When you step over the threshold, you’ll be greeted by the staircase and hallway in most houses – so, understandably, you want yours to look its best.
If your stairs have fallen into disrepair or you’re undertaking a renovation project, a new staircase will help to transform your home.
Depending on your choices, it’s likely to set you back several thousands of pounds, and you’ll often require the expertise of staircase specialists.
Allow us to outline the factors that affect the cost of bespoke staircases so you can plan your budget.
Shape and size
Often, the more complex something is to design, and the bigger it is, the more it will cost. Staircases are no different!
A straight flight of stairs can start from as little as £500, while a spiral staircase will cost at least twice as much.
Replacing your existing staircase with something of the same size and design will be the most cost-effective solution, as you won’t need to splash out on further structural work.
If you’re renovating and the old floor plans are going, it’s best to think long-term and create a brand-new design – ideally, one that will increase your property’s value, should you decide to sell it in the future.
Type and quality of materials
Staircases can be designed to suit your needs, tastes and preferences. However, the materials you choose will impact the overall price.
For example, you can expect to pay between £400 and £4,000 for a wooden staircase – with softwood being the most affordable option but offering less durability than hardwood.
A metal staircase, on the other hand, will vary between £1,000 and £3,000. When used for stairs, metal is easy to use and offers formidable strength and longevity.
Boasting clean lines and a modern aesthetic, glass is another popular (yet pricey) option for the stairs – ranging from £5,000 to £25,000. Although it looks great on its own and allows plenty of natural light to shine through, glass can be combined with wood or metal to create a stunning focal point.
Stair parts
Balustrades, spindles, newel posts and caps are essential components of any staircase. However, your selection will affect the price you pay.
Ranging from £15-£100, a wooden handrail is generally cheaper and quicker to install than a metal or glass alternative.
Metal stair parts will cost you considerably more, depending on the complexity of their design, but you can trust that they will stand the test of time.
Although it will cost several hundred pounds to replace wooden or metal spindles with glass panels, your bespoke staircase is guaranteed to add a touch of luxury to your hallway and landing – making it money well spent.
Preparation work
When preparing your property for a new staircase, the existing one will need to be removed to free up some floor space.
On average, it will take a professional half a day to remove a staircase and the cost will be included in the overall installation. Leaving it to the experts will ensure the floors and walls come to no harm.
Depending on your skill set and how confident you feel, you may be able to pull up the carpets and rip out the entire staircase yourself. Although it can be an arduous job – and you need to be extra careful – it’s a sure-fire way to minimise your costs.
Find out how much your dream staircase will cost
Bespoke staircases aren’t cheap, but you can trust that a reputable company will create a design that suits both your style and budget.
Our best advice is to request quotes from a few staircase manufacturers, including Abbott-Wade, and make comparisons between their costs and services.
It’s also worth asking them to provide a full breakdown of their costs to ensure no hidden fees.