Average staircase cost

Summary: How much does a staircase cost, average staircase installation costs and average cost of materials.

Costs for building a staircase can vary tremendously as can styles of staircases. There is a huge range of options on the market today, yet many people do not consider a staircase as an aesthetic piece and think of it in purely practical terms. However, stairs are normally the first thing that are seen on entering the house and therefore make that first crucial impression.

Average Cost

Factors to consider

When considering a new staircase, you need to think about the type of materials to be used and the look that you wish to achieve. Traditional timber staircases are always elegant and can be painted or stained to a colour of your choice. There are also stylish steel and glass designs for a more contemporary finish. An internet search will reveal the many superb styles of staircase on the market today. It is just a matter of working out your personal budget and deciding how much you can afford, or want, to spend.

You will need to comply with Building Regulations if you are having a staircase put into a new build property or a loft conversion. Similarly if you are putting a staircase into an extension or turning a staircase around or relocating it then Building Regulations will have to be adhered to. The Planning Department at your local authority will provide you with the appropriate forms you need to fill in. There will be a fee to pay, probably less than two hundred pounds and a Building Inspector will come to visit your home. He will be pleased to give advice as to how to proceed.

Once the basic measurements are worked out and the style and materials chosen, it is possible to estimate the cost. Bear in mind that with a new build the staircase is virtually the last thing to be placed in position so it is not too problematical if things are changed at the last minute. Considerable savings can be made if you feel competent enough to install your own staircase. However, it can be fairly time consuming so this needs to be borne in mind. Before commencing the work it is always helpful to ask the advice of a Building Inspector at your local authority. There are regulations as to how far apart the spindles need to be as well as the height of the balustrades. Advice over the phone will be freely given.

If your staircase is to be bespoke, a series of drawings will be done by your contractor. You will need to think about this roughly ten weeks before you need the finished staircase as this is the amount of time it will take from first drawings to installation.

Samples of materials to be used will be provided to enable you to make your choice at leisure. A staircase can be a “make or break” feature of a hallway and it is important to get it right. The manufacturer will take floor to floor measurements. What this means is that he will measure from the first floor landing floor level to the ground floor level. The information will be passed to the staircase maker who will probably make the staircase in about seven days.

A carpenter would probably take about two days to fit a staircase. If the staircase is a replacement for an old one is advisable to do some forward planning with regard to your personal life as, if this is the only flight of stairs in the house, you obviously won’t be able to go up and down for a while. You need to think what you will be doing on these particular days. If the staircase is in a new build then you will see what a vast difference it will make to the whole appearance of the building.

Spiral staircases can be an attractive feature although some people find them difficult to manoeuvre. But they can help when space is at a premium as they do not occupy a great width. A space saver staircase is often used when a loft is converted. These are smaller narrow staircases, not ideal for elderly people, but suitable for younger people who might wish to use an attic room for an office or child’s playroom.

Costs to consider

For an accurate estimate of cost, remember that generally basic measurements of staircases are roughly the same. It is the materials used that will largely determine the cost. The height from floor to floor plus the dimensions of the ceiling opening are measured in order to estimate the quantity of materials that will be required.