Costs of stairs renovation
Renovating a staircase costs on average between €1,000 and €3,500, depending on the shape of the stairs, the material, and the number of steps. During stair renovation, over-steps are placed over the existing stair treads without any demolition work, making your stairs look like new again. In this price guide, you can read about what stair renovation costs, which factors determine the price, and what to look out for when covering 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 railings can go up to €3,500. The total costs for stair renovation consist of labour costs (approximately 55%) and material costs (approximately 45%).
Costs per type of stair renovation
Type of stair renovation | Average price (project) |
|---|---|
Simple stair renovation (straight stairs, cheaper materials) | €1,250 |
Standard stair renovation | €2,600 |
Luxury stair renovation (with lighting, railings or risers) | €3,850 |
The table shows that the extra price for a luxury version is mainly in extra options such as risers (€12.50 each), LED lighting and railings. With a standard stair renovation, you get a fully renovated staircase with over-steps in laminate or PVC.
The professional who carries out the job charges €80 per hour for labour. The number of hours depends on the staircase shape and the number of steps. All mentioned prices include 21% VAT. If you have a new staircase installed instead of renovated, expect higher costs for removing the old staircase and the carpentry work.
Costs of stair covering per material
The costs per step depend heavily on the chosen material. Painting is the cheapest option at €30 per step, while oak is the most expensive at €150 per step. Popular choices such as laminate and vinyl or PVC are in between.
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 stair renovation vary per situation. Not every staircase is the same, and the circumstances under which the professional works also differ. Below you can read which factors influence the total price.
Staircase shape and complexity
Straight stairs are easier to renovate than quarter-turn or spiral stairs. For straight stairs, over-steps in standard sizes can be used, which results in less material loss and faster installation. Curved stairs require custom work where every element must be cut to size, which increases costs due to extra labour hours and material loss.
Number of steps
More steps mean more material and labour. Standard stairs have 13 to 16 steps, but taller or longer stairs can have 18 or more steps. Every extra step means extra material and installation work, causing costs to rise proportionally.
Open or closed staircase
Closed stairs have risers between the steps, requiring more material than open stairs. If you want to close an open staircase, expect extra costs for the risers (€12.50 each) plus installation work. Closing an open staircase improves safety, sound insulation, and aesthetics.
Irregular dimensions
Not all steps have identical dimensions, especially in older stairs. When the dimensions differ per step, each element must be individually measured and cut. This customisation increases labour hours and material costs because standard sizes do not fit.
Material costs
The choice of material directly affects the costs. Painting costs €30 per step, while oak costs €150 per step. Laminate and vinyl are in between at €100 and €125 per step respectively. More expensive materials not only increase material costs but sometimes also require more careful installation.
Decor matching
If you want to apply the same decor as in other rooms, such as the same laminate colour as your floor, this can affect the costs. Specific colours or designs are sometimes more expensive or require longer delivery times, which influences planning and total price.
Urgency and planning
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. When the professional has to adjust their schedule to be immediately available, higher hourly rates are charged. For planned work, the professional can work more efficiently and prepare their materials better.
Weekend and evening hours
Work in the weekend costs more than during the week. Evening work can also incur a surcharge. If you are flexible with planning, choose weekday working days to limit costs.
Region
In large cities, costs are often higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher fixed costs for professionals and sometimes higher material costs in urban areas. Regionally, price differences can go up to 10-15%.
Accessibility and preparation
Ensure the workplace is clear and accessible before the professional arrives. If furniture needs to be moved or the stairs are difficult to reach, this costs extra labour time. Good preparation saves hours and lowers total costs.
Addressing small problems early
Do not postpone jobs. Small problems such as loose steps or damaged covering can worsen, making later repairs more expensive. Early intervention prevents larger costs.
Local professional
A local professional can be on-site faster. For longer travel distances, some professionals charge extra for travel time and mileage costs, which increases the total price.
Additional costs and surcharges for stair renovation
Additional costs depend on your situation. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
For urgent jobs, a surcharge applies because the professional must adjust their planning
Work in the weekend is more expensive than during the week
Extra risers cost €12.50 each
LED lighting offers atmosphere and safety
New stair railings increase safety and appearance
Anti-slip strips prevent slipping
Stair mats provide grip and comfort
Safety profiles ensure extra safety
Risers in other colours improve aesthetics
Stair cheeks give a decorative finish
How does the professional work during a stair renovation?
A stair renovation follows a fixed sequence of steps.
Preparation: The professional inspects the stairs and takes accurate measurements. The existing staircase is cleaned and sanded where necessary to ensure good adhesion.
Removing old covering: If present, the old stair covering is professionally removed. This is done carefully so as not to damage the underlying staircase.
Placing over-steps: The over-steps are cut to size and placed tightly over the existing steps. No demolition work is performed, keeping costs limited.
Finishing: Any extras such as risers, LED lighting or anti-slip strips are installed. The edges are neatly finished for a sleek end result.
Cleaning and inspection: Construction waste is cleared and the workplace is left tidy. The professional checks the final result.
The turnaround time is on average 1 to 2 days, depending on the complexity. Ensure the stairs are free of furniture and easily accessible.
How can you save on stair renovation?
Address problems early: Repair small damages immediately before they get larger. Sometimes a small repair to individual parts is sufficient instead of a full renovation, which can save you hundreds of euros.
Do the preparation yourself: Remove the old stair covering yourself and sand the stairs in advance. This can save approximately 40% on labour costs because the professional has to work fewer hours.
Choose weekdays: Do not book on the weekend or with urgency. Work during the week is cheaper because no surcharges apply for weekend or urgent work.
Choose budget-friendly material: Painting costs €30 per step and carpet €50 per step. These options are considerably cheaper than laminate or wood, while still giving your stairs a refreshed look.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed price in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
When is stair renovation necessary?
Stair renovation is necessary when your stairs show signs of wear but the construction is still good.
Worn or damaged steps
With daily use, steps wear, scratches occur or edges chip off. This not only looks untidy but can also be dangerous. Stair renovation with over-steps solves this quickly without replacing the entire staircase, which keeps costs limited.
Creaking or loose parts
Creaking noises and loose steps indicate ageing of the stair covering or fastening. This can lead to unsafe situations. Renovation restores stability and prevents small problems from growing into larger, more expensive repairs.
Structural damage
In case of woodworm infestation, rot or a damaged stair construction, renovation is not an option. Then the stairs must be completely replaced, which involves significantly higher costs than a renovation.
Find the best professional for stair renovation
No call-out charges: you never pay extra for the arrival of the professional
Fixed price in advance: you know exactly what the costs are, without surprises
Quick booking without hassle: directly choose a moment and have your stairs renovated
Payment via QR code after completion: you only pay when the job is fully finished
Reliable, verified professionals: all affiliated professionals are verified and experienced in covering stairs
Professional finish: certified professionals ensure gap-free results and often completion within one day
Risks of doing it yourself: the costs seem lower, but without experience, uneven edges and gaps arise that turn out expensive
Frequently asked questions about stair renovation
What does a stair renovation cost on average?
A stair renovation costs an average of €2,600 including materials and labour. Prices range from €1,000 for a simple renovation to €3,500 for a luxury version with extras such as LED lighting and new railings.
What does stair renovation of 13 steps cost?
With laminate you pay €100 per step, which amounts to €1,300 just for the steps. Including installation and finishing, you pay about €1,650 to €2,200 for a staircase of 13 steps, depending on the chosen material.
What is the cheapest stair renovation?
Painting is cheapest at €30 per step. Painting a full staircase costs €300 to €700. Carpet at €50 per step is also a budget-friendly option for covering your stairs.
What does it cost to cover a staircase with over-steps?
Over-steps in laminate cost €100 per step, vinyl or PVC €125 per step, and oak €150 per step. The total costs depend on the number of steps and any extras such as risers.
Can I close an open staircase?
Yes, with risers you can close an open staircase. Risers cost €12.50 each. This increases safety, improves sound insulation and gives a different look. Note that a closed staircase lets less light through.
How long does a stair renovation take?
The professional takes on average 1 to 2 days, depending on the complexity of the staircase and the number of steps. With straight stairs it goes faster than with quarter-turn or spiral stairs.
Which material is best for stair renovation?
This depends on your wishes. Vinyl or PVC is low-maintenance with anti-slip properties. Oak is durable but more expensive. Laminate is popular and affordable, but choose high-quality for long-term use.
Why is stair renovation so expensive?
The costs consist of labour costs (55%) and material costs (45%). Curved stairs require custom work, which increases labour hours. Quality materials such as oak are more expensive but provide a long-lasting result.
When is stair renovation not possible?
In case of structural damage, woodworm infestation or rot, full replacement is necessary. Also when you want to change the staircase shape or number of steps, renovation is not an option and the staircase must be replaced.
Do I pay call-out charges at Zoofy?
No, at Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges. You know in advance what the job costs via a fixed price and only pay after completion via QR code. All affiliated professionals are verified and experienced.
Book a professional for stair renovation
Ready to have your stairs renovated? At Zoofy you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see in advance exactly what it costs, and Zoofy connects you to a reliable professional who has been checked. You only pay when the work is finished.