Cost of a Staircase Remodel or Replacement

Last Updated on December 29, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Everyone is thinking about redesigning or renovating their home at one point or another. One common renovation is that made to the staircases. Interior stairs are an important part of the design or renovation process. This is a topic that appears on most housing projects – at least on the multi-story ones. Such a renovation usually implies replacing some staircase parts, but in some cases, it actually translates into replacing the entire structure of the stairs.

You can choose just to refinish the existing wood or to replace and refinish. The complex project depends on the design you go for and the condition of your staircases. However, the main goal is to improve the way this very important part of a house looks.

How much does it cost to remodel or replace your staircases?

The cost of a staircase makeover would be anywhere between $1,100 and $11,000, depending on the complexity of the project. Obviously, at the middle of the highest end of this price range will be an entire staircase makeover, while at the low end of this range will be the replacement of only one component or element.

Be prepared to pay anywhere between $1,900 and $2,600 for new risers and treads.

You might also like our articles about the cost of hardwood stair installation, elevator installation, and concrete steps installation.

For new balusters, you will have to budget anywhere between $1,250 and $1,700.

If you want to add a carpet runner you will have to pay another $550 to $2,200.

The cost for an entire makeover of a standard size staircase which includes newel posts, treads, a handrail, balusters, and risers will be anywhere between $4,100 and $8,500. Oddly shaped or larger staircases will definitely cost much more.

It is important to mention that there are some companies that have a minimum labor rate because staircase makeovers require custom designs and highly skilled workers. In general, this fee is around $550.

Types of staircase remodel/replacements

When making a change on your staircases you can choose to replace the whole assembly or some of the following elements:

Newel posts are the ones that support the handrail and these have the tendency to be pretty spaced from each other with some baluster between them.

Risers and treads – risers are the wood parts that make up the back of the stairs and the treads are those parts of the stairs you step on.

Shoes are the small pieces that are attached to the bottom or, in some cases, to the top of balusters in order to hide the hole which is cut from the balusters and make them more visually appealing.

Handrails are the rails that you hold on to while using the stairs.

Balusters are the decorative parts that help to support the handrails. The material these are made of can be of different types such as iron or wood. In case you replace the treads, you will have to replace the balusters as well.

The options mentioned above are mainly made of wrought iron or wood, but you have many more options to choose from if you want o to be more creative. For example, if your home is more futuristic, there are staircases made of materials like glass and stainless steel.

How to choose a contractor?

There are many companies on the market that offer staircase remodeling or replacement services and it may be hard to find the right one for you. Here are some tips on how to choose the contractor that works the best for you.

First of all, you should search for multiple price offers and compare these costs. Though you must pay attention to the prices that are incredibly low or high.

Make some research regarding the company you intend to hire. Also, ask for references from friends, family, or neighbors.

Ask the contractor to show you photos of their previous work so you can see that they really deliver what they promise.

Make sure the company is remodeling the staircases in order to meet the local code requirements. These requirements are in place for safety and if they are not respected then the stairs may be dangerous. For example, children can get caught between the rails or slide between them.

How can I save money?

You may be able to save money with your staircases if you choose to just refinish the existing posts and handrails instead of replacing them. However, make sure you compare the costs before choosing one of these options.