How Much Will A New Staircase Cost You?

How much life do you have left in your stairs? Have you been Googling ‘floor contractors near me’ as you explore your staircase revival options? If this sounds familiar, then you’re not alone. Stairs, like any flooring material, have a lifespan. When your stairs are close to the end of their life, it’s time to start exploring your options. 

Unfortunately, if you have wooden stairs that are starting to sound like they belong in a haunted house with how squeaky they are, then your only option is complete replacement. In this case, how much does it cost to replace your entire staircase? Read on to find out how much a new staircase will cost you.

What Are The Signs Your Staircase Needs Full Replacement?

Replacing an entire set of stairs should be done only if necessary. And if you’ve exhausted every other option to revive your stairs. Why? Because complete staircase replacement is the most expensive stair repair option, we don’t recommend it unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Generally speaking, you’ll need to replace your staircase if there are structural issues or evidence of rot or sinking. 

As experienced flooring contractors, these are the signs that your staircase needs full replacement:

• Structural issues: If walking up the stairs makes you feel uneasy, or the newel posts are not secure and wobble, then your stairs have structural problems.
• Visible Damage: If you can see evidence that the stairs are rotten, cracking or splintering, or there’s water damage that’s caused the boards to warp, it’s time to replace the entire staircase.
• Safety Concerns: If you notice handrails, treads, or balusters are missing, loose, or broken, then it’s a definite sign that your stairs are unsafe.
• Sound: The noisier your stairs are, the more you need to pay attention to what this means. For instance, if your stairs groan, squeak, or are noisy, it indicates tread gaps or issues with the structural integrity.
• Not To Code: Older homes and their staircases may not meet current building codes due to height or pitch, requiring homeowners to replace them with new, code-compliant staircases.
• Design Flaws: Lastly, if your stairs are challenging to use because they are narrow or steep, then you may want to replace them.

How Much Are New Stairs?

No need to Google “flooring contractor near me” to get quotes on how much it’ll cost to replace your stairs just yet. First, you should know the average cost of new stairs.

Now, staircase costs depend on the staircase style and the material used. You must also factor into your budget that these “base” costs only include buying the staircase; thus, they don’t include labour costs.

• Average Cost: The standard cost for a new staircase and labour in Canada is between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on style and material.
• Cost Per Style: 
  • Straight stairs are the most common and cost $500-$1,500 per set.
  • L- or U-shaped stairs typically cost between $800 and $2,000+.
  • Floating stairs are the most complicated and thus cost the most, at $2,000-$5,500+.

• Cost Per Material:
  • Hardwood staircases range from $2,000-$5,000+.
  • Metal or Glass stairs are $1,500-$5,000+.

• Labour Costs: Since replacing staircases is not suitable for DIYers, homeowners will need to hire a flooring contractor to do the work. Labour costs depend primarily on the project’s complexity. Easy installs, like a straight stair, are more economical than a flooring contractor near you installing a floating staircase. On average, labour fees will range from $500 to $5,000.

Final Thoughts On Staircase Replacement

Replacing a staircase may seem like an ominous task, but it’s necessary, as unstable or noisy stairs almost always mean they are no longer safe for use. This doesn’t mean you should panic and hire the first contractor you consult; no, it means you need to do your research! Here’s what we suggest you consider if you find yourself in this situation:

• Set a budget that will cover the cost of materials and labour.
• Call flooring contractors near you to get quotes to find the best company for the job. Remember, using a professional also protects your staircases’ warranty (if there is one), while DIY installation usually nullifies it.
• Research which staircase style and material fits your space and budget.
• Schedule installation at a time that doesn’t interfere with your life, as removing a staircase means you’re unable to get upstairs, so installation is best done when you’re at work or away.

And if you still have questions about staircase replacement or are looking for an installation quote, give us at the Brothers Flooring a call today for a free consultation! With over 20 years of experience in the GTA, we’re confident we can help you with your flooring needs.