Can You Buy Pre-Made Stairs (And How Much Do They Cost)

If you're looking to upgrade your current staircase or looking for a faster solution to constructing a new set of stairs, then pre-made staircases might be a great option. Generally, pre-made staircases save a ton of time when it comes to construction and installation. We've gone ahead and looked into how much pre-made stairs cost and what factors most affect that price.

Pre-made stairs can range anywhere in price from $500 to $10,000, depending on a few factors. For the most part, the cost of pre-made stairs varies based on material type and size and if your situation requires any customization. Staircases that require more stairs will, of course, be more expensive. On the other hand, pre-made stairs can come in various materials, including wood, concrete, and metal. While these are the most common general materials, there is still variation in each of them. The average price range for pre-made stairs falls between $2,000 and $5,000.

Even though we've laid out an expected price range for premade stairs, there are still some lingering questions. We encourage you to continue reading to learn about the different materials and why pre-made stairs may be a great choice. We will also answer some other common questions about pre-made stairs.

Why Choose Pre-Made Stairs

Pre-made stair's most significant benefits may be the time they save and the cost. If you're trying to fit into a tight deadline or budget, then pre-made stairs are a reliable option for meeting them. A set of pre-made stairs can be installed relatively quickly, saving labor costs. This, of course, also helps meet a tight deadline as well.

Taking proper measurements and then ordering a pre-made set of stairs will also ensure a proper fit. Time loss from having to redo a staircase can hurt a renovation budget and timeline. For those doing the installation themselves, pre-made stairs are also easier to install and require no experience. Companies sell stairs in kits that come with instructions, so even novices can properly install them.

Types of Pre-Made Stairs

As we have already gone over, most pre-made staircases are made of either wood, concrete, or metal. Each of these has different price ranges and general applications. While some premade stairs can be installed as a DIY project, others really should be handled by professionals. Here we will go into more detail about each of these materials.

Wood

Wood staircases can be beautiful and incredibly durable. One reason homeowners may choose a wood staircase is to add value to their home. Wood stairs can be installed on your own. However, it is better to let a carpenter handle them. Generally, a wood staircase price range is most affected by the type of wood and the size of the stairs. Hardwoods like oak are more expensive than others, such as pine. Keep this in mind when choosing which material for your stairs.

Pre-made wood stairs will usually have a price range of $1,000 to over $3,000. Choosing hardwoods like oak or adding details such as corners and fancy handrails can inflate this cost to over $10,000. Ensure you get an accurate quote and use proper measurements to ensure you're getting the right price.

If you need a carpenter to install the staircase, they will usually charge between $40 and $90 per hour to install a pre-made staircase. It will take between 6 and 9 hours to install an average pre-made staircase, meaning the labor costs are between $400 and $800. This will need to be added to the staircase cost, meaning the average total cost of a premade wood staircase will run between $1,400 and $3,800.

Concrete

Professionals should install concrete stairs. Pouring concrete on your own isn't recommended as any mistakes are hard to fix. Concrete stairs are generally used for basement access or outdoor porches.

The average cost of concrete stairs is around $2,000. Pre-cast steps will usually cost about $100 per step, including labor. Homeowners should expect their project to cost between $900 and $5,000, depending on the staircase's size. Low-grade cement steps cost about $200 each. Higher grade cement steps cost twice as much. Remember that concrete is a very durable material and will last a long time.

Metal

Pre-made metal stairs are commonly used for spiral staircases. This style of staircase is sold in kits and can be installed on your own. Homeowners choose metal steps for their durability and style.

You should expect to pay around $200 per step on a metal staircase. The type of metal you choose will have a large impact on the price of the steps. Stainless steel staircases generally run between $4,000 to $5,000, including labor costs. Aluminum, on the other hand, can be both a cheaper or more expensive metal alternative. Outdoor sets of stairs require a coating to resist weather and will be more expensive.

Other Features in the Materials

Of course, higher quality materials cost more than lower quality ones. When looking at pre-made staircases, you'll have tons of optional features that will also affect the overall price. Handrail styles, designs in the steps, and tread coverings are only a few of the options available to you. Remember when shopping that any of these additional features and details can push your stairs' price range higher than you expected.

If you're looking for the best flooring types for stairs, check out our article 8 Best Types Of Flooring For Stairs.

Can you buy premade deck stairs?

You definitely can buy premade deck stairs. Whether you're looking for a large project option or a quick fix, there is an option for you out there. Premade deck stairs can be bought at any place that sells premade stair kits like Paragon Stairs, the same as other stair types. On the other hand, a cheap and fast option would be buying a prefabricated staircase for your deck somewhere like Lowe's.

How do you install premade stairs?

Installing premade stairs isn't too difficult. If you're not inclined to do it on your own, you can hire professionals to install them for you, usually from the company you purchase them from. For others who enjoy DIY projects, there are multiple options. Purchasing a kit will usually include installation instructions to follow for proper setup. Aside from those, you can follow these simplified steps to install a premade set of stairs. Remember to check all measurements in advance and check that everything lines up before attaching any parts.

Ensure the riser where the stairs meet at the top is appropriately set up.
Line up the top of the staircase with the landing, so the framing is matched up.
Ensure the staircase and landing are both level.
Drive finishing nails through the top framing element into the landing.
Anchor the stairs to a wall stud if installing against a wall.
Install any brackets provided with the staircase.

Remember that any premade set of stairs will come with an instruction booklet and manufacturer recommendations. Follow those directions to make sure you're correctly installing your staircase.

If you're wondering about some safety precautions, check out our article Are Stairs Required To Have A Handrail?

How much does it cost to install stair treads?

Hardwood stair treads usually cost between $35 and $50. The higher cost treads can run up to $130 and are generally affected by the treads' thickness, width, and quality. Including labor, you should expect to pay between $700 and $1100 to install stair treads on a 10 step staircase.