How Much Does It Cost to Build or Replace a Staircase? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $952 - $3,244
Building a staircase costs around $2,054, on average, and most projects fall between $952 and $3,244.
The cost to install a staircase averages around $2,054, with some projects as low as $320 and some installations reaching as high as $6,000, according to data from over 4,000 Angi customers. The exact amount you’ll need to budget for your new staircase depends on the material, style, customizations, and more.
While the project can get expensive, installing a new staircase or railing can become your most stunning, game-changing centerpiece, rather than just a functional walkway to the other levels in your home.
- Average
- $2,054
- Low end
- $320
- high end
- $6,000
Staircase Cost Factors
The price range for building a new staircase is so large because there are quite a few factors that can push costs higher or lower. We’ll explain the different cost factors in detail below to help you get an accurate estimate for your project.
Size
Of course, the size of your staircase flight matters, as larger sets of stairs will cost more for the materials and the labor to build and finish the structure. Expect to spend between $120 and $300 per step, depending on the material, with an average of around $150. You can use the cost table below to get an idea of your total based on the number of steps you need installed.
| Number of Steps | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 | $450 |
| 4 | $600 |
| 6 | $900 |
| 8 (half flight) | $1,200 |
| 13 | $2,000 |
| 14 | $2,100 |
| 15 | $2,300 |
| 16 (full flight) | $2,400 |
Material
Stairs are made of various materials, each with a different price tag. Concrete stairs cost more than other options since they require the most material, while tile, hardwood, and composite materials can all keep costs to a minimum.
| Stair Material | Average Cost (Half Flight) | Average Cost (Full Flight) |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | $1,400 | $2,800 |
| Concrete | $2,400 | $4,800 |
| Hardwood | $1,200 | $2,400 |
| Metal | $1,600 | $3,200 |
| Tile | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Style
New stairs will always be a means of accessing different levels or areas in your home, but they can also serve as the focal point for a room and act as a part of your decor. Some style you might want choose include:
| Style | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard | $2,000+ |
| Switchback | $4,000+ |
| Floating | $10,000+ |
| L-shaped | $4,000+ |
| Curved | $12,000+ |
| Spiral | $8,000+ |
| Storage | $4,000+ |
New vs. Replacement Staircase
If you want to replace your staircase, you must first demolish your old stairs. The cost to replace a staircase will vary according to material and construction type, but generally, demolishing stairs will cost between $300 and $2,000, and then you’ll pay anywhere between $320 and $6,000 or more to install the new staircase.
Professionals tend to disassemble stairs rather than demolish them to pieces to ensure the surrounding structure remains intact. This process is more time-consuming and will likely increase your project cost.
Custom Staircase
Custom staircases are great ways to bring character to your renovation. These added features, although gorgeous, will increase your costs. Expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to more than $30,000 for custom staircases with finishes like:
Additional landings or curves
Etched detailing on risers, treads, balusters, or other parts of a staircase
Increased stair depth or tread size
Elaborate materials other than wood
Built-in storage
Location
Installing stairs will cost between $952 and $3,244 in most cases, but the cost depends on where you want it.
Basement and attic stairs are the most affordable to install or replace, since you can easily leave them unpainted or unstained. Stairs in common areas usually cost more because homeowners choose to finish the material with carpet, paint, or wood stain.
| Staircase by Location | Cost |
|---|---|
| Main staircase | $2,400–$4,000 |
| Basement stairs | $920–$2,800 (depending on finished or unfinished) |
| Attic stairs | $500–$900 |
Carpet Runner
If you prefer to have your stairs covered with a carpet runner, it will cost between $500 and $2,000, on average. This is more affordable than replacing the stairs entirely, but it might not be a viable option if your existing stairs have structural damage.
Treads and Risers
Treads and risers make up the steps of stairs and, when added, can transform your staircase into a feature piece. They come in different styles, designs, and materials, costing between $1,800 and $2,500. This can be an alternative to a full replacement, but only if your existing stairs are structurally sound.
New Balusters
Style your handrails while also providing the required support using different materials, such as wood or iron. The balusters will cost anywhere between $500 and $1,600 for a full flight of stairs.
Railing Type
When it comes to hand railings, you can unleash your creativity. Installing different handrails can take the design to a whole new level. There are several materials and styles which can cost between $340 and $580.
The table below includes pricing for different railing options to help you get an accurate estimate.
| Railing Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Cable wire | $2,000–$3,300 |
| Composite or PVC | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Glass | $1,500–$8,500 |
| Steel | $1,200–$2,700 |
| Wood | $750–$1,250 |
| Wrought iron | $800–$5,000 |
If you’re working with an enclosed staircase with walls on one or both sides, you can save some money by opting for a wall-mounted railing on just one side. The average cost for a simple wall-mounted oak wailing is around $250.
Newel Post and Banister
Expect to pay $35 to $550 for newel posts, which come in various designs to support the handrail and create a beautiful architectural element. As for installing a stair banister, expect to pay between $300 and $450.
Staircase and Stairwell Painting
With a cost of $590 on average or $4 to $12 per linear foot, you can give your staircase and stairwell a fresh coat of stain or paint for a completely refreshed look. You can either include this in the cost of building a staircase, or you can keep renovation costs down by avoiding replacement and just refinishing existing stairs if they’re in good shape. You might need to budget between $100 and $500 for sanding and prepping the old steps.
Permits
Most local authorities require a building permit for construction projects, including building a staircase. While the permit cost varies by staircase size and your location, expect to pay $100 to $500 for a building permit. If the staircase construction involves demolishing any existing structures, you may also need a demolition permit, adding at least another $100 to your total permit budget. Work with your local pro to ensure you have all the necessary permits to comply with regulations.
Labor
Building a staircase is a labor-intensive job that can require between 4 and 12 hours of work, depending on the size of the staircase and the material. Expect about 50% of your total staircase cost to go toward labor, or an average of around $1,000. Labor prices can reach up to around $2,000 for concrete stairs, and they can climb higher if your project includes removing an old staircase before construction begins.
Accessibility
Upgrading stairs with accessibility in mind can be challenging and may increase project costs. We highly recommend consulting with any individual with specific accessibility needs to determine whether features like a wheelchair ramp, stair lift, or other universal design accommodations are desired. Be sure to communicate these needs clearly with the pro to ensure satisfactory results after the stair project.
Cost to Replace a Staircase by Style
The more complicated your desired style, the higher the cost. However, spending more on a more ornate staircase can also elevate the look of your home and add more value.
| Style | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched/curved | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Floating | $8,000–$12,000 |
| L-Shaped | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Spiral | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Storage | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Straight | $952– $3,251 |
| Switchback | $3,000–$6,000 |
Arched/Curved Stairs Cost
Curved stairs are some of the most luxurious, not only because they curve downward in an elegant manner, but they also take up the most space, so they’re only suitable in homes with a large amount of spare square footage.
These also come with some of the highest installation costs, averaging around $12,000 and usually falling somewhere between $10,000 and $20,000. More ornate designs, with multiple curves or steps that widen as you descend, are the most elegant but can come with a price tag of more than $30,000.
Floating Staircase Cost
Floating staircases are ideal for modern and contemporary designs, as they embrace minimalism by reducing the amount of material that goes into construction. These can either have a single brace under the entire staircase, or your professional can mount each step to the structural components behind your walls to make them look like they’re actually floating.
Floating staircases add intrigue to your space, but they’re tough on your wallet. They average around $10,000 and usually cost between $8,000 and $12,000.
L-Shaped Stairs Cost
L-shaped stairs are great for tight spaces, as they consist of a half flight that comes down to a landing, makes a 90-degree turn, and then descends the rest of the way with another half flight.
L-shaped stairs cost between $3,000 and $6,000 to install, with an average of around $4,000.
Spiral Stairs Cost
A spiral staircase is another elegant solution that can also serve as a focal point for your room’s decor. They’re most popular in specific interior design styles, including:
Modern/contemporary
Industrial
Rustic farmhouse
Scandinavian
Mediterranean
Spiral stairs cost $8,000 on average, and prices typically range from $6,000 up to $12,000.
Storage Stairs Cost
Storage stairs are perfect for adding some additional storage space to your home, as the underside of the stairs remains enclosed with a closet door for access. These staircases are popular for staircases on main floors and basements. Keep in mind that adding storage underneath usually requires that you go with a straight staircase design.
Installing a storage staircase costs between $2,000 and $6,000, in most cases, and the total averages around $4,000.
Straight Staircase Cost
A straight staircase is the most common type you’ll find in a residential property. These consist of steps that travel in a straight line from top to bottom, and serve mostly as a means of access to different levels, although it’s not uncommon to see decorative materials like hardwood. You can expect to spend between $952 and $3,244 for a straight staircase.
Switchback Stairs Cost
Switchback (or U-shaped) stairs are similar to L-shaped stairs, but instead of making a 90-degree turn halfway up, they make a full 180-degree turn, usually with a larger landing. These stairs are great for smaller spaces, as they take up less square footage than straight stairs.
Switchback stairs cost around $4,000 to install, but prices can fall anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000 for a full flight.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Build or Replace a Staircase
If you wish to rebuild or install a staircase yourself, you might be able to save between $1,000 and $5,000 in labor fees, depending on the job’s complexity. Your total cost for materials alone will likely cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
Building a staircase is not for an amateur DIYer. This job requires technical and highly specialized skills to calculate the dimensions of the treads and risers, follow proper building codes, source the right materials, and install a beautiful, safe structure.
This is why we recommend hiring a local stair builder for this job. You’ll save time—and frustration—while ensuring a professional look for the finished product.
If you’re planning on installing anything other than a straight staircase, hiring a professional is close to necessary, as getting curves and angles correct can be a challenge—even for the experienced DIYer.
Ways to Save Money on the Cost to Build Stairs
While DIYing might not be the best idea, there are other ways to save money on installing a staircase. Use these tips to keep your costs to a minimum:
Choose a simple design. A straight staircase will cost a fraction of a curved staircase, so going with a simpler design with fewer curves and angles can help keep installation costs as low as possible.
Pick your stair material carefully. You can also keep material costs down by choosing a less expensive option. For outdoor stairs, you might be limited to concrete, but choosing hardwood over steel or wrought iron can save you around $50 per step and can look just as elegant.
Install railings yourself. You can tackle installing railings, balusters, and newel posts yourself if you’re comfortable doing so. This can save a few hundred dollars or thousands in some cases, depending on the material.
Consider finishing the stairs yourself. You can also save a few hundred dollars by finishing your stairs yourself instead of paying for a professional to do it. Most homeowners can tackle painting or staining with some practice and patience.
Stick with the same design you already have. You stand to save a lot of time and money by avoiding changing the structural components of your stairs. If you have straight stairs, replace them with the same design to save money.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many contractors offer staircase services, but you can also find stair companies that are dedicated exclusively to staircase installation and makeovers. If you’re planning a more elaborate design, search for reputable stair building contractors who will provide estimates, detailed project drawings, and superior finished products. You might pay a little more for this specialized labor, but it’s often worth the added investment.
Building a new staircase can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the design, materials, and whether an old one needs to be demolished. Straight staircases are quicker to build than curved or spiral staircases, which require more intricate design and precise measurements.
Premade or stock staircases are a common choice because of their affordability and easy install. These structures cost between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on materials, size, and design.
Custom staircases are more costly—between $5,000 and $10,000 or more—but are great for unique spaces and main staircases that beg for a grand focal point. When opting for a custom staircase, plan to work with your contractor on design blueprints and project timelines.
While you have contractors in your house, it would be a great time to consider painting or retiling the entryway to match your new grand staircase. Also, upgrading your space with new lighting, a shiny tile floor, or a pop of color on your front door will have a big impact on your entryway.