Costs of stairs renovatie
Stair renovation costs 2026
The costs for a stair renovation range on average from €1,000 to €3,500, depending on the type of material and the dimensions of your stairs. In a stair renovation, renovation treads are placed over the existing steps without any demolition work, making your stairs look like new again. In this price guide, you can read about the factors that influence the price, the costs per type of material, and what to look out for when renovating your stairs.
How much does a stair renovation cost?
A stair renovation costs an average of €2,600, including materials and labour. For a simple renovation of a straight staircase, you pay from €1,000, while a luxury version with LED lighting and new handrails can go up to €3,500. The total price depends on the type of material, the dimensions of your stairs, and any extra options such as risers.
Costs per type of stair renovation
Type of stairs | Costs |
|---|---|
Simple stair renovation (straight stairs, cheaper materials) | €1,250 |
Standard stair renovation | €2,600 |
Luxury stair renovation (with lighting, handrails, or risers) | €3,850 |
The table shows that the costs for a stair renovation highly depend on the execution. A standard renovation is the most common choice, where the existing stairwell is maintained and new renovation treads are installed.
The price structure consists of approximately 35% labour and 50% material costs. The remaining 15% goes towards extra options such as LED lighting or customised risers. The hourly rate for the connected professionals averages €80 per hour. Risers cost an average of €12.50 each. If you only want to have an existing wooden staircase painted without renovation treads, expect to pay between €300 and €700 per staircase.
All mentioned price indications include 21% VAT and labour.
Stair cladding costs per material
The costs per step vary greatly per chosen material. Painting your existing stairs is the most affordable option starting at €30 per step, while oak at €150 per step is the most expensive but most luxurious choice. Below is an overview of the various costs for cladding a staircase per material.
Material | Price per step |
|---|---|
Painting | €30 |
Carpet | €50 |
Linoleum | €100 |
Laminate | €100 |
Vinyl or PVC | €125 |
Oak | €150 |
Price-determining factors for stair renovation
The costs for a stair renovation are determined by several factors. Insight into these factors helps you understand why the price of one project differs from another, and where you might be able to save.
Stair type (open or closed)
With an open staircase, only the tops of the steps are clad. With a closed staircase, risers and often the stair strings are also included. This requires more material, more sawing, and more time, which increases the price.
Stair shape (straight, quarter turn, half turn, spiral staircase)
A straight staircase is simple to renovate. Every turn adds complexity through extra angles, a larger surface area, and more custom work. A quarter turn costs more than a straight staircase, a half turn even more, and a spiral staircase requires the most time and precision.
Number of steps
Standard staircases have 13 to 16 steps. The more steps, the more material and labour are required. For a staircase with 20 steps, the costs are higher than for a staircase with 13 steps.
Type of material
Inexpensive materials such as carpet or paint keep costs low. Luxury materials like oak significantly increase the price. The choice of material determines about half of the total costs.
Extra options
LED lighting, new handrails, risers, and anti-slip strips increase the total price. These options require extra material and installation time and are charged on top of the basic renovation.
Complexity and accessibility
Difficult-to-reach stairs or stairs with special constructions require more time and expertise. If the professional spends longer customising or installing treads, labour costs rise.
Urgency versus planned
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. Professionals have to adjust their schedules, justifying a surcharge. Plan your job in advance to avoid these additional costs.
Weekend
Work at the weekend costs more than on weekdays. Weekend work requires a surcharge on the standard hourly rate of €80 per hour.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher costs for materials, transport, and labour in urban environments.
Do not delay jobs
Addressing small problems like loose or creaking steps early is more cost-effective than having to carry out a full renovation later. Early intervention saves on material and labour.
Choose a local professional
Local professionals can be on-site faster and may charge less for travel time. This saves on the total costs.
Good preparation and accessibility
Ensure the staircase is clear and accessible. Remove old stair treads or flooring yourself to save on labour costs. The less the professional has to prepare, the lower the price.
Use a fair platform like Zoofy
At Zoofy, you know what you pay upfront, with no surprises. There are no call-out charges and you only pay after completion of the job.
Additional costs and surcharges for stair renovation
Extra costs depend on your specific situation. At Zoofy, you pay no call-out charges.
For urgent jobs, a surcharge often applies because the professional has to adjust their schedule
Work at the weekend is more expensive than during the week
Risers cost an average of €12.50 each extra when replaced or added
LED lighting in stair treads increases costs by approximately 20%
Stair strings (the sides of the stairs) can be included in a closed stair renovation for a complete finish
Anti-slip strips or stair mats are optional safety additions, especially recommended for slippery materials or with children and the elderly in the house
New stair handrails or spindles increase the total price but can improve safety and appearance
How does the professional work during a stair renovation?
The stair renovation follows a fixed sequence of steps.
Inspection and advice: The professional looks at the existing staircase and discusses materials, colours, and possibilities. They show samples and provide an estimate of the costs.
Preparatory work: Old cladding such as stair treads or flooring is removed. The staircase is sanded for better adhesion of the new materials.
Measuring: Every step is accurately measured, taking into account any deviations and bends. This precision work ensures perfectly fitting treads without gaps.
Customising material: The renovation treads are made to measure based on the measurements.
Installing renovation treads: The new treads are placed over the existing steps and secured. For a closed staircase, risers are also applied.
Finishing and cleaning up: Optional components such as LED lighting, handrails, or anti-slip strips are installed. The workspace is cleaned and any construction waste is removed. A straight staircase is often renovated within 1 day, a staircase with bends can take 1-2 days. The staircase is usable immediately after installation.
How can you save on stair renovation?
There are several ways to lower costs without compromising on quality.
Address problems early: Repairing small defects like loose or creaking steps immediately prevents greater damage and a more expensive renovation later.
Prepare yourself: Remove old stair treads, flooring, or paint and sand the stairs yourself. This can provide up to a 40% saving on labour costs.
Plan smartly: Book on weekdays instead of at the weekend or as an urgent job. Planned jobs are more cost-effective than urgent work.
Choose cheaper material: Carpet or laminate keep costs lower than oak, while the result is still beautiful.
Combine jobs: Have several jobs carried out at the same time, such as the stairs and floor or painting. This saves on mobilisation costs.
Painting as an alternative: With a limited budget, a new coat of paint (€300 to €700) still gives your stairs a fresh look.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate upfront, with no call-out charges and no surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
When is stair renovation necessary?
Stair renovation is necessary in case of visible wear or structural problems that affect the safety or appearance of your stairs.
Worn stair steps
Worn steps are not only unsightly; they also pose a safety risk due to an increased chance of slipping. The surface becomes smooth and uneven, especially at pressure points where your feet often land.
Peeling paint or varnish layer
This indicates wear and reduces the protective layer of the staircase. The underlying wood becomes more vulnerable to moisture and dirt, which accelerates further decay.
Creaking or loose steps
This indicates loosened fixings or weakened wood. The noise is annoying, but more importantly, stability decreases and damage can spread further if left unaddressed.
Outdated flooring
Thick, old carpet stair treads are unhygienic and age the appearance of your home. They hold dust and give the stairs a dated look.
Postponement leads to higher costs
Addressing small problems early is more cost-effective than having to perform a full renovation or replacement later. In the case of structural damage or woodworm, renovation is no longer sufficient and the staircase must be replaced.
Find the best professional for stair renovation
A stair renovation is precision work where professional installation is crucial for safety.
Sleek finish without gaps: The professional ensures perfectly fitting renovation treads without gaps, so your staircase looks professional and is safe.
Time-saving: A straight staircase is often renovated within 1 day, allowing you to enjoy your renewed stairs quickly.
Professional advice on materials: The professional helps you choose from options that fit your budget and wishes, so the costs are clear.
No call-out charges: At Zoofy, you never pay extra for the professional's arrival.
Fixed price upfront: You know exactly what the costs will be, without surprises afterwards.
Fast booking without quote hassle: Provide your availability and the professional will come by, without complicated quotes or waiting times.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is done and you are satisfied.
Nearly 7,000 connected professionals: There is always a reliable professional in your area, checked and verified.
Average customer satisfaction of 9.2: The professionals at Zoofy are highly rated by customers.
Frequently asked questions about stair renovation
What does a stair renovation of 13 steps cost?
The costs for 13 steps depend on the chosen material. With laminate (€100 per step), you pay approximately €1,300 just for the steps. With oak, this amounts to about €1,950, and with carpet to €650. Add any risers and extra options to this.
What is the difference between an open and a closed staircase?
With an open staircase, only the top of the steps needs to be clad. With a closed staircase, the risers (the vertical parts) and often the stair strings are also included, which costs more in material and labour. This increases the price.
What does it cost on average to have a staircase clad?
On average, costs range between €1,000 and €3,500, depending on material, stair type, and extra options. A standard renovation costs about €2,600 including material and labour.
What is the cheapest stair renovation option?
Painting is the cheapest at approximately €30 per step. For complete cladding, carpet at €50 per step is the most economical choice. This keeps costs low without compromising on quality.
How long does a stair renovation take?
A straight staircase is often renovated within 1 day. A staircase with bends or extra options such as LED lighting can take 1-2 days. The staircase is usable immediately after installation.
Can I renovate the stairs myself?
Preparatory work such as removing old cladding and sanding can be done yourself. Installing renovation treads is precision work and is better left to a professional for a safe and sleek result without gaps.
What are HPL and CPL?
HPL (High Pressure Laminate) and CPL (Continuous Pressure Laminate) are plastic sheet materials with a rock-hard base layer and a lifelike wood look. They are maintenance-free and ideal for intensively used stairs.
When is replacement of the stairs needed instead of renovation?
In the case of structural damage to the stair construction, woodworm, or when you want to adjust the shape or dimensions, renovation is not enough. Then the staircase must be replaced.
Is LED lighting in the stairs worth it?
LED lighting is particularly useful in dark stairwells and for nighttime safety. It increases costs by approximately 20% but provides a luxurious look and increased safety.
Are the prices inclusive of VAT?
Yes, all mentioned prices include 21% VAT and labour. For homes older than 2 years, the reduced VAT rate of 9% applies to labour, which can lower the total costs.
Book a professional for stair renovation now
Ready to have your stairs renovated? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs upfront, and Zoofy pairs you with a reliable, vetted professional. You only pay once the work is finished. Book a professional directly now.