Updated 25 September 2026
Staircase refurb (balustrade, treads) cost UK 2026
The going rate for staircase refurb (balustrade, treads) in 2026 is £450–£2,500 (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Market band£450–£2,500
Worked example, 1 staircase£996
Time on site2 days
Staircase refurb (balustrade, treads) calculator
Price a real job freeUses your rates, your speed and your receipts.
Market band source: BookaBuilderUK.
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| strip | Strip old balustrade | 3 h |
| fit | Fit newels, handrail and spindles | 10 h |
Materials at three price levels
| Material | Budget | Trade choice | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newels, handrail, baserail and spindles set | £180 Pine balustrade kit — Paint-grade | £350 Hemlock or white primed kit — Clean modern look | £700 Oak or glass balustrade — Feature staircase |
Trade prices ex VAT, estimates checked 2026-09-25. Log your receipts in Grafto and your own prices replace these.
What changes the price
- What's changing? balustrade only · balustrade and tread covers big effect
Good practice
- Lived-in home: time for dust sheets and moving furniture
- Guarding: no gap a 100 mm sphere can pass through
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Woodworm | small round exit holes, fine powder (frass) | Woodworm treatment, only if active £150–£600. Woodworm: treat before fitting new timber |
| Possible lead paint | Thick, layered old paint on pre-1960 joinery? | Lead-safe paint prep. Possible lead paint: lead-safe prep, no dry sanding |
| Rotten timber | soft, dark or flaking sills, frames or skirting | Cut out and splice rotten section |
Questions
How much does staircase refurb (balustrade, treads) cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is £450–£2,500 (total, ex VAT), from BookaBuilderUK. A worked example of 1 staircase comes to about £780–£1,442 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does staircase refurb (balustrade, treads) take?
The worked example of 1 staircase takes about 2 working days.
What changes the price of staircase refurb (balustrade, treads)?
Mainly what's changing, plus any prep found on site: woodworm, possible lead paint, rotten timber.