Cost guide
What a staircase remodel actually costs.
These are the ranges our crews quote most often across the country. Your number depends on tread count, stair shape, material and how much structural correction is hiding under the carpet. Use this to budget, then send photos for a written scope.
Price ranges
Typical 2026 project costs
Ranges are national averages for a standard 13 to 16 tread staircase, materials and labor included.
| Project | Typical range | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet to hardwood stairs (13-16 treads) | $2,000 - $5,500 | Carpet removal, solid or retro-fit treads, painted risers and skirt. |
| Stair refinishing (sand and re-stain) | $1,200 - $3,000 | Existing hardwood treads sanded, stained and sealed. |
| Railing and baluster replacement | $1,500 - $6,000 | Iron, wood, cable or glass infill with existing newels reused where possible. |
| Handrail or newel post replacement only | $400 - $1,800 | Per run, depending on profile, species and wall vs. post mounted. |
| Full staircase remodel (treads, risers, railing) | $4,500 - $12,000 | Complete rebuild of the visible staircase, structure untouched. |
| New custom staircase construction | $9,000 - $35,000+ | Straight, L-shaped, curved or floating builds, engineered and shop-built. |
| Stair repair (squeaks, loose treads, damage) | $300 - $2,000 | Scope depends on access from below and how much finish work follows. |
Ranges are estimates for budgeting only, not a quote. Final pricing follows an on-site or photo-based measurement.
Cost drivers
What moves your price
Tread count and stair shape
A straight 13-tread run costs far less than a curved or winder stair with pie-shaped treads that each need custom cutting.
Material species
Red oak is the value baseline. White oak, maple, walnut and hickory step the material line up, and prefinished treads cost more than site-finished.
Railing system
Wood balusters are cheapest, iron sits in the middle, cable and glass panel systems are the top of the range.
Structural corrections
Out-of-code rise and run, rotted stringers or a wall removal turn a finish job into a carpentry job.
Finish schedule
Stain matching to existing floors, multiple coats and dust containment all add labor days.
Region and access
Labor rates and permit requirements vary by market, and a tight second-floor landing slows everything down.
Questions
Staircase cost FAQs
How much does it cost to remodel a staircase?
Most full staircase remodels land between $4,500 and $12,000. Simpler projects like carpet-to-hardwood conversions often run $2,000 to $5,500, while new custom staircase construction starts around $9,000 and rises with shape and material.
How much does it cost to replace carpet on stairs with hardwood?
Expect roughly $2,000 to $5,500 for a typical 13 to 16 tread staircase, including carpet and staple removal, treads, risers, skirt board and finish.
How much does a new stair railing cost?
Railing and baluster replacement generally runs $1,500 to $6,000. Wood balusters are the least expensive, iron sits mid-range, and cable or glass panel systems are the most expensive.
Is refinishing cheaper than replacing stair treads?
Yes. Refinishing existing hardwood treads usually costs $1,200 to $3,000, roughly half of a tread replacement, but it only works when the existing treads are solid hardwood and thick enough to sand.
How do I get an exact staircase remodeling price?
Send photos and a tread count through our request form. We reply by email with a written scope, material options and a firm price range before any crew is scheduled.
Ready to price your own staircase? Browse our stair services or find a crew in your state.
Free estimate
Get a written price for your staircase
Send the details of your staircase and we'll come back by email with a written scope, material options and a price range.
- Replies within one business day
- No obligation, no phone spam
- Photos welcome, not required