Compare prices for staircase installation and renovation

12 February 2023,

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Many houses in Quebec feature a staircase. Whether you live in a brand new house or a 1960s bungalow that has been renovated ten times, chances are your house has a staircase.

But not all staircases are in good condition or best appearance. Consider renovating your staircase to update your home’s design and appeal.

If you are renovating or expanding your home and need tips or advice about installing a staircase, look no further!

Connect with the best contractors for installing a staircase using our short online form and receive free and no-obligation quotes!

Types of stairs to consider for your renovation

Installing a staircase leads to permanent results! We don’t change stairs every two weeks, or every ten years!

Thus, it is important to consider all options and materials. You must also choose a staircase that suits your home and its limitations.

Here are the types of stairs for you to consider in your renovation project.

Straight staircase: Favoring simplicity, a straight staircase is an easy option to design and install. It is also offered in several styles and can be made of various materials without compromising its look or function. Some will have stair risers installed while others will prefer to leave the gaping space under the steps.

It all depends on your preferences. A straight staircase allows for storage space which is an advantage that many homeowners appreciate! The space under the stairs can be closed off to create a place to store personal belongings.

However, a straight staircase takes up more space than other options. Being extended to its full length, you will have to sacrifice the full length of a wall to install it in order to get access to an upper floor! Of course, this means the loss of more space.

A straight staircase has a robust and imposing look and does not always blend well with modern home design.

Quarter-turn and two-quarter turn staircases: On the practical side, a rotating staircase has an undeniable advantage over a straight staircase – it optimizes space and avoids having to sacrifice a wall to access the desired floor. You can choose from several types of turns, including quarter turns, two-quarter turns, and half turns. This last option makes a complete turn to reach the landing.

In addition to saving space from a quarter-turn staircase, this type also offers greater aesthetic appeal. Indeed, the intriguing look of a quarter-turn staircase without risers charms more than one owner! It is possible to build this type of staircase with any type of material which allows you to customize your installation to your taste.

You should know, though, that installing a quarter-turn staircase is more complex than a straight staircase! Moreover, the costs are higher so it’s a good idea to think about it carefully.

Spiral staircases: If you think that a quarter-turn staircase would save you space, you should know that a spiral staircase gives you more savings in space. It is composed of a central mast around which the steps lead to the destination floor.

When it comes to aesthetics, it’s hard to get a more modern and sought-after look! This is the reason why so many homeowners have their spiral staircases custom-made! However, it also has its disadvantages, namely the fact that it is very difficult to find this type of staircase in already manufactured models! You will have to find a manufacturer and place a custom order according to your taste!

The main advantages of a spiral staircase are obviously saving more space and its aesthetic appeal. But compared to quarter turn or straight staircases, spiral staircases cost more because they are custom made.

Moreover, while you gain more livable and usable space, spiral staircases are often narrow. This makes it difficult to move objects up and down or to climb up the stairs with 2 or more people.

Metal: A metal staircase will give your home an industrial look. Being a naturally cold material, the resulting style will inevitably reflect this quality! Contemporary design lovers may find metal appealing because it looks modern.

Moreover, staircases made of such a material are often without risers which makes them unsafe for young children living in the house. As you can also imagine, metal staircases are not the most comfortable. Although you can get a unique design, walking barefoot on such a staircase is certainly not the most comfortable thing to do!

Glass: You don’t see glass stairs every day and that’s what creates their distinguished style! It is also a unique solution that presents itself as both zen and modern! Glass can be used to make up the treads of a staircase as well, but it is more often the material of choice to make the railings.

One of the most popular ways to complement glass on a staircase is with integrated lights! In fact, it is common practice to install lights near the glass panels which will illuminate the steps and reflect light off the glass.

Wood: Wooden staircases have been popular for a very long time. The strength and durability of wood have been proven, with a structure of integrity that can be depended on for many years to come. Wooden stairs are also comfortable and blend well with most home designs.

The advantage of wood is that it can take on any color and shade you desire! By playing with the type of wood and the type of stain, you can obtain a final result that suits your taste! In short, although wood is a traditional material, modern designs also make use of wooden staircases.

In any case, the choice of material and type of staircase will depend on your taste, the design of your home, and your budget!

You should know what factors affect the price of a staircase installation so you can plan your project accordingly.

Steel central stringer staircase: Is it affordable or overpriced?

What is a steel stringer staircase? This is an open style staircase with an exposed stringer (the base of the steps) made of black steel. Often, the steps will have a natural wood tone, offering a more modern look.

However, its high price is as notorious as its elegant appearance! Knowing this, how can you save on the price of a steel stringer staircase?

First of all, you can choose a less expensive type of wood (for the steps) to save some money. Secondly, the number of treads/ risers and the number of “turns” on your staircase will affect the cost of manufacturing and installing the stringer.

If you are shopping for a new construction staircase, it is possible to play around with these variables if you really want to install a steel stringer staircase.

In any case, take the time to compare several quotes from staircase contractors! Just fill out the short online form on this page to receive FREE and NO-OBLIGATION quotes.

How much does it cost to install a staircase in Quebec in 2024?

The staircase is the “pièce de résistance” of many homes, especially if it is located in an exposed area! It’s an exciting renovation, but also an expensive one if you don’t take the time to shop around!

Compare Home Quotes can save you a lot of time and money! Here are the standard prices of hardwood staircase installation in Quebec in 2024!

Particle board staircase (Covered)	$7 to $13/treads-risers
Wooden stairs (Hardware quality)	$20 to $28/ treads-risers
Hardwood staircase (budget)	Starts at $4,000
Hardwood staircase (High-end)	Around $10,000
Black steel central stringer	Starts at $1,500

What is a particle board staircase?

A particle board staircase is one where the steps are made from wood particle material instead of hardwood. Such a staircase is not very aesthetic (especially since it must be covered with carpet), but for a basement walkway, it is an economical option.

What is the difference between a hardwood staircase built by a carpenter and a hardware store staircase?

A hardwood staircase built by a carpenter has an aesthetic cachet that you won’t find with any other type of staircase. These experts devote their lives to creating custom, personalized staircases. Therefore, it is certain that your hardware store staircase will not look like the handiwork of an experienced carpenter.

Do you want proof? Request 3 quotes to compare now by filling out the form below, free of charge!

How much does a handrail cost to install?

Every staircase must have a railing, regardless of its size, style, and number of steps. Many people overlook this expense, but it can make your staircase cost more expensive. Compare railing models and materials before choosing your staircase to know your total cost!

Check out the prices of the most popular stair railings in Quebec in 2024!

Wooden staircase railing	$40 to $45 / linear foot
Aluminum staircase railing	$40 to $65 / linear foot
Glass staircase railing	$80 to $100 / linear foot

A wooden staircase railing is a timeless classic!

The advantage of choosing a wooden staircase railing is that it can have a modern, country, or classic style that never goes out of fashion. Available in a variety of species, wood is an affordable and sturdy option for your railing.

Are metal railings affordable?

More than one would think, but as you have seen, this option is mid-range. This means that the model, the type of metal (aluminum, steel, iron, etc.), and the size of the railing will dictate the price of your metal staircase railing.

Glass railing, the ultimate in design for your home!

Without a doubt, a glass staircase railing is the most expensive option on the market. Costing up to $100 per linear foot, let’s hope you have a short railing to save a little money. However, it’s hard to get a railing as stylish as glass!

PVC stair railings, the economical solution of choice!

A PVC railing may be the right choice if you are looking for an economical option. Available in a wide range of colors, PVC can be painted and matched to your various accessories easily.

Compare 3 quotes for staircase railings to find the BEST PRICE available on the market!

The cost of a staircase and the factors that increase its price

Have you been checking websites and renovation magazines to find the staircase of your dreams? Far be it from us to break your fantasy with a healthy dose of reality but before you choose, you must first know its price! This will be influenced by various factors, including those that are specific to your home! Here are the main factors that will have an impact on the cost of your staircase.

The choice of railing: Wooden railings are both affordable and aesthetically pleasing but if your tastes run more towards luxurious options such as metal and glass, expect to see the total amount increase on your bill. Of course, choosing quality materials can also be seen as an investment rather than as an expense as it will add value to your home!

The choice of material: In addition to the railing, the choice of material for the staircase steps will also increase the cost of the project. It is up to you to decide whether you want one for a long-term investment or you want to save money.

Location: Some stair locations make the work more complex. This means more time to complete the work, and you will see your bill increase as a result. Also, if your staircase is placed in a prominent location, you may be inclined to choose materials with higher aesthetic qualities. This obviously comes with a higher cost.

Height: The more steps there are, the more materials you need and the longer it will take to complete the installation of the staircase! If your house has oversized dimensions or if your second-floor is higher than usual, expect to see additional costs to your project.

How much should you budget for building a staircase? A budget of less than $5,000 is not practical. Consider the factors above and expect a higher cost if you have luxury features for your planned staircase.

The best way to know how much your staircase installation will cost is to obtain FREE and NO-COMMITMENT quotes from our partner contractors.

How to choose the right ramp and staircase model?

A staircase lasts for decades! So this is a pretty big choice that you will live with for several years. It is best to follow our few tips if you want to make a good choice of a staircase that you will love for a long time.

Make sure the railing style matches the stairs! This simple tip can make all the difference because your railing and stairs are side by side. You’ll notice right away if the style of one doesn’t match the other. You should also consider your budget as a ramp costs a few thousand dollars!

Listen to the advice of stair contractors! Their experience and guidance will help you to avoid making costly mistakes.

Compare prices from qualified installers for your railing and stairs! Just fill out our short online form.

Guidelines for planning your stair railing

The railing is the main safety element of the stairs but it is not always enough. This is why it is necessary to call on a professional contractor because its design requires compliance with strict safety standards.

The latter imposes specific dimensions for the guardrails, the balustrade, and the ramp. Even when you want to install a custom model, these standards must be followed.

Here are some of the requirements to follow:

The installation of a ramp is mandatory when the height of the stairs is greater than 90 cm.
The distance between the vertical bars of the guardrails should not exceed 10-11 cm
The height of the guardrail must be 1.10 m
The steps should be of the same height. If the staircase has many steps, it is better to adopt a lower height for more comfort.
The attachment of non-slip adhesive strips is strongly recommended to prevent falls and slips. You can also choose non-slip coating materials for the steps.
Finally, it is better to have risers so that the light passing through them does not cause glare to interfere with your vision when you take the stairs. This can actually cause falls or discomfort.

Technical standards for staircases

The installation of a staircase requires compliance with standards set up by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). These standards aim to make sure your staircase is safe to use and not a danger to your home.

Although some elements are not part of the mandatory standards, they should still be observed.

In particular, the width of the steps must follow a minimum size that exceeds the standard foot and the space between the steps!

Regarding the standards under the Building Code which are mandatory, below you will find more details:

Ramps must be high enough that an adult cannot fall over and there must be no opening large enough for a child to fit through.
There must be uniformity in the height of the steps and the tread.
The landing cannot be less in width than the width of the staircase itself.
Ramps and guardrails are mandatory for open stairs.

If you believe that these requirements are only accessories for the privacy of your home, think again! Fines of more than one hundred dollars can be charged to anyone who fails to meet these standards!

Best ideas for improving your staircase

Are you tired of your old staircase and seriously thinking about changing it? Before you make such a drastic decision, consider making these improvements! Who knows, you may save a lot of money!

Fix squeaky stairs: What’s more irritating than hearing your floors or stairs squeak? So instead of thinking about changing your staircase completely, take a more conventional approach by fixing the stairs. Qualified contractors will fix this problem in no time and at a reasonable cost!
Improve the front of the stairs: If your staircase has risers, it may be a good idea to hire a designer to use the front of the stairs to enhance its overall appearance. Whether it’s repainting, wallpapering, or installing ceramic tiles, updating the look of your staircase involves the riser, that’s for sure!
Change the lighting: Recessed lights in staircases offer a warm and stylish look. Adding a few recessed lights in the right places will not only make your stairs safer to use, but it will give your steps a second wind that is desperately needed!
Reinforce the steps: The problem with stairs without risers is that they are vulnerable to losing their strength over time. In fact, this can make the use of the steps hazardous. You will need to correct this problematic situation before you are forced to change your entire staircase.
Reinforcement is done either by installing a riser, a “false stringer” or a reinforcing wall. In every case, this improvement is a necessity in many cases and should not be neglected.
Installing/Removing Carpeting: To the dismay of many, carpets that were once very popular materials found in almost every home, especially on the stairs, are becoming less popular. An easy improvement to make is to remove these carpets, especially if they hide hardwood boards!
On the other hand, if your stairs are causing you noise problems, the solution might be to install carpeting! By choosing a design that you like, you will make your staircase quieter. This may even be the only solution if the boards covered by the old carpet are not in good enough condition to be used as is.
Change the railing: A wooden railing on a wooden staircase that leads to a hardwood floor can look boring after some time. By simply changing the railing, you can get a whole new look at a modest price!
Repaint/refinish/sand the steps: Do you have wooden stairs? This is your lucky day! All you have to do to get a new look is to sand the hardwood planks that make up your staircase and repaint them in a color you like! Be sure to choose the right varnish as a finish that is too slippery can make your stairs unsafe to use!
Create storage space: This is especially useful if you have a straight staircase. Doing this will optimize the function of your staircase. You can use the space left underneath the stairs to store your personal belongings! What was once a waste of space is now storage!
Decorate the stairwell: This is an ideal solution if you want to change the style without drastic modifications. Just decorate the walls of the stairwell and you can make the area look more stylish.

What are the steps to renovate a staircase?

Is your staircase in poor condition? In order to prevent it from becoming dangerous for your safety and to protect the value of your home, it is important to make some repairs.

Before undertaking any modifications, you will need to apply for a building permit from your municipality. Indeed, there are certain standards to follow for your staircase: angles, measurements, etc.

Here are the steps that a contractor will take to renovate your staircase:

Remove the old covering
The first step is to get rid of the covering present on the staircase. Whether it is paint, carpet, or something else, remove everything.
Double the stair stringer
Depending on how your staircase is constructed, you might opt to glue new treads or risers onto the old ones. However, if the stair contains a stringer, you will need to double it up and apply a new coating to be able to renovate it.
Cut and glue the silt covering.
In order to apply a new coating to your silt, the contractor will have to make a template. He will then take pieces of stiff paper and overlap them at the corners, then tape them together. He can then place the finished template on the coating while transferring the cutout to the felt.
After checking the dimensions of the cutout, he will be ready to cut the siding of the stringer with the jigsaw.
Sawing and gluing the cladding
For this step, the contractor will have to saw the cladding to the right dimensions then glue it before nailing the front.
Covering the steps and risers
An electric jigsaw and a circular table saw are recommended for sawing. You will be able to finish with sanding paper before proceeding to the gluing stage.
Later on, you will need to take the dimensions for the riser. You can make the covering and glue it (again). You will need to repeat this process for all the steps on your staircase. Start with the covering, continue with the riser, and then the step last.
Making the stringer cover and final joints
The last step is to measure the top of your stair stringer. Cut the covering to size and glue it in place. Regarding the joints, use a sealant on the edges.

Summary of the renovation stages

Steps	What it means
Remove the covering	Remove anything that is on the steps
Double the silt	Gluing the steps or risers on the old ones Lining the stringer with a new coating
Cutting and gluing the sill covering	Make the template, cut it, and glue it
Saw and glue the cover	Take accurate measurements. Do not forget to nail the front side of the cover
Make the covering of the stringer and the final joints	Measure the upper part of your stair stringers. Cut out the covering according to your measurements.

Let this be your guide in planning the renovation of your staircase with your selected contractor.

Hire a staircase renovation and installation contractor

For a staircase project, you need to call in the professionals!

In addition to the complexity of installing the staircase itself, there are many standards to meet! What you need is a qualified contractor. Fortunately, we can put you in touch with a staircase contractor very quickly and easily!

Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to receive 3 Free Quotes from reputable contractors! Get your staircase renovation started and save time and money.

If your staircase project is part of a bigger home extension project, refer to our guide on home expansion in 2024.

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