Staircase refurbishment costs

Has your staircase seen better days? Or is it perhaps too old-fashioned, and you’d prefer something more modern? Whether it needs a new balustrade, a lick of paint or whole sections replacing, refurbishment could bring your stairs back to life.

In this guide, we’ll look at the average staircase renovation costs you can expect to pay. This can help you plan your project and assess how much refurbishment work you can get for your budget.

Staircase renovation costs

So, how much does a staircase renovation cost? It all depends on what condition your staircase is in and the problems it has. There are lots of things to consider when costing up the work, such as:

• Loose or broken balusters
• Wet or dry rot, potentially caused by an underlying damp problem
• Creaky and worn treads
• Old or damaged paintwork
• Previous attempts at ‘modernisation’ that need reversing
• Loose handrails and/or spindles.

The more issues on your to-do list, the higher your staircase renovation costs are likely to be. The cost of a new handrail or bannister is between £45 and £120, while new spindles will set you back £90 on average.

You’ll also need to pay for a skilled tradesperson’s time. Average carpenter costs are around £200 per day.

But if you simply want to freshen up your stairs with a coat of paint and new carpet, it’ll be much cheaper. Painting and decorating prices are around £180 to £200 per day, while new carpet costs around £18.50 per square metre.

Staircase refurbishment cost UK

In most staircase renovations, it’s all about improving the aesthetic appeal of your stairs.

But this could all change if the tradesperson you bring in to assess your staircase discovers more serious structural problems. This could mean much higher staircase refurbishment costs, and perhaps even the need to replace the staircase altogether.

Take a look at our staircase cost guide for an idea of how much you can expect to pay.

Staircase building regulations

Unlike other parts of your home, your staircase must meet certain UK building regulations. Here are the key requirements for your staircase:

• 220mm maximum rise
• 220mm minimum tread width
• Balusters no more than 100mm apart
• 42° maximum pitch
• 2000mm minimum above the pitch line – to allow clear headroom.

FAQs

Do I need planning permission to refurbishment my staircase?

You don’t normally need planning permission to refurbish or replace your staircase. However, you will need to ensure that it meets the strict requirements set out by UK building regulations. The exception is for listed buildings, where planning consent is usually required.

When would I need to replace my staircase?

If your staircase is in a poor or unsafe condition or has serious structural issues, it could be better to replace rather than refurbish it. However, it’s recommended to have an inspection by an experienced staircase specialist.

Can I refurbish my staircase myself?

Most staircase refurbishment jobs require skill, experience and specialist tools. This means that unless you have the right expertise, it’s not something you can tackle yourself. To get the very best finish, you’ll need to bring in a skilled craftsperson.