How Much Does Hardwood Stairs Cost? | CountBricks

Understanding Hardwood Stair Costs for Construction Professionals

In 2025, the cost of installing hardwood stairs can vary significantly based on several factors. For construction professionals, understanding these variables is crucial for accurate project estimation. Current pricing for hardwood stairs ranges from $115 to $550 per stair, depending on materials and complexity. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of costs and considerations for trade professionals.

Key Cost Drivers

Species and grade of hardwood (oak, maple, hickory, walnut)
Number of risers, treads, and landings
Demolition of existing stairs or carpet removal
Newel posts, balusters, and handrail style
On-site versus pre-finished staining and sealing
Local labor rates and accessibility (tight stairwells add hours)
Building code upgrades such as nosing returns or child-safe spacing

Typical Price Ranges in 2025

Entry-level oak retrofit—$115 to $175 per stair. A 14-tread flight costs $1,600–$2,450.
Mid-range full replacement—$230 to $320 per stair. A 14-tread flight costs $3,200–$4,500.
High-end showcase—$375 to $550 per stair. A 14-tread flight costs $5,300–$7,700.

Prices include labor and materials based on recent bids in metropolitan areas. Rural projects often trend 8–12% lower; tight urban sites can add 10–15%.

Why Quotes Vary Between Contractors

Traditional stair bids often rely on allowances and outdated material sheets. CountBricks offers an AI-driven workflow for precise estimates:

Project managers use a phone or headset to capture dimensions.
CountBricks pulls live lumber pricing within seconds.
Labor factors update automatically for demolition time, finish coats, and hardware.
Receive a line-item PDF and digital blueprint takeoff on-site.

Cost Breakdown Example

A recent project included 14 solid white oak treads and Poplar risers:

Demolition and disposal of carpet: $420
White oak treads (14 @ $68): $952
Poplar risers (14 @ $22): $308
Sand, stain, and water-based poly: $610
Standard railing package: $1,180
Labor (carpentry + finish, 3.2 crew-days): $1,970
Total project cost: $5,440

Hidden Costs to Consider

Subfloor squeak repair
Code-compliant rise/run adjustments
HVAC or drywall patching after railing relocation
Extra finish coats for darker stain colors

Budget Control Tips

Select paint-grade risers instead of matching hardwood
Opt for site-finished stairs only if a custom color is needed
Use streamlined square balusters
Schedule installation during other renovations to share mobilization costs

How CountBricks Simplifies Cost Planning

Real-time material feeds eliminate “subject to change” clauses
Voice-controlled takeoffs reduce measuring time
Automated code checks flag compliance issues early
Instant financing links in every proposal

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hardwood add appraisal value? Appraisers often add 75–90% of project cost to market value.
Can I refinish instead of replace? Sand-and-seal packages cost about 35% of a full replacement.
Is DIY realistic? Professional tools and skills are required for installation.

Next Steps

Record a video walk-through of your stairs.
Upload it to CountBricks.com or schedule a live voice call.
Approve the estimate and select your installation window.

Your hardwood staircase upgrade is now on the calendar—data-driven precision from CountBricks.

The Bottom Line

With CountBricks, the cost of hardwood stairs is determined by live market data and project scope, delivered in minutes. Whether a simple retrofit or a grand entry statement, our platform ensures transparent pricing and flawless execution.

Our AI app can generate costed estimates in seconds.

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How Much Does Hardwood Stairs Cost? | CountBricks

CountBricks Case Study: From Carpet to Custom Walnut

In Lakeview Heights, a homeowner sought to replace carpet with walnut hardwood. Traditional contractors offered vague estimates from $7,000 to $12,000. CountBricks provided clarity.

Voice-Guided Takeoff

Project lead used the CountBricks app to dictate measurements.
AI recognized 16 treads, one mid-landing, and a curved starter step.
Generated a material list: 17 walnut treads, 16 walnut risers, three box newels, 54 iron balusters, and a continuous handrail.