Costs of covering the staircase
Cladding your stairs costs on average between €650 and €1,800, depending on the type of material and the size of your stairs. Stair cladding means applying a finishing layer such as carpet, PVC, or laminate to your existing stairs for more comfort, better sound insulation, and a fresh look. In this price guide, you can read about the costs for stair renovation and what to look out for when cladding your stairs.
Table of Contents
What does it cost to clad stairs?
Cladding a staircase costs on average between €650 and €1,800 for a standard staircase of thirteen steps, including material and labour. The costs for cladding a staircase mainly depend on the type of stair covering you choose: carpet is the most affordable option, while PVC is at the top of the price spectrum.
Costs of stair cladding per type of stair covering
Type of stair covering | Costs |
|---|---|
Carpet without underlay | €500 - €600 |
Carpet with underlay | €600 - €700 |
PVC | €1,550 - €1,800 |
Removing old stair covering | €300 - €500 |
The table shows that the costs for carpet on the stairs are the lowest, especially if you choose carpet without underlay. Carpet with underlay does offer better sound insulation and more comfort underfoot. The costs for PVC stair covering are significantly higher, but PVC is low-maintenance and hard-wearing. Note: removing old stair covering is a separate cost item that comes on top of the price for new cladding.
All mentioned prices include 21% VAT and labour. The professional performing the job determines the exact price based on the condition of your stairs and the type of material you choose.
Costs of stair cladding per material type
The costs for cladding your stairs vary mainly by the type of material. Carpet is the most affordable choice for those seeking comfort without a large budget, while PVC requires the highest investment but also offers the most durability. Below you can see exactly what each material costs for a standard staircase of thirteen steps.
Type of stair covering | Costs | Features |
|---|---|---|
Carpet without underlay | €500 - €600 | Budget-friendly, basic comfort |
Carpet with underlay | €600 - €700 | Extra walking comfort, sound insulation |
PVC | €1,550 - €1,800 | Durable, water-resistant, hard-wearing |
Price-determining factors for stair cladding
The costs for cladding a staircase vary per situation. The total price depends not only on the type of material but also on the complexity of the stairs, the timing of the job, and how well you are prepared.
Stair shape and construction
Straight stairs are the simplest to clad because all steps have the same shape. For quarter-turn or half-turn stairs, the steps must be cut to size, which takes more time and increases the price. The more complex the shape, the more customisation and labour time the professional needs.
Open versus closed stairs
With closed stairs with risers, only the top of the steps needs to be clad. An open staircase without risers requires more work: the steps must be finished all around (top, sides, and bottom). This requires more material and labour time, causing costs to rise.
Number of steps
Dutch stairs usually have 12-13 steps. More steps mean more material and longer working time; fewer steps reduce costs proportionally. The number of steps directly determines how many square metres of stair covering are needed.
Risers and stair strings
Stair strings (the sides of the stairs) are usually upholstered as standard. Cladding risers is often a separate cost item. Want to save costs? You can also paint the risers yourself instead of upholstering them.
Type of material
PVC is more expensive than carpet but lasts longer and is easier to keep clean. The choice of material has a major influence on the total price. If you choose carpet with underlay, you pay more than for carpet without underlay, but you get better sound insulation.
Urgent jobs
An urgent task costs more than a planned assignment. The professional must adjust their schedule to visit you quickly, resulting in a higher price. Plan your job in advance if you want to limit the costs.
Weekend or weekdays
Work in the weekend is more expensive due to surcharges. If you have the stairs clad during the week, you pay the regular rate. This can make a significant difference in the total costs.
Condition of the stairs
Does the old stair covering need to be removed first? Then additional costs apply. Damage to the steps themselves also increases the price, as these must first be repaired before the new cladding can be applied.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas. The local market and the availability of professionals influence the hourly rate and thus the total costs.
Preparation and accessibility
Is the staircase easily accessible and free of obstacles? Then the professional can get started immediately. If space needs to be made first or if there are pieces of furniture that need to be moved, it costs extra time and therefore extra money.
New construction
In a newly built house, you should only have the stairs clad a few months after completion. The moisture in the wood must first dissipate, otherwise the cladding may curl or come loose. Plan the job only when the house is completely dry.
Additional costs and surcharges
Extra costs for cladding your stairs depend on your situation. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
Urgent surcharge: A surcharge applies for urgent jobs because the professional must adjust their planning.
Weekend surcharge: Work during the weekend is more expensive than on weekdays due to surcharges.
Removing old stair covering: This costs €300 to €500 extra and must be done before new cladding can be applied. With glued material, this can be complex.
Cladding risers and stair strings: This is additional work and increases the total price.
Extra options: Anti-slip strips for safety, stair mats for extra comfort, or LED lighting for atmosphere are additional costs.
Delivery: Always ask if delivery costs are included or calculated separately.
How does the professional work when cladding stairs?
Cladding a staircase follows a fixed sequence in which the professional prepares the surface and applies the cladding precisely to size.
The professional inspects the current staircase for damage, loose steps, or cracks. If the staircase is poorly maintained, it must first be restored before cladding is useful.
Any old stair covering is removed. With glued material, this can be complex and sometimes require demolition work, which increases the costs.
The stairs are sanded and thoroughly cleaned so that the new cladding adheres well. This prevents the cladding from coming loose or curling later.
The professional takes precise measurements of each step, riser, and possibly the stair strings. With turned stairs, this requires extra attention due to the different sizes per step.
The cladding is cut exactly to size for each step and professionally applied with the correct adhesive or fastening. The finishing is done immediately.
A straight staircase can often be clad within one day. Turned stairs or complex situations can take two days, depending on the number of steps and the chosen cladding.
How can you save on stair cladding?
There are several ways to reduce the costs of cladding your stairs without compromising on quality.
Address small damages early: Have loose steps or small cracks repaired immediately before they require larger repairs. This prevents you from having to pay more for extensive restoration work later.
Remove the old stair covering yourself: If possible, you save €300 to €500 in labour costs. This is especially feasible for carpet that is not firmly glued.
Plan during the week: Do not book on the weekend or as an urgent task to avoid surcharges. Weekday jobs are carried out at the regular rate.
Combine multiple jobs: Have several stairs or related tasks performed at the same time. This saves time and can lead to a lower price per job.
Book through Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, with no call-out charges and no surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common problems with stairs
Problems with stairs can have various causes that affect safety, comfort, and noise levels.
Damaged steps
Loose, crooked, or damaged steps must first be repaired before cladding can be applied. These problems arise from age or intensive use and make the stairs unsafe. If you ignore this, the construction deteriorates and repair costs become higher.
Worn old cladding
Old carpet or vinyl can be worn, unsightly, or dirty and makes your stairs less safe due to reduced grip. The material loses its structure and anti-slip properties, creating a fall hazard. Timely replacement prevents accidents.
Noise nuisance
An unclad wooden staircase can make a lot of noise, especially in terraced houses with neighbours. Every contact with the steps causes loud sounds that echo through the house. Stair cladding dampens this sound significantly and increases living comfort.
Fall hazard
Slippery or worn steps pose a safety risk, especially for children and the elderly. Grip is lacking, making slipping on the stairs much more common. Having them professionally clad ensures a safe staircase.
Find the best professional for stair cladding
Stair cladding is precision work where mistakes are immediately visible and turn out expensive.
Experience counts: An experienced professional prevents crooked cutting, poor gluing, or problems with turned stairs, which ultimately keeps costs lower.
Ask for a warranty: Warranty usually covers installation errors and provides certainty about the quality of the work. Always ask for the term and what exactly is covered.
No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional's arrival, only for the work itself.
Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are before you book, without surprises afterwards.
Quick booking without quote hassle: Choose a moment and book a professional directly, without waiting for quotes or price comparisons.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is done and you are satisfied with the result.
Reliable, verified professionals: All affiliated professionals are screened for quality and experience, so you can be sure your stairs will be professionally clad.
Frequently asked questions about stair cladding
What does it cost to have a staircase upholstered?
Upholstering a staircase with carpet without underlay costs an average of €500 to €600 for a standard staircase of thirteen steps. With underlay, costs range between €600 and €700, depending on the quality of the carpet and the condition of your stairs.
What is the cheapest material for stair cladding?
Carpet without underlay is the most economical, starting from €500 for a standard staircase. This material offers basic comfort and sound insulation, but has less walking comfort than carpet with underlay or PVC.
What does a stair renovation of 13 steps cost?
For thirteen steps, you pay an average of between €650 and €1,800, including material and labour. The costs for PVC stair cladding are at the top of this spectrum, while carpet is the most affordable.
Which material is the most durable?
PVC is the most durable, water-resistant, and ideal for intensive use by families with children or pets. This material lasts up to twenty years and is easy to keep clean.
Can I remove old stair covering myself?
With loose carpet, this is possible and saves €300 to €500 in labour costs. With glued material, it can be complex and professional help is recommended to prevent damage to the steps.
How long does stair cladding take?
A straight staircase can be clad within one day. Turned stairs or open stairs require more customisation and can take two days, depending on the number of steps and complexity.
When is underlay necessary?
Underlay offers extra walking comfort, sound insulation, and extends the life of the stair cladding. It is recommended for intensive use or if you want extra sound insulation.
Must I have my stairs repaired first?
Yes, in case of loose steps, cracks, or severe damage, the stairs must first be repaired before cladding is possible. This prevents the new cladding from adhering poorly or coming loose prematurely.
What is the difference between open and closed stairs?
Open stairs do not have risers and are more complex to clad because the steps must be finished all around. This requires more material and labour time than closed stairs with risers.
Are there hidden costs in stair cladding?
Watch out for extra costs for removing old cladding (€300 to €500), cladding risers, urgent surcharges, and weekend work. At Zoofy, you know the fixed price in advance and you pay no call-out charges.
Book a professional for stair cladding
Ready to have your stairs clad? 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, verified professional. You only pay when the work is finished. Book a professional directly now.