If the carpet on your stairs is looking a little shabby or you just prefer the wooden look, you might be wondering, how much does it cost to change carpet stairs to wood? Is it simple and inexpensive, or time-consuming and costly?
The cost of swapping from carpeting to wooden stairs can vary enormously depending on several factors, but the average is often estimated to be about $4000. In some cases, it will cost less, maybe coming in at around $1000, but in other cases, it will be much higher, and could be over $15000.
We’re going to explore what costs are involved in installing wooden stairs, what can drive the prices up, and how this generally works. This should put you in a good position to determine whether wooden stairs are right for you.
How Much Do Wooden Stairs Generally Cost?
There are quite a few factors that you need to take into account when you consider swapping to wooden stairs, including:
- What surface the stairs are currently made of (if they are already wood, it may be a cheaper process)
- How many steps do you have
- What sort of wood do you wish to use
- What finishing will be required
- How much of the work you will do yourself
- What anti-slip features you might need to install
- How your staircase is designed and whether you are going to be working with straight pieces or awkward angles
All of these things will make a significant difference to the price of your stairs, so it’s important to take them into account. If you are just taking up carpeting and sanding and varnishing the steps, there’s a chance that you can do this for very little money, especially if you have some DIY skills and you’re happy to do some yourself.
However, if your stairs aren’t wood or you need to replace the wood because it’s not suitable, you’re going to be paying a lot more. The stairs could cost around $100 to $200 per step, depending on what wood you choose, how large the steps are, and whether any structural work needs to be done.
You must take the time to cost your project properly before you start. Do not just rip out your stair carpet and leave the unfinished wooden steps on display. They won’t look good, and they may pose a tripping hazard, as wood can be slippery. You need to make sure that the stairs are finished correctly and safely.
What Sort Of Wood Is Usually Used For Stairs?
The kind of wood used is the most significant factor when it comes to costing up stairs. For example, you need to think about whether you want softwood or hardwood, and how the wood is going to wear over the years. Something like oak will generally cost more, because it is an expensive wood to buy.
All kinds of wood can be used for stairs, including ash, walnut, oak, fir, and pine. They all have different benefits and drawbacks, different longevity, and different costs. You will need to weigh up a lot of these factors before you make a purchasing decision.
What Are The Biggest Costs?
Often, the biggest cost is labor, because building stairs is a pretty intensive process and you will need skilled professionals to do the job. However, material costs have risen significantly in recent years, so don’t forget about these. The wood and other materials alone are likely to be up to $1000 even for a fairly simple job.
If you are prepared to do a lot of the work yourself, you are likely to keep the costs much lower than if you employ professionals to do it for you. If you want a firm to come in, make sure you get quotes from several different places so you can check you aren’t paying over the odds.
You should also take into account other costs. For example, if you want the contractors to remove the old carpet, you will probably be paying between $75 and $300.
How Much Does It Cost To Refinish Existing Wooden Steps?
This depends on how much work is involved. You will probably need to spend between $40 and $75 per step – which can add up fast. For ten steps, you’d be paying between $400 and $750. Even refinishing can be surprisingly expensive, therefore.
Again, you may be able to do this or some of it yourself, but you need to make sure that the stairs are structurally sound first. However, if they are, this can be a great and fairly inexpensive way to breathe new life into your staircase.
FAQs
Q: How do you change carpeted stairs to wood?
A: The carpet needs to be peeled back, and the tack strip removed. Any necessary repairs or structural work should be done, and then the stairs will be prepared, sanded, varnished, and finished. In some cases, the wood will be shaped and non-slip material may be added to minimize the risk of accidents.
Q: Is it cheaper to carpet or hardwood stairs?
A: This depends heavily on what carpet you buy vs what wood you buy. It is often cheaper to re-carpet a staircase than to change it to wood. Indeed, adding wood could cost twice as much as carpeting it, or possibly more, so weigh this up carefully.
Q: Should stairs be wood or carpet?
A: Stairs can be either. But you should be aware that carpeted stairs have a reduced fall risk, because they provide more grip for your feet. Carpeting will also help to cushion a fall if it does happen, minimizing the risk of serious injury.
Conclusion
Changing your stairs to wood can improve the appearance of the stairs, especially if the carpeting is tired and old. Wood looks lighter and nicer, and is much easier to clean. However, there are drawbacks associated with wooden flooring, including the slip risk and the expense. Installing wood stairs is not cheap!
If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends, or wherever you can! Also take a look at our other most recent blog posts below:
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