How Much Does Stair Railing Installation Cost?
When you build a new railing, or simply update your current railing, it can bring added value to your home. It will also add style to your home and be a focal point for guests and visitors. Not to mention, it will keep you and your guests safe.
Stair railing installation is not simply for looks. It is critical for the stability and safety of everyone traveling up and down the stairway.
With years of wear and tear, many stair railings become loose, damaged, cracked, or even broken. If you have any of the following damages, you should consider stair railing installation:
- cracked supports
- broken railings
- loose brackets or bolts
- old or outdated railings
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Stair Railing?
Stair railing installation can cost anywhere between $500 to $5000 with most homeowners paying an average of $2,100. Price will depend on safety requirements, materials selected, permit, and labor costs.
Remember to get bids from as many contractors in your local area as possible. This way you get the most competitive cost to install a stair railing. This would include the basic design and type of materials you want to use.
Consider Safety Requirements
Did you know that most accidents in the home involve stair railings?
That's because climbing up and down the stairs can be dangerous for everyone from young toddlers to the elderly. Kids can get tangled in broken or non-existent balusters. You could lose your grip and fall if the railing is faulty. If you don't have a stair railing, or it may be loose or broken, consider installing one today. You will be glad that you did.
Stair railing installation requires certain safety rules. For example, railings need to be a certain height. Most requirements state that railings must be between 32 to 38 inches high. They must also be able to support weight (approx. 200 lbs.) from any angle.
The size of the handrail and distance from the wall must be appropriate so people can get a good grip while climbing the stairs. The posts that run along the stairs on the railing must be close enough to prevent young children from falling through. Typically this is about 3-5 inches apart.
The higher the staircase, generally the more expensive the stair railing installation will be. There will be more materials needed to meet all these safety needs.
Materials Selected
Stair railing installations range from ultra-modern to contemporary - and everything in between. The type of materials used such as wood, iron, or metal will influence the cost to install a stair railing too.
Whether you want a classic look, a Victorian stair railing, or a clean new age design, most stair railings can be painted or stained to match any interior or exterior.
For example, a wooden stair railing installation (no runner, simple handrail with balusters) with the following material costs:
| Newel Post | Balusters | Handrail | Miscellaneous* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | $35 | $50 | $35 | $50 |
| High | $150 | $500 | $250 | $150 |
*Glue, nails, screws, finishings.
Here is a breakdown of basic labor costs associated with stair railing installation. Typically this might take two or three guys one day to complete.
If they were paid $50 per hour (Master Tradesman Rate) the cost is about $800-$1,200 for the labor.
Get a Free Quote
Now that you have seen the benefits of installing a stair railing and the associated costs, you are ready for a stair railing installation inside your home or business.
Simply fill in your postal zip code in the space provided for a 100% FREE, absolutely no-obligation estimate from installation professionals in your local area.
