Staircase Cost

• A basic pull-down staircase for the attic runs about $100-$300 (aluminum costs more than wood) for a do-it-yourself project, but a high-quality pull-down stair with an energy-efficient insulated cover can be $750 -$1,000. Installing a pull-down staircase is similar to installing a pre-hung door and installation adds anywhere from $75-$300 or more depending on location and the complexity of the project, bringing the total cost to $175-$600 or more. ThisOldHouse.com explains how to install pull-down attic stairs[1]
• A do-it-yourself approach for basic basement steps starts around $250-$350 for materials, and takes about 3-4 hours. That's with standard lumber, such as pine; costs can go much higher with more expensive wood, such as oak. BobVila.com provides a video[2] showing how to build basement stairs. Professional installation typically costs about $500-$1,200 or more, for a total cost (materials plus labor) of $750-$1,550 or more, depending on the time required and labor costs in your area.
• A pre-built spiral staircase (as a kit or a one-piece unit) starts around $400-$500 for a standard steel model (without delivery or installation), but can run $550-$2,000 for larger, more elaborate steel versions. Aluminum spiral stairs start around $1,500-$2,000 and go up, and all-wood or metal-and-wood spiral stairs can be $2,000-$6,000 or more (without delivery or installation). Freight costs run around $150-$500 but can go up depending on weight and location. Installation typically requires a couple of workers for 3-4 hours, or about $600-$1,200 or more, depending on labor rates in your area. That add ups to a total cost of $1,200-$7,700 or more for a professionally installed spiral staircase.
• Pre-built wood stairs come in sections and cost $800-$4,000 or more (without delivery or installation), depending on whether they're made with pine (less expensive) or oak (more expensive) and if they're straight or have a landing. Freight charges start around $300-$600 but can go up depending on weight and location. Installation can take two workers anywhere from 2-8 hours, or $200-$2,400 or more, depending on the complexity of the project. Total costs (materials plus shipping and labor) for installing a straight, return or L-shaped stair can run $1,300-$7,000 or more.
• Materials plus labor for custom-built wooden stairs, such as a sweeping circular or elliptical design, can cost $10,000-$30,000 or more, depending on the size, style and type of wood.

• A straight stairway is the easiest to build, but takes up the most floor space. BobVila.com outlines stairbuilding basics[3] .
• Installing stairs can be tedious and time-consuming. It generally requires two workers who are familiar with general carpentry techniques (and one should be experienced at building stairs as well as aware of the local building codes regulating stairs). It's easy to trip on uneven steps, so for safety most building codes require stairs to be uniform, and regulate the height of the risers, the depth of the treads and the dimensions of the rails and headroom required. Check with your local planning department for the building codes in your area.

• When ripping out an old stairway and installing a new one, the entire project may include a number of other expenses, such as the costs for framing, flooring, electrical, drywall, plaster and paint. The total cost will depend on the extent of the work needed.

• Staircase kit manufacturers include Arke[4] , Southern Staircase[5] and Stairways Inc.[6]
• A handyman plus helper may be able to install basic pre-built basement stairs using a kit or pre-cut materials, but many experienced carpenters have difficulties building a stairway from scratch. It's best to hire someone with stair-building experience. RenovationExperts.com lists tips[7] for hiring a contractor. Ask for referrals at your local home improvement store or lumber yard.
• Get several estimates, making clear what is (and isn't) included in each quote. Request and check references; ask about the contractor's length and type of experience; and be sure they're properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state.

1.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20186506,00.html
2.  www.bobvila.com/projects
3.  www.bobvila.com
4.  www.arkestairs.com/
5.  www.southernstaircase.com/stairinabox.htm
6.  www.stairwaysinc.com/
7.  www.renovationexperts.com/beforehire.asp

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