Cost to Replace Stairs & Railings
On average, you’ll pay from
$1,000 to $10,000
to replace stairs and railings. The price varies based on the project, materials used and the design of the project.
Banisters or Railings
The
cost to install a stair railing
is
$900
on average, but can reach as high as
$10,000
. Wooden handrails cost less than pricey metal options.
Installing wrought iron railings costs
$2,600
on average.
Balusters or Spindles
Replacing balusters or spindles costs from
$1,200 to $1,600
on average. Individual balusters typically run from
$3 to $17
before installation.
Stair Treads or Risers
Replacing treads or risers typically costs from
$1,800 to $2,500
.
Hardwood stair treads
range from
$35 to $50
per stair before installation. Thick treads with high-quality wood can cost as much as
$160
.
Average Cost to Build a Staircase
On average, you’ll pay around
$1,900
to build a new staircase or railings. However, this number varies depending on the size, shape, design and materials of the project.
Interior Hardwood Stairs
Interior hardwood stairs cost
$4,000
on average. Several cost factors can affect the price, including:
-
Type of lumber
-
Number of steps
-
Design
-
Pro installation rates
This project's cost will also be higher if you need to remove old stairs and dispose of the materials before beginning a new job.
Spiral Staircases
Installing a spiral staircase costs
$10,400
on average. The price varies depending on the height and width of the staircase, as well as the materials used in construction. Talk to a
staircase remodeling pro
to get a quote for your project.
Deck Stairs
Building deck stairs costs
$15 to $25 per square foot
on average. The
price to install deck railings
in addition to steps is about
$95 per linear foot
. Expect the price for this project to vary based on the size and shape of the deck, as well as the materials used. A
local deck contractor
can give you an accurate quote specific to your project.
Concrete or Stone Front Porch Steps
Installing or
replacing concrete steps costs
from
$900 to $5,000
. The price of this project varies depending on the size of your job and the number of steps you require. Most concrete staircase jobs cost
$70 to $150
per step.
The
price of stone slab step installation
is typically higher, and runs from
$1,000 to $12,000
. Granite steps run at the costliest end of the spectrum, while Bluestone slab is more reasonably priced.
A professional can give you a quote for your project and help you
install stone steps
.
Attic Stairs or Ladder
Adding an
attic ladder or stairs costs
from
$220 to $650
on average. Pull-down ladders can run higher at up to
$1,300
. The height of the ladder plays a role in cost, as well as the material the ladder is made of.
Labor costs generally range from
$240 to $425
. They may increase if:
Attic stairs
will cost more to install than an attic ladder.
New Stair & Railing Installation Cost Factors
Installing new interior stairs runs from
$1,000 to $30,000
. A finished, main staircase will cost more than unfinished basement steps. Remodeling can cost less than building from scratch. Find remodeler costs by talking to a
local stair and railing pro
. Building costs can include:
If you choose to include a stair lift, this will add an additional $2,000 to $8,000 to the price.
Staircase Repair or Refinishing Costs
Repairing or refinishing a staircase costs
from
$310 to $1,050
on average. Fixing broken stairs typically costs
$4.50 to $8 per square foot
. Broken railings or handrails are pricier, at
$30 to $45 per linear foot
. You may want to call a
local stair contractor
if you notice:
-
Squeaking steps
-
Scuffs, dings or scratches
-
Detached banisters or railings
-
Loose treads
-
Cracked, chipped or warped areas
Repairing vs. Replacing Stairs or Banisters
Repairing stairs or banisters
typically costs less than replacing them. If your steps have become entirely unsafe, wobbly or rotted, you’ll likely need to completely replace at least part of the stairs. A remodeling expert will know the best course of action to take in your home.
FAQ
Are stairs expensive?
Installing or replacing a staircase can be an expensive project, depending on the materials you use. Brazilian mahogany, iron and glass are a few pricier options that will definitely bump up the price of the job.
How long does it take to build a staircase?
The time it takes to
build a staircase
depends on the contractor, the design of the project and the materials used. For one contractor, the construction stage of this project could take around a week to complete. Talk with your staircase installation pro to get accurate timelines for this project.
How much does it cost to convert a half wall into a railing?
You’ll pay around
$1 to $5
per square foot to demolish a half wall, plus
$900
on average to install a new railing.
Can you update a stair railing without replacing it?
Yes, you can update a stair railing without replacing it by refinishing the railing. You can refinish the handrail and banisters using fresh paint or stain. Or, consider having a pro build around the existing structure.