Remaking an existing staircase costs 40-60% less than replacing it, but this option is only valid if three conditions are met: the supporting structure is healthy, the dimensions are in compliance with the Code, and the location is suitable for you. If one of the three is missing, the renovation becomes an expensive dressing. Expect $1,500 to $4,000 for a renovation, compared to $3,000 to $12,000 for a new staircase depending on the configuration.
The decisive criterion is not the appearance of the staircase, but its dimensions. An ugly staircase that is in good shape is rebuilt, an impeccable staircase that is non-compliant is replaced.
The test in three questions
1.Are the dimensions compliant?
Measure a riser and a tread depth. The riser should be between 125 and 200 mm, the tread depth between 255 and 355 mm according to the CCQ 2020. Also check that all treads are identical: a variation of more than a few millimeters is in itself a non-compliance.
If the dimensions are non-compliant, stop here. Covering treads that are too high or too narrow does not fix anything — it sometimes even shifts the problem, because an overlay adds thickness and changes the height of the first or last step. staircase standards in Quebec.
2. Is the structure sound?
Signs that condemn a structure:
- An stringer split, bent or peeling off the wall
- A staircase that moves laterally when shaken
- Frank crackling in the center of the treads, not only in the nose
- Traces of moisture or mold at the base, common in the basement
- Assemblies that have visible play
Light crackling is not a blame: it often comes from treads that have worked and tightened with wedges and glue.
3. Is the location right for you?
If you are planning to open a wall, redesign the entrance or turn an enclosed area into an open space in the next five years, redoing the staircase now is like paying twice.
What each option covers
| Intervention | Refurbishment | New staircase |
|---|---|---|
| treads and risers | Replaced or re-covered | Neuves |
| stringers | Canned | Neufs |
| railing and railing | Often replaced | Neufs |
| Dimensions | Unchanged | Recalculated and compliant |
| Location | Unchanged | Modifiable |
| Duration of the project | 1 to 3 days | 3 to 7 days |
| Range | 1 500 $ – 4 000 $ | 3 000 $ – 12 000 $ |
The most common case: the carpet staircase
Many Quebec homes from the 1970s to the 1990s have a carpeted staircase, with a pine or chipboard structure underneath that is never intended to remain visible.
If the stringers are healthy and the dimensions are good, we replace treads and risers with hardwood and we redo the railing: it is a classic refurbishment, with a spectacular result for a budget contained.
If the structure is made of chipboard, it will not support treads in solid hardwood.
The trap of decorative overlay
The covering kits sold in hardware stores promise to transform a staircase in a weekend.
First, the added thickness changes the geometry: if you add 12 mm on each step without compensating at the top and bottom, the first and last riser step will no longer be the same height as the others, which is precisely the type of unevenness that causes falls.
Then, an overlay glued to a moving structure peels off, masking the movement without correcting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to redo a staircase than to replace it?
Yes, usually 40 to 60% less: $1,500 to $4,000 versus $3,000 to $12,000, provided the supporting structure is healthy and the dimensions are correct.
How do I know if my staircase is recycled?
Check three things: the dimensions are in compliance with the Code, no stringer is cracked or peeling off, and the staircase is not moving laterally.If all three are right, a refurbishment is enough.
Can we cover a staircase that is not standard to make it compliant?
No, a overlay does not change the tread depth or height of the risers, and the added thickness may even create an additional unevenness on the first or last step.
How long does the construction take?
1 to 3 days for a renovation, 3 to 7 days for a new staircase.During the work, access to the floor is usually interrupted for part of the day.
My staircase cracks: should I replace it?
Not necessarily. Cracking on the stair nosing often comes from parts that have worked and can be corrected with wedges and glue.Cracking in the center of the treads, or a lateral movement, indicates a structure that needs to be reviewed.
Do I need a permit for a renovation?
Usually not, as it is an identical replacement, a permit becomes required as soon as you change the location, dimensions or structure.
Have your staircase evaluated
All three criteria are met in one visit: a few measurements, an examination of the stringers and an evaluation of the movement, which is what we do before we propose either option — refurbishment when it stands the test of time, new stairs when it doesn’t.
See also our standards of stairs, on price of a custom staircase, our page renovation of stairs or Contact us.
