How Much Does a New Staircase Cost in 2026?
A new staircase costs £1,500 to £8,000 fitted, depending on the material and design. Softwood starts from £1,000 to supply, hardwood from £2,000, and a glass balustrade staircase from £3,000. Fitting typically adds £500 to £1,500. Here is a full breakdown of what to expect.
£1,000
Softwood from
£2,000
Hardwood from
£3,000
Glass/modern from
£500
Fitting from
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
Building Regulations required. All new and replacement staircases must comply with Approved Document K (Protection from falling). Key rules: minimum 2m headroom, maximum 42° pitch, max 220mm rise, min 220mm going, handrail on at least one side (both sides if wider than 1m), guarding min 900mm on stair and 1,100mm on landings. Notify Building Control before work starts.
New Staircase Prices by Type
Prices below show typical supply costs and fully fitted costs (supply plus installation). They exclude plastering, decoration, and Building Control fees unless stated.
| Type | Supply only | Supply & fit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard softwood (straight flight) | £1,000 – £2,000 | £1,500 – £3,000 |
| Hardwood oak (straight flight) | £2,000 – £4,000 | £3,000 – £5,500 |
| Softwood with turn or landing | £1,500 – £3,000 | £2,500 – £4,500 |
| Glass balustrade staircase | £3,000 – £6,000 | £4,500 – £8,000 |
| Spiral staircase | £2,000 – £5,000 | £3,000 – £7,000 |
| Staircase renovation (re-clad existing) | — | £800 – £2,000 |
Prices based on industry data for standard domestic properties. Unusual configurations, listed buildings, or restricted access will add to the cost. Add £200 to £400 for Building Control and £200 to £550 for plastering and decoration.
Types of Staircase
The shape and layout of a staircase affects both the cost and the amount of floor space it takes up. Here are the main options.
Straight flight
The simplest and most affordable design — a single uninterrupted run of steps from the bottom to the top. It takes up the most floor space in one direction but is the easiest to manufacture and fit. This is the standard choice for most UK homes and the quickest to install.
Quarter turn (L-shaped)
The staircase turns 90° at a landing or winders (angled treads). It fits into a corner and takes up less hallway length than a straight flight. Slightly more expensive due to the added complexity of the turn and any winders.
Half turn (U-shaped)
Turns 180° with a landing halfway up. Common in Victorian terraced houses where the stairs run up one side of the hallway and return. The half landing breaks the climb and makes large floor level changes more manageable.
Winder staircase
Winders are tapered triangular steps used in place of a square landing to make a turn. They save floor space but must be carefully designed to meet Building Regs — the going must be at least 50mm at the narrow end and 220mm at the centre.
Spiral staircase
Wraps around a central column in a tight helix. Very space-efficient but not suitable as the main access staircase to a habitable loft room under current Building Regs (Approved Document K). Best used as a secondary staircase or for aesthetic purposes. Metal and timber versions are both available.
Balustrade Options
The balustrade — spindles, handrail, and newel posts — has a big effect on the overall look and the final cost. Here are the main options from most affordable to most expensive.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Softwood spindles | Cheapest |
| Hardwood spindles | Mid-range |
| Glass panels | Premium |
| Metal / wrought iron | Mid–premium |
| Cable wire | Premium |
All balustrades must comply with Building Regs: guarding at least 900mm high on the stair, 1,100mm on landings, no gaps wider than 100mm.
Building Regulations for Staircases
Every new or replacement staircase must comply with Approved Document K and Approved Document M of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. Here are the key rules.
Minimum headroom
2 metres measured vertically from the pitch line to any overhead obstruction. This is one of the most commonly breached rules and can require expensive structural work to resolve.
Maximum pitch
42° maximum for a private staircase. Steeper than this, and the staircase will not pass inspection.
Maximum rise
220mm per step. Rise is the vertical height of each step. All rises in a flight must be equal (within 5mm tolerance).
Minimum going
220mm per step. Going is the horizontal depth of each tread. All goings in a flight must be equal (within 5mm for tapered steps).
Handrail
Required on at least one side of the staircase. Must be provided on both sides if the staircase is over 1 metre wide. Height between 900mm and 1,000mm.
Guarding height
At least 900mm above the pitch line on the stair. At least 1,100mm on landings. No openings in the guarding that allow a 100mm sphere to pass through.
Replace or Renovate? How to Choose
A full staircase replacement is the bigger, messier, and more expensive option. Before committing to it, have a carpenter assess whether the existing structure is worth keeping.
Renovate (re-clad)
Best if the structure is sound and you mainly want a cosmetic upgrade.
- Costs £800 to £2,000
- No Building Control needed if like-for-like
- Less disruption — 1 to 2 days
- New treads, risers, spindles, and handrail over the existing frame
- Can transform the look without the cost of full replacement
Full replacement
Best if the structure is failing, you want a different layout, or the existing staircase does not meet Building Regs.
- Costs £1,500 to £8,000 fitted
- Building Control approval required
- 2 to 5 days disruption
- Complete new structure, treads, balustrade, and handrail
- Opportunity to change the design or position
Rule of thumb: if re-cladding would save £1,000 to £2,000 and the structural frame is solid, it is almost always worth doing. If the strings are split, the newels are loose, or the staircase creaks badly, a full replacement is the better long-term investment.
How to Get Your New Staircase for Less
A new staircase is a significant outlay, but there are practical ways to keep costs under control without compromising on quality.
Get at least three quotes
Prices for staircase installation can vary by 30% or more between joiners in the same area. Get at least three written quotes before committing — and make sure each one covers the same scope, including supply, fitting, making good, and Building Control. The cheapest quote is not always the best value. Check reviews, ask for references, and look at previous work.
Consider re-cladding before replacing
If the underlying staircase structure is solid — no creaks, no movement in the strings or newels — you may not need a full replacement at all. Re-cladding involves fitting new oak or pine treads and risers over the existing framework, adding new spindles and a handrail. It costs £800 to £2,000 and can look as good as a new staircase for a fraction of the price.
Choose softwood if you are carpeting
There is no point paying extra for a hardwood staircase if you are going to cover it with carpet. Softwood is perfectly strong and is the correct choice if the treads will not be visible. If you want a mix — visible treads with a budget undercarriage — some joiners will fit softwood strings with oak treads and risers as a compromise that looks great and costs less than a full hardwood staircase.
Use a staircase specialist, not a general builder
Staircase fitting is precision carpentry — the rise and going must be consistent across every tread, headroom must meet Approved Document K, and everything must be plumb and square. A joiner who specialises in staircases will get it right first time and knows what Building Control will be checking. General builders sometimes subcontract this work anyway — cut out the middleman and you may save the markup.
Time the work with other projects
A new staircase creates dust and disruption throughout the house for several days. If you are already planning a loft conversion, extension, or major renovation, fitting the staircase at the same time means one period of disruption rather than two. The plasterer and decorator are already on site, so you save on those individual call-out costs as well.
Useful Resources
Official guidance on staircase design and Building Regulations in England and Wales.
What to Expect: The Staircase Replacement Process
A straightforward staircase replacement takes 2 to 3 days. Custom designs with structural changes can take a week or more. Here's how the job typically runs.
- 1
Survey and design
A carpenter or staircase specialist measures the existing stairwell, checks the structural opening, and discusses your design preferences. They confirm the staircase will comply with Building Regulations Part K (fall protection) and Part M (access).
- 2
Staircase manufactured or sourced
The new staircase is either built to measure in a joinery workshop or ordered as a standard flight. Custom staircases take 2 to 6 weeks to manufacture. A standard softwood replacement can often be sourced within a week.
- 3
Old staircase removed
The existing staircase is carefully dismantled and removed. The carpenter checks the trimmer joists and landing structure for any damage or rot and makes repairs before the new staircase goes in.
- 4
New staircase fitted
The new staircase is positioned, levelled, and securely fixed to the trimmer joists and floor. Newel posts are bolted into place, spindles and handrails are fitted, and all fixings are checked for solidity.
- 5
Finishing and Building Control sign-off
The staircase is sanded, filled, and either painted, stained, or varnished. Any surrounding plasterwork is patched and made good. Building Control inspects the finished staircase to confirm it meets regulations before signing off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new staircase cost in the UK?
A new staircase costs between £1,500 and £8,000 fully fitted, depending on the material, style, and complexity. A standard softwood staircase installed runs £1,500 to £3,000. A hardwood oak staircase fitted costs £3,000 to £5,500. A glass balustrade staircase starts from around £4,500. Spiral staircases typically run £3,000 to £7,000 fitted. These prices include installation but exclude plastering, decoration, and Building Control fees.
Is it cheaper to renovate an existing staircase or fit a new one?
If the existing staircase structure — the strings, treads, and newels — is in sound condition, renovating it is almost always cheaper than a full replacement. Re-cladding with new oak treads and risers, fitting new spindles, and adding a new handrail typically costs £800 to £2,000, compared to £1,500 to £5,500 for a new staircase. Get a carpenter to assess the structure first before committing to either route.
Do I need Building Regulations for a new staircase?
Yes. All new and replacement staircases in England and Wales must comply with Approved Document K (Protection from falling, collision, and impact). Key requirements include a maximum rise of 220mm per step, a minimum going of 220mm, a handrail on at least one side (both sides if the staircase is over 1m wide), guarding at least 900mm high on the stair and 1,100mm on landings, and no gaps in the balustrade wider than 100mm. You must notify Building Control before work starts.
How long does it take to fit a new staircase?
A standard softwood staircase replacement typically takes 2 to 3 days for the carpentry. A bespoke hardwood or glass staircase takes 3 to 5 days. Add 1 day for a plasterer to make good and 1 day for a decorator to paint. Bespoke staircases are often manufactured off-site and can take 4 to 8 weeks to fabricate before installation begins, so factor that into your project timeline.
What is the cheapest type of new staircase?
A standard straight-flight softwood staircase is the most affordable option, starting from around £1,000 to £2,000 for supply, or £1,500 to £3,000 fitted. If you are carpeting the staircase, softwood is the sensible choice — there is no need to pay for hardwood that will be hidden under carpet. The cheapest option that meets Building Regs is usually a pine staircase in the same position as the existing one, which is a straightforward like-for-like swap.
What is the minimum headroom required for a staircase under Building Regulations?
Building Regulations Approved Document K requires a minimum headroom of 2 metres measured vertically from the pitch line (the line running across the front of the treads) to the ceiling or obstruction above. If there is insufficient headroom in your current staircase, you may need to raise the ceiling, alter the floor above, or change the staircase position — all of which add significant cost and complexity.
Written by Sarah Mitchell, Less.co.uk home improvement specialist
Last updated: · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology