Costs to close open stairs
Cost of closing an open staircase 2026
Closing an open staircase costs between €50 and €350 for materials, plus labour from €50 per hour. This job involves placing risers between the steps, giving you a closed staircase without having to replace the stairs entirely. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of closing a staircase and what to look out for during execution.
Table of Contents
- What is the cost to close a staircase?
- Cost of closing a staircase per finishing material
- Price-determining factors for closing a staircase
- Additional costs and surcharges
- How does the professional work when closing a staircase?
- How can you save on closing a staircase?
- Common problems with open staircases
- Find the best professional for closing your staircase
- Frequently asked questions about closing a staircase
- Book a professional now to close your staircase
- Useful links
What is the cost to close a staircase?
The costs for closing a staircase range between €50 and €350 for materials for a standard staircase of 10 to 13 steps. On top of this are the labour costs of the professional, starting from €50 per hour. The total price depends on the number of steps, the type of risers, and the processing time.
Basic costs for closing a staircase
| Cost item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cost per riser | €7 - €25 per piece |
| Material costs for risers (10-13 steps) | €50 - €350 per project |
| Hourly rate professional | from €50 per hour |
The table shows that material costs are relatively limited. Per riser, you pay between €7 and €25, depending on the material and finish. For a complete staircase with 10 to 13 steps, the material costs amount to €50 to €350. Labour costs vary per situation and are calculated separately.
The mentioned costs include 21% VAT. Please note that labour costs are in addition to material costs. The total price depends on the condition of your stairs, any preparatory work, and the required working time.
Cost of closing a staircase per finishing material
In addition to installing risers, you can choose a full staircase renovation with various finishing materials. The costs per step vary greatly depending on the chosen material. Painting is the most affordable, while oak is the most expensive option.
| Material type | Average cost per step |
|---|---|
| Painting | €30 |
| Carpeting | €50 |
| PVC or vinyl | €100 |
| Linoleum | €100 |
| Laminate | €100 |
| Oak wood | €150 |
Price-determining factors for closing a staircase
The costs for closing a staircase vary per situation. Not every job is the same, even if it involves the same number of steps. Below you can read which factors influence the price and why some jobs turn out to be more expensive than others.
Type of staircase
Closing a straight staircase requires less time and precision than a winding staircase. With a straight staircase, the risers are rectangular and of equal dimensions. For a quarter-turn, half-turn, or spiral staircase, the risers must be custom-made to follow the curve. This increases both material costs and labour hours.
Number of steps
An average home has a staircase with 10 to 13 steps. If you have a taller staircase or a staircase with an extra landing, more risers are needed. Each extra riser costs between €7 and €25 for material, plus extra time for installation. The more steps, the higher the total costs.
Material type of risers
MDF is the most affordable but has little moisture resistance. Plywood offers more stability and is better resistant to moisture. Solid wood, glass, or metal are more expensive but aesthetically more attractive and stronger. If you choose material with an anti-slip coating or scratch-resistant finish, the costs will be higher, but it will last longer.
Extra finish
If you only install risers, the costs remain limited. If you choose a complete staircase renovation with laminate, PVC, vinyl, or oak, the material and labour costs increase significantly. Each material requires different installation techniques and processing.
Condition of the staircase
If your staircase is irregular, damaged, or worn, preparatory work is necessary. Uneven steps must first be levelled. Damaged supports or loose parts require repair before risers can be placed. This extends the working time and increases the total price.
Additional plasterwork
After placing risers, it may be necessary to touch up plasterwork around the stairs. Filling cracks, finishing edges, or reapplying paint requires extra time and material. This work is usually charged separately.
Urgent or planned
Urgent jobs are more expensive. The professional must adjust their schedule, which leads to higher costs. If you plan the job in advance, you work more efficiently and costs remain lower.
Weekend or weekdays
Work at the weekend costs more than during the week. Most professionals charge a surcharge for work outside regular working hours. If you choose a weekday schedule, you pay less.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher overheads, travel time, and local market demand. In urban areas, average labour costs are often €10 to €15 higher per hour.
Preparation by the customer
If you have already removed the carpet, cleared the stairs, and covered the walls yourself, the professional saves time. Less preparatory labour means lower labour costs. Ensure everything is ready before the professional arrives.
Local professional
A local professional does not have to travel as far, which saves travel time. At Zoofy, you always work with affiliated professionals from the neighbourhood, without call-out charges. This keeps the total costs lower.
Use of Zoofy
At Zoofy, you see what you pay beforehand. No surprises afterwards, no hidden costs. The prices are clear and transparent, so you know exactly where you stand.
Additional costs and surcharges
Extra costs depend on your situation and wishes. At Zoofy, you pay no call-out charges.
- Urgency surcharge: A surcharge often applies to urgent tasks because the professional must adjust their schedule
- Weekend surcharge: Work at the weekend is more expensive than during the week
- Touching up plastering: After the installation of risers, it may be necessary to touch up plasterwork, which entails extra costs
- Adding or replacing a handrail: Adding or renewing a stair railing increases the total costs
- Installing a balustrade: Placing a balustrade requires extra material and labour hours
- Replacing stair strings: Replacing damaged or outdated stair strings entails additional costs
- LED lighting: LED strips in the stairs or handrail increase the costs
How does the professional work when closing a staircase?
Closing a staircase follows a fixed sequence of steps.
- Inspection and measurement: The professional inspects the staircase for stability and accurately measures all steps for the risers.
- Custom-making risers: The risers are cut to size. For winding stairs, custom work is necessary due to the different shapes per step.
- Preparation of staircase structure: The staircase is cleaned and any irregularities are rectified for good adhesion of the risers.
- Fixing risers: The risers are fixed with screws, glue, or clamps, depending on the material and staircase construction.
- Finishing: Seams and transitions are finished. If desired, the risers are lacquered, stained, or painted for a neat appearance.
- Final check: The professional checks whether all risers are secure and neatly finished.
For a standard straight staircase with 10 to 13 steps, the job takes on average half to a full working day. Clear the stairs of items beforehand and remove any carpet for good accessibility.
How can you save on closing a staircase?
There are several ways to reduce costs.
- Address problems early: Do not wait until small defects on the staircase become larger. Preventive maintenance prevents more expensive repairs later.
- Prepare the stairs: Fully clear the stairs, remove carpet or runners beforehand, and protect the surrounding walls. This saves the professional time and reduces labour costs.
- Plan on weekdays: Do not book at the weekend or as an urgent task. Weekday jobs are cheaper because no weekend or urgency surcharge is charged.
- Combine tasks: Have any extra options such as a handrail or LED lighting included directly. Combining is more economical than performing them separately later, which saves on labour hours.
- Book through Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common problems with open staircases
An open staircase can cause various problems that affect safety, comfort, and energy costs.
Safety risk
Open staircases pose a fall hazard, especially for small children who can fall through the gaps. Pets are also at risk with stairs without risers. This makes closing an open staircase necessary for families with young children.
Heat loss
Warm air rises and cannot be stopped by an open staircase, leading to higher heating costs. The gap between the steps acts as a cold bridge, forcing you to heat more upstairs to get it warm.
Noise nuisance
An open staircase lets more sound through between floors, which can cause nuisance. Conversations, TV sound, and footsteps are more clearly audible.
Postponing the closing means ongoing safety risks and higher energy costs.
Find the best professional for closing your staircase
A reliable professional ensures a safe, neat finish and controlled costs.
- No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional's arrival.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what you will pay, no surprises afterwards.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Provide three time slots and the professional will contact you, without a long wait.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay once the job has been carried out to your satisfaction.
- Reliable, verified professionals: Via Zoofy you easily get in touch with a professional in your area, with an average rating of 9.2.
- Proven quality: More than 200,000 satisfied customers have already preceded you in booking reliable professionals.
Frequently asked questions about closing a staircase
Can you close an open staircase?
Yes, an open staircase can be closed by placing risers between the steps. These are vertical panels that fill the open space, making your stairs safer and reducing heat loss without replacing the entire staircase.
What are risers exactly?
Risers are vertical panels placed between the steps to close the open space. They are fixed with screws, glue, or clamps, depending on the material and staircase construction.
Which is more expensive, an open or closed staircase?
An open staircase is often cheaper in new construction because less material is required. Retrospectively closing an open staircase costs between €50 and €350 for materials for risers, plus labour from €50 per hour.
What are the costs for closing a stairwell?
The costs are between €50 and €350 for materials for a staircase of 10 to 13 steps. On top of this are labour costs from €50 per hour, depending on the type of staircase and chosen material.
How can I temporarily close my open staircase?
For a temporary solution, you can use transparent plexiglass panels attached with clamps. This is safer for children but offers no insulation. For a permanent solution with better insulation, risers are the best choice.
Can I use the stairs during the work?
Usually not. The staircase must be clear so that the professional can work safely and efficiently. If necessary, arrange alternative access to other floors during the job.
How long does it take for glue or lacquer to dry?
This varies per product, but count on at least 24 hours before the stairs can be fully loaded again. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best result.
Does closing a staircase improve insulation?
Yes, a closed staircase retains warm air better and reduces heat loss between floors. This lowers your heating costs, especially in homes with open stairwells.
Can risers also be removed again?
Yes, but this can leave traces on the staircase construction such as screw holes or glue residue. Consider this carefully before having risers installed.
Is a permit required for closing a staircase?
Generally no permit is required for placing risers. In monumental buildings or for radical adjustments, different rules may apply; check this with your local council.
Book a professional now to close your staircase
Ready to have your open staircase closed? At Zoofy you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy pairs you with a reliable professional who has been verified. You only pay once the work is done. Book a professional directly now.