When planning any build — from residential homes to multi-unit developments — staircases are one of the most prominent architectural features. But when it comes to budgeting, they’re often underestimated or misquoted due to their nature.

At Apexa, we know every staircase is unique. Whether you’re working with open treads, integrated balustrades, or a split-level layout, understanding how staircase costs are calculated helps ensure your budget is aligned with your design goals — right from the start.

In this guide, we break down the key factors that influence staircase pricing and where you can find the best balance between performance, aesthetics, and long-term value.

Key factors that influence staircase costs

1. Material selection

Your choice of material plays a major role in determining cost, durability, and overall visual impact.

• MDF – A cost-effective and highly popular choice for residential staircases. Its smooth surface and uniform finish make it ideal for painted designs, and its versatility allows it to pair seamlessly with a wide range of flooring finishes — helping homeowners create a cohesive look between stairs and interior flooring.
  
  

• Timber – A premium option that brings natural warmth, character, and timeless appeal to any staircase. As a natural product, timber is more susceptible to movement, such as minor warping or hairline cracking, due to changes in temperature and humidity. With the right care and installation, however, it remains a durable and visually striking choice for high-end residential or commercial applications.
• Steel Spine (Mono Stringer) – A modern, architectural staircase option known for its clean lines and floating appearance. The central steel stringer provides robust structural support while allowing for open, light-filled spaces — making it a standout feature in contemporary homes and commercial builds. While more expensive than traditional stair configurations, steel spine staircases offer exceptional durability, design flexibility, and aesthetic impact, often paired with timber treads and glass balustrades for a striking, minimalist look.

Each material has a different price range and installation method, which directly affects both the budget and timeline.

2. Design Complexity

The configuration of your staircase will impact manufacturing and installation costs:

• Straight Staircases: Simple, efficient, and typically the most budget-friendly.
• L-Shaped Staircases: Incorporate a 90-degree turn and are slightly more complex.
• U-Shaped Staircases: Feature two turns and require additional structure and labour.
• Landing configurations – Whether straight, L-shaped, or U-shaped, landings affect both space and flow, with more complex turns typically increasing material, labour, and overall staircase costs.

The more complex the design, the more detailed the build — which is why it’s essential to align design ambition with budget early in the project.

3. Labour Costs

Labour is one of the most significant contributors to staircase costs. Rates can vary depending on:

• Your location
• The level of design complexity
• Access and installation constraints on-site

Bespoke or complex designs typically require longer installation times, which should be factored into your timeline and budget planning.

4. Additional Features

Custom features can elevate a staircase — but they also increase cost. Popular upgrades include:

• Feature bottom steps or bullnose treads
• Custom tread goings/width
• Continuous handrails or custom rail profiles
• Cut/sawtooth stringers

We always recommend weighing the design impact against the added cost to ensure you’re getting value where it matters most.

5. Customisation & special requirements

If your project requires a unique design, specialised materials, or a fully bespoke size, costs can increase significantly. For example, a mono-stringer steel spine staircase can become the architectural focal point of a property — but it also demands higher investment in both design and execution.

Other factors to consider

• Building Regulations: Compliance can affect the layout and allowable design options.
• Site Preparation: Adjustments to floor levels, joists, or structural walls may increase the scope of work.
• Timelines: Custom designs may take longer to manufacture and install, impacting project flow and labour costs.

How Apexa supports cost-effective staircase solutions

At Apexa, we help developers, and builders find the balance between design, function, and budget. With extensive experience across residential and commercial projects, we offer:

• Transparent cost breakdowns
• Guidance on where to invest and where to streamline
• Options for full installation or DIY-ready delivery (ideal for regional or trade-led builds)
• Scalable pricing models for multi-unit developments

We focus on delivering staircases that are built to fit, made to last, and engineered to enhance your property’s value.

Final word: Make every dollar count

The cost of a staircase goes beyond materials and labour — it reflects the long-term performance, aesthetic impact, and install efficiency of your entire project. While budget options exist, high-quality staircases offer better value through durability, compliance, and seamless integration with your build.

The cost of a staircase can vary significantly based on material choice, design complexity, and labour requirements. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $600 to $30,000 or more, depending on the selections you make.

Whether you’re designing for simplicity or making a bold architectural statement, the best results start with the right guidance.

Need help estimating your staircase cost?

Get in touch with the Apexa team to discuss your project. We’ll help you find a staircase solution that fits your budget, enhances your design, and delivers lasting value.