How much does it cost to repair stairs?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Stairs are a vital part of any home or building with multiple floors and allow people to move from one floor to the other. They also provide access to underground levels and can serve as an attractive focal point in entryways and hallways, being made of different materials and available in a wide range of styles. However, problems can arise with stairs, including railing and baluster damage, carriage issues, and more. You need to call in professionals to repair your stairs when this happens.

The national cost average to repair stairs is between $100 and $1,000, with most homeowners spending $500 to fix a hole in the stairs. Prices may be lower or higher, depending on the level and type of work required. This project’s low cost is $75 to make simple repairs to a single step. The high cost is $1,500 for extensive repairs to a full set of 12 treads and risers.

Stairs Repair Cost

Stairs Repair Cost by Location

Stairs can be found in many places around the home. You usually have the main staircase connecting the two floors of the building, but you might also have stairs leading to the attic, basement, outdoors, or pool. The location affects the cost of repairs, as the table below shows.

Attic Ladder Repair

The average cost of attic ladder repairs is between $100 and $500. Attic ladders offer a simple and safe way to access the attic space. They are cheap to install and maintain without extra features like rails and banisters. They are also usually wood, which is one of the cheaper materials to fix. Common issues with attic stairs include damage to the treads and risers.

Basement Stair Repair

Homeowners pay between $100 and $500 for basement stair repairs. Basement stairs are usually designed for functionality without fancy features or decorative railings. They can be made of different materials, such as wood or concrete. Common issues with basement stairs include cracks and weaknesses in the concrete or broken and damaged treads and risers.

Main Stairs Repair

To repair your home’s main staircase, expect to pay between $100 and $700. The main stairs are often the central focal point of the home’s entryway, leading to the upper floor. They can be made of many materials and may be simple or decorative, impacting repair costs. Common main stair problems include loose rails, broken treads, and cracks.

Outdoor Stair Repair

Outdoor stair repairs cost from $150 to $750. The total price depends on the problem and materials. Outdoor stairs are often made of hard-wearing materials like brick, stone, or concrete. Common issues with these staircases include cracks and damages to the treads and railing issues.

Deck Stairs Repair

Expect costs of between $150 and $750 to repair deck stairs. Deck stairs are typically wood and must be well-maintained to resist the elements and retain strength. They may develop rotted sections, damaged railings, holes, or cracks.

Pool Stairs Repair

Pool stair repairs average $200 to $800. You may have a set of stairs leading down to your pool from the home or deck or steps inside the pool, allowing people to enter safely. These steps are usually strong and made of materials like concrete, but they can get cracked or damaged. Repairing pool steps costs extra and takes longer if the water must be drained.

Stairs Repair Price by Material

Stairs can be made from various materials, which heavily influences repair costs. Some materials are cheaper and easier to work with or replace than others. The table below shows a wide range of stair materials and average repair costs for each, based on a standard 12-step set of stairs.

Fixing Carpet on Stairs

Expect to pay between $100 and $600 to fix carpet on your stairs. Carpets often appear on interior staircases and offer warmth and insulation. However, carpet can get damaged in accidents and may need to be replaced or might get stained and need to be professionally cleaned.

Repair Wooden Stairs

The average cost of repairing wooden stairs is between $100 and $700. Wood is very popular for stairs, and a range of species can be used, including walnut, oak, mahogany, and pine. Common issues with wooden stairs include cracks and holes in the treads and rises and loose railings and balusters.

Tile Stairs Repair

Homeowners pay between $150 and $700 to repair tile stairs. Tiles can be used on different parts of the stairs, adding color and decorative elements. However, tiles crack easily from impacts and accidents, so they may need to be replaced or patched. Holes and cracks can also appear in the grout between tiles, so they may need to be re-grouted.

Brick Stairs Repair

Expect to pay between $150 and $700 for brick stair repairs. Brick is one of the strongest materials for stairs and is commonly used in outdoor stairs but can also be used in some indoor situations. Some problems that may arise with a brick staircase include damage and cracks in the bricks or grouting.

Stone Step Repair

The average cost for stone step repairs is between $150 and $750. Stone is another strong and sturdy material most often used for outdoor stairs. As the stairs are exposed to weather and changing temperatures, they can wear and suffer damages like holes and cracks that may need to be filled and patched.

Composite Stairs Repair

Composite stair repairs average $150 to $750. Composite stairs are made from a mixture of materials and designed to be strong and low-maintenance. They can withstand rot and corrosion but may still have other issues like railing problems, cracks, holes, and wear requiring patching or refinishing.

Repair a Metal Staircase

To repair a metal staircase, expect to pay between $150 and $800. Metal is one of the strongest materials in stairs and has no risk of rotting or crumbling. However, metal can rust, and the steps may dent or damage. Dents may need to be buffed out, and rusty metal elements may need to be removed and replaced.

Glass Stairs Repair

For glass stair repairs by a specialist, homeowners pay between $200 and $800. Glass is one of the most beautiful materials for stairs and railings but can also be fragile. Cracks in glass panels are common, so they may need to be patched or replaced, depending on the damage.

Concrete Stair Repair

To repair concrete stairs, expect to pay between $200 and $800. Concrete is one of the toughest materials for stairs, and it is most commonly used with outdoor stairs, pool stairs, or basement stairs. It can withstand most damages, but there is still a risk of cracks in the treads or crumbling sections.

Cost to Fix Stairs by Type of Repair

Many different issues can occur with your stairs, from damage to the individual steps to issues with the other components, such as the railings, posts, or carriage. The cost of your stair repairs varies based on the part of the staircase that is damaged and what repair is required. The table below shows common stair repair types and their average costs.

Repair a Step

The average cost to repair a single step is between $75 and $150. You may only need one step repaired if an accident has occurred and only one step has been damaged. The price depends on the materials. Workers use patching materials, filling materials, and adhesives to repair most damages.

Newel Post Repair

Homeowners pay between $100 and $350 per post for newel post repairs. The newel post is the upright post at the top or bottom supporting the banister. It may be decorative and is often wood. Newel posts can become loose, so they may need to be tightened or adjusted. They may also suffer cosmetic damages like cracks and chips that could need patching.

Stair Railing Repair

Expect to pay between $100 and $500 to repair a stair handrail. Handrails or railings are positioned alongside staircases, providing support for balance. A range of issues can arise with railings, such as cracks and damaged sections that must be patched or loose sections that need reattaching.

Stair Spindle Repair

Homeowners pay between $150 and $500 per spindle for stair spindle repairs. Spindles, also known as balusters, are vertical structures along the sides and beneath the handrail. Individual spindles can get damaged and crack or break, and they may also come loose, so they might need patching or readjusting.

Stair Stringer Repair

To repair a stair stringer, expect to pay between $150 and $600 for each stringer. The stringer, also known as stringer board, is the part that sits along the sides of the staircase, holding the treads and risers in place. Stringers are often wood and may have cracks, holes, and rot, requiring patching and refinishing.

Repair Stair Treads and Risers

Homeowners pay between $150 and $750 for repairs to treads and risers. The treads and risers make each step: the tread is the part you step onto, while the riser is the vertical back piece. Issues like cracks, crumbling, rot, and wear can occur to treads and risers. They may need to be patched, filled, or refinished.

Carriage Repair

The average cost of carriage repairs is between $200 and $700. Stair carriages are the beams at the side supporting the steps and can be connected to stringers. Carriages come loose from the headers and landings and may need to be refastened with screws, bolts, or joist hangers. They may also require reinforcing or patching, depending on the damage.

Stairs Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

In some situations, one or more parts of your stairs may be damaged beyond repair and must be replaced entirely. The cost of replacement stair parts depends on the part needed and required materials. Some parts are much more expensive to buy and install than others. The table below shows some examples.

Replace a Step

To replace a single step, expect to pay between $100 and $250. You might only need to replace one step if most stairs are fine. For example, rot might begin to appear in the base step of your staircase, and all the other steps might be fine if you spot and fix the problem early.

Newel Post Replacement

Homeowners pay between $150 and $750 to replace a newel post. The cost of this repair depends on the materials. Wooden newels can be cheap, while stone newels may cost much more. You may want to buy a new newel post if the old one is rotted or crumbling or to refresh the look and feel of an old set of stairs.

Replace a Stair Railing

The average cost to replace stair railings is between $300 and $700 for a standard 10’ length of railing. The price mostly depends on the railing size and material. A simple wooden railing may not cost much to replace, but a decorative metal and glass railing costs much more. Railings may need to be replaced if they have been severely damaged in an accident or allowed to rust or rot.

Stair Stringer Replacement

The cost for stair stringer replacement averages $300 to $900 per stringer. The total price for this project depends on the stringer size and material. Stringers do not often need to be replaced, but you may need a new one if your existing staircase is very old or damaged or you want a new look.

Replace a Banister and Spindles

Homeowners spend between $300 and $1,000 on banister and spindle replacements, per banister/spindle, for a standard 10’ banister. Decorative spindles and banisters cost more than simple ones, and the materials used can also impact the price. You may need new banisters and spindles if the old ones are excessively worn or damaged.

Replacing Stair Treads and Risers

Homeowners pay between $400 and $1,500 for the replacement of stair treads and risers for a standard set of 12. Costs may be higher or lower, based on the materials involved. For example, simple wooden treads typically cost less than fancy tempered glass treads. You may need to get new treads and risers if the old ones are cracked or rotted.

Stair Landing Platform Replacement

For stair landing platform replacement, expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 per platform. Landing platforms are usually found at the top of the stairs but can also be found halfway up, depending on the stairs. Landing platforms may need replacing because of rot or crumbling.

Cost to Repair Stairs by Problem

Various problems can occur with a set of stairs, from issues like cracks and holes to squeaky steps, crumbling sections, and broken treads. Depending on the problem, different repair methods and tools may be needed, leading to a range of costs. The table below shows common staircase problems and average prices to fix each for a standard 12-step set of stairs.

Loose Baluster

Homeowners spend between $100 and $200 on repairs for loose balusters. An individual baluster can become loose from accidents, excessive pressure, or wear. Usually, reattaching a loose baluster is a simple job and may only involve screws or adhesive materials.

Fix a Broken Stair Tread

To professionally repair a broken stair tread, expect to pay between $100 and $250. Individual stair treads may break or get damaged with cracks and chips from accidents, impacts, or wear. A broken tread can be a safety hazard, so it is important to fix it. Patching and adhesive materials could fix the damage, but the tread might have to be replaced.

Loose Newel Post

Homeowners pay between $100 and $350 to fix a loose newel post. Posts can become loose from repeated use and wear. Having a loose post at the top or bottom of your staircase can be dangerous because it could cause someone to lose their balance. To fix this, repair workers usually reposition the post and tighten it with screws.

Fix Squeaky Stairs

To professionally repair squeaky stairs, expect to pay between $100 and $450. Squeaky and creaky stairs are typically made from wood, and the squeaky sound happens because of wear. Lubricant may help with the squeaking, or a repairman must identify the cause and use nails or screws to tighten the treads and risers to stop the sound.

Loose Stair Rail

The average cost to repair a loose stair rail is between $150 and $450. Rails can become loose as they are repeatedly used and exposed to pressure or environmental conditions. They are usually simple to reattach because they may only need to be screwed back in. Adhesives and reinforcing materials may also be needed when the rail is severely damaged.

Repair Crumbling Concrete Steps

Homeowners spend between $150 and $500 on repairs for crumbling concrete steps. Concrete stairs may crumble if old, poorly maintained, or exposed to moisture and changing temperatures. To fix this, crumbled sections must be removed, and new concrete poured in to refill the damaged areas.

Stair Step Crack Repair

The average cost to repair a crack in the stairs averages $200 to $700. Cracks may appear naturally, especially in outdoor staircases, or occur from an impact or accident. Usually, the method to deal with cracks is to fill them with special material and sand the area.

Staircase Hole

To professionally repair a hole in your staircase, expect to pay between $200 and $800. Holes can appear in many materials, from wood to glass, and the cost to fix them depends on their size and materials. Usually, minor holes can be filled with material and sanded to blend in with the stairs. In the case of bigger holes, damaged parts may need to be removed and replaced.

Cost to Repair Stairs by Solution

Depending on what is wrong with your stairs, repair workers may use various repair methods and solutions to fix the problem. You might need to refinish your stairs in situations where they are old and worn. Or, you might need your stairs painted or stained to cover marks and revitalize the staircase. The table below shows common repair methods and average costs of each for a standard 12-step set of stairs.

Tightening

Homeowners pay between $100 and $450 for staircase tightening. You might need to tighten the stair railing or a newel post if they become loose. The process for both is simple and usually involves tightening the screws and fasteners connecting the railings and posts or adding new screws and nails to fix loose or wobbly stairs.

Stair Bracing

If you need stair bracing services, expect to pay between $200 and $550. Bracing is a way to reinforce a set of stairs. It is most commonly used for wooden staircases and involves attaching a piece of wood or other material to the stairway for strength. This can be a useful repair method for stairs that feel loose, squeaky, or move around while they are walked on.

Refinish Hardwood Stairs

Homeowners spend between $200 and $1,000 to refinish a set of hardwood stairs. The refinishing process involves cleaning the stairs, sanding them, filling holes, and patching cracks or other superficial damages to make an old and tired set of stairs look fresh, clean, and new.

Paint and Stain Stairs

The average cost to paint or stain a set of stairs is between $250 and $600, but you may have to pay more or less, depending on the staircase size. Painting and staining can be a useful method to cover marks, chips, and stains. It can also be a good way to breathe new life into an old set of stairs.

Labor Costs to Repair a Staircase

Carpenters and repair workers generally charge between $50 and $100 per hour in labor. The price may depend on several factors, such as your location and the type of worker. Some repair workers may have set prices for each job, and costs can also vary based on the staircase type and how accessible and easy it is to work with. Some staircases are simple to fix and can be repaired from above and below if the area underneath is open and accessible. Others can be harder to work with, resulting in higher costs. You may also need to pay extra in labor if you need urgent staircase repairs or live in a remote location.

Staircase Maintenance

One way to reduce the risk of staircase problems and costly repairs is to keep your stairs in good condition. Homeowners can do several things to look after their indoor or outdoor stairs. One of the first things you can do is keep the stairs clean. Staircases are more likely to have issues if dirt starts to build, so it is a good idea to sweep and vacuum staircases often.

Polish and clean the rails and balusters and use appropriate cleaning products for each material, such as glass cleaner or wood-friendly cleaners. You should also clean spills as soon as possible rather than letting them sit or seep into the material. It is also a good idea to ensure you remove shoes before climbing stairs inside the home.

You can also add carpeting or runners along stairs for extra protection. Finally, do not put too much pressure on railings, balusters, or newel posts, and ensure children do not climb on the rails.

Repair vs Replace Staircase

In some cases, you may hesitate between repairing your staircase and replacing it. One of the big factors to consider when making this decision is cost. The cost to replace a staircase ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. So, it may be more cost-effective to get a new staircase if your staircase repair cost is close to this range.

You also need to think about the staircase age and style. If the stairs are very old, worn out, and need regular repairs, it might be time to get a new set. This can save money because you do not have to worry about repair costs on new staircases. If the stairs look old and tired, a new staircase could improve the aesthetics of your home and increase its value.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Carpet Stairs

The average cost to carpet a standard set of 12 steps is between $430 and $780. Adding carpet to your stairs offers several advantages. It may improve the stair aesthetics, and you can choose from plenty of carpet colors and materials to match your preferences. Carpet can also add protection for the treads and risers, as well as providing insulation to make the stairs less noisy and giving you a softer, warmer surface beneath your feet.

Add Storage Underneath

Homeowners pay from $250 to $3,000 to add storage underneath the stairs. The price depends on the size and scale of the storage. Simply installing shelves or a pre-made storage unit under the stairs can be quite inexpensive and simple. But getting a custom-made built-in storage area can cost a lot more. This can be a good way to make the space under your stairs more useful.

Add a Stairlift

On average, homeowners pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for stairlift installation. A stairlift can be necessary in homes with elderly or disabled individuals or anyone who has trouble walking up or down the stairs. There are various chairlift models to choose from, with some being much more advanced than others. You can save on stairlift installation by buying secondhand.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• License. Always make sure to work with a licensed contractor or carpenter when getting stair repairs to get the best levels of service and reliability.
• Insurance. Your homeowners insurance policy may cover certain kinds of stair damages and repairs, so check the details to see if you can make a claim.
• DIY. You can do some stair repairs and maintenance tasks yourself, such as sanding the treads or painting the rails. But it is best to leave most jobs to the professionals.
• Stair type. The stair type you have can impact the cost of repairs because some types are easier or harder to work with. For example, a spiral staircase may cost more to fix because it can be harder to work on the individual treads and risers when positioned in a spiral formation.