400 | $300 – $900 |
| Tile | $80 – $150 | $120 – $250 |
| Brick | $60 – $100 | $100 – $300 |
*Material prices only. Labor not included.
Wood stairs cost
Wood is the most affordable and popular material for interior stairs, costing around $100 to $250 per step installed. Wood stairs require minimal cleaning and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Concrete steps cost
Concrete steps or cement stairs cost $100 to $350 per step for installed precast stairs or $200 to $500 per step for custom poured. Precast steps are hollow and weigh less than solid poured steps. Concrete steps are popular for exterior stairs.
Stone steps cost
Stone steps cost $300 to $900 per step installed, depending on the material. Granite steps are durable, long-lasting, and stain resistant. Bluestone steps are also good for outdoor projects that can withstand heavy foot traffic and the elements. Other natural stone options include flagstone, limestone, sandstone, and slate.
Tile stairs cost
Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot. Ceramic tiles are often added to indoor stairs, while porcelain tiles are commonly used outdoors since they are more resistant to stains, water, chipping, and cracking. Stone tiles are the most expensive but most durable, lasting a lifetime.
Composite stairs cost
Composite decking costs $20 to $30 per linear foot for stairs plus $80 to $160 for the concrete stairway footing. Composite stairs are popular for outdoor use because of their low maintenance and durability, with a lifespan twice that of real wood.
Glass staircase cost
A glass staircase costs $250 to $550 per step installed. A glass staircase looks sleek and modern when installed inside and doesn't obstruct your view when installed outside.
To save money, you can update your staircase by adding a glass railing costing from $3,500 to $8,500 instead of replacing the entire staircase with glass.
Brick steps cost
Brick steps cost $100 to $300 per step installed and are primarily used outside. Bricks are laid on a solid foundation, using mortar to hold them in place. The treads are usually made with whole bricks, while the risers can be made with whole or half bricks.
Metal staircase cost
A metal staircase costs $150 to $275 per step installed, on average, depending on the metal used. Steel is the most common metal staircase material since it is strong and durable, but wrought-iron, cast iron, and aluminum are also used. Metal staircases are used both indoors and outdoors.
Cost estimator to install or remodel stairs
Remodeling an existing staircase costs $500 to $4,000, on average, depending on the parts you replace. Removing and replacing the entire staircase costs $2,000 to $7,000.
| Factor | Average cost to replace (including labor) |
|---|---|
| Balusters (spindles) | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Banister (handrail) | $1,000 – $2,000+ |
| Carpet runner | $500 – $2,000 |
| Landing | $500 – $1,200 |
| Newel post | $150 – $750 |
| Railing | $350 – $700 |
| Treads and risers | $1,000 – $2,500 |
Factors that affect stair installation or remodel costs include:
Premade or stock stairs cost $1,000 to $2,000 and are easy to install. Custom staircases cost $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
Demolishing an old staircase costs $500 to $2,000,including removal and disposal.
Staircase repairs cost $100 to $1,000, depending on the severity of the damage.
Hiring a painter costs $20 to $70 per hour or $1 to $6 per square foot to paint the staircase or stairwell for an updated look.
Adding carpet to a staircase costs $150 to $600.
Removing old carpet from the stairs costs $7 to $10 per step or $85 to $130 for a typical 12 or 13-step staircase.
You can update the look of your staircase in 1 to 2 days, while a full replacement takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Labor cost to build stairs
The labor cost to build stairs is $500 to $4,500, depending on the project size, complexity, and the labor hired. A stair contractor charges $60 to $140 per hour and builds a staircase in 8 to 16 hours for simple straight stairs or 4 days or more for difficult installations.
Other contractors have varying rates depending on their expertise, including:
A general contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour or 10% to 20% of the construction costs.
A standard carpenter charges $30 to $100 while a master carpenter charges $100 to $200 per hour.
A handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour.
New stair railing cost
The cost to install new stair railings and balusters is $500 to $15,000, depending on the materials used. The stair railing, more commonly called a banister or handrail, is what you hold onto when walking the stairs. The banister is supported by vertical rods or spindles, called balusters.
Consider installing a wrought iron railing costing $1,600 to $3,400 for a dramatic railing that will last a lifetime.
New banister cost
A new banister or handrail for the staircase costs $1,000 to $2,000 and is necessary to meet safety codes. When remodeling a staircase, most people don't replace just the banister but instead replace the entire railing system or balustrade in a cohesive style.
Cost to install stair treads and risers
Installing new stair treads and risers costs $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the materials. The tread is the horizontal part where you put your feet, and the riser is the vertical space between one step and another.
Install decorative covers, tiles, or paint the risers rather than replace them for an inexpensive revamp of your staircase.
Cost to move stairs
Moving a staircase costs $500 to $2,000 and is more common than you think. Moving stairs takes about 12 or more hours of labor by a general contractor. A structural engineer charges $100 to $220 per hour to plan the support of the relocated staircase for safety.
A straight stair lift costs $2,000 to $8,500 installed on average, depending on the features, brand, model, and whether it's battery-powered or hardwired to the home's electrical system. Curved staircases or straight staircases with a landing require a curved stair lift with total installed costs ranging from $7,500 to $15,000+.
Stair building FAQs
What are the cheapest stairs to build?
The simplest and cheapest stairs to build are straight stairs with no curves or landing, which typically cost $1,900 to $5,000 installed. Wood is the cheapest and most common material used for interior staircases and costs $100 to $250 per step installed.
How long does it take to install a staircase?
A straight staircase can be installed in 1 to 2 days, while spiral or winder staircases can take several days to install. Custom, made-to-order staircases can take several weeks to install. The materials selected also affect the installation time, with concrete stairs taking longer to install than wood stairs.
How do I know if I need a new staircase?
Loose railings, posts, and balusters are signs of an aging staircase that needs a remodel or replacement. Other signs that indicate you need a new staircase include:
Creaking or damaged treads
Bowing or sagging stairs
Water damaged stairs
Unsteady under-structure
Who builds stairs and railings?
Professional installation is recommended to ensure the staircase is installed safely. Seek help from one of the following professionals near you:
Getting estimates from staircase installers
When getting estimates from staircase companies, be sure to follow these suggestions:
Compare at least 3 estimates with similar staircase materials and designs for an accurate cost comparison.
Hire only licensed, bonded, and insured installers that have been in business for several years.
Look for an installer specializing in the installation of your preferred stair material.
Be sure to look at reviews from past clients on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before beginning the project.
Never pay in full before the job is complete. Follow a reasonable payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
Don't forget to ask these important questions when choosing a staircase installer for your project:
What experience do you have with installing or remodeling an interior staircase?
Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
What is included in the project estimate? Are there additional fees I should be aware of?
Which staircase materials fit my budget and style?
How long will the installation or remodel take?
How should I prepare for the project?
Does this project require a permit, and do you handle the permitting process?