Stairs & Railings Costs
Most homeowners spend between $587 and $1,895 nationally. Get free estimates from local stairs & railings contractors.
People who live in older homes may find that their stairs have become worn, hazardous, or aesthetically outdated. Others who are building a home from the ground up may also find themselves contemplating stairway construction. Today, staircases are available in a multitude of options, and a renovation or installation can make for a surprisingly economical DIY project.
On the other hand, if you need a helping hand with your stair or railing project, get in touch with local contractors ready to assist.
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Interior vs. Outdoor
Every staircase must be sturdy, safe, and have a banister or handrail that is securely attached to the staircase itself or to an adjacent wall. However, outdoor stairs must also be able to withstand the weather and be free of safety hazards posed by rain or ice. Therefore, it may be necessary to install slip-resistant treads to stairs that are outside. Interior stairs remain in a climate-controlled environment; therefore, a greater variety of materials may be used without concern for weather-resistance.
Wooden Staircases
Staircases that are made of wood are sturdy and more traditional. Those who wish to complete a staircase renovation on their own will find no shortage of DIY wooden staircase kits. Wood is a versatile material that suits old and new homes. Staircases that are made from wood have an elegant, classic appearance that can match virtually any style of decor.
Glass Stairs
Many homeowners are turning to glass to give their staircase a unique look. Glass is very modern and is well-suited for most newer homes; however, it can also easily have a place in an older house. Because glass is transparent, creating a staircase with this material can give a room a more spacious feel. However, glass is not as durable as wood and can incur greater expense if a glass pane becomes cracked. Glass stairs also require more cleaning than wood and metal.
Metal Staircases
With the interest in modern design growing, more and more people are implementing metal staircases into their homes for aesthetic reasons. Unlike wooden stairs, metal can instantly upgrade a living area, giving it an artsy, modern vibe. Metal also has the benefit of being resistant to termites. When saving money by assembling metal stairs as a DIY job, it is important to apply an anti-rust solution to all parts before putting them together.
The Benefits Of A Spiral Staircase
Spiral staircases are often preferred for aesthetic reasons. However, there are also many practical reasons to choose a spiral staircase over a straight one. In outdoor or indoor areas in which space is limited, some spiral staircases are more compact and are ideal for maintaining more open space. These staircases can also be easier to install as they only need to be anchored at two points. Even though spiral staircases may seem more elaborate than simple, straight staircases, homeowners may also find spiral staircase installation kits with pre-constructed parts, which makes for easier, less expensive DIY installation.
Whether making changes to an existing set of stairs, starting over from scratch, or installing stairs and a banister where there was not one before, individuals can save money by doing their own staircase renovations. All necessary parts and equipment can be found at a home improvement store or, in the case of missing or damaged parts, by contacting the original manufacturer.
Last updated on May 2, 2017
