Wooden stairs with metal railing

Staircase Refurbishment Cost in the UK

Staircase refurbishment costs in the UK can start from £2000 upwards. If you are looking to delve into staircase renovation and have no idea what your expected expenditure might total to, then the task might be daunting. This is why the most common question asked to experts in this field is, 'How much does a staircase refurbishment cost?'

The staircase renovation cost on an existing staircase may vary depending on a number of items such as the period property, the size of the landing, the staircase material, the size and layout of the staircase, the number of new posts, and total turns and whether the staircase is open all sides or built against a wall. The choice of the client to have an individual staircase design will also impact labour costs and the renovation price.

What You Should Expect to Pay for an Average Staircase Renovation

  • Carpenter (per day) £200
  • Decorator and painter (per day) £190
  • New bannisters/handrail (per project) £80
  • New spindles (per project) £90
  • Carpet for a single straight staircase (installation) £87.50
  • Carpet (material per m2) £18.50
Wooden kitchen staircase with metal railing

Staircase Building Regulations

According to UK building regulations, your staircase has to meet a certain set of standards. These include:

  1. Maximum rise of 220 mm.
  2. Maximum tread width of 220 mm.
  3. 42° maximum pitch.
  4. Bannisters less than 100 mm apart.
  5. At least 2000 mm above the pitch line for clear headspace.

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When Should You Replace Your Stairs

If you notice some serious structural issues on your old staircase or realise that your stairs are in an unsafe or poor condition, then the best option for you would be to replace the staircase rather than refurbish it. However, an inspection by a staircase specialist is advised before making such a call.

winder staircase for loft conversion

Should You Refurbish Your Stairs Yourself

A staircase refurbishment job is one that will most of the time require the use of specialist tools, skills, and experience. This implies that unless you have the right skill set, it would be best to leave it to an expert. There are some jobs, however, that you can tackle depending on your DIY skills and abilities. Here are a few of these tasks:

Painting Staircases

If you are looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of your property and add a touch of modernisation, then adding a lick of paint might just do the trick. Ensure that you have thoroughly sanded down the surfaces to remove any existing varnish or paint first.

Loose Treads or Risers

Ensure you consult with a professional about any loose and worn treads or risers if you are not a trained carpenter or joiner. This is just so that you can be assured of the safety of your staircase. Once the repairs have been completed, you can decide on whatever finishing touches you might require for your staircase design.

Stair Cladding

If you prefer a wooden finish to a carpeted one, then stair cladding is the option for you. It is aesthetically pleasing and offers a great cosmetic solution for worn-out treads and risers. Cladding transforms your staircase without the need to replace the entire unit.

Although there is the option of doing some of the work yourself, it is advisable to hire a professional if you want to avoid any disappointment or additional costs. By knowing some of the costs you are likely to incur for a replacement staircase, you can start budgeting for the project. It is also ideal to get quotes from other local tradespeople.

Renovation

Clara Annesley

Clara Annesley is an interior design and construction content writer. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design Technology from the University of West London. Clara specialises in residential construction for topics like health & safety, architectural design and writing cost guides for renovation and remodelling projects.