How Much Does It Cost to Install Stair Railings and Balusters?
Normal range: $200 - $10,000
Installing stair railings and balusters costs $900 on average, depending on the size and materials. Most spend between $200 and $10,000.
The stair railing cost and baluster cost will add between $200 and $10,000 or more to your staircase installation project. You get to make several key design choices when renovating or building a new staircase in your home. This wide cost range accounts for the type of material, custom upgrades, and whether you choose to DIY the installation or call in a professional.
- Average
- $900
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $12,500
Stair Railing and Baluster Cost Breakdown
Let's quickly review the parts of a staircase to clear up confusion about these similar terms, many of which people use interchangeably.
Handrail, railing, or banister: These terms refer to the horizontal pole that you hold while walking up the steps.
Baluster: Also known as the spindle, balusters are the vertical pole that connects the steps to the railing. In most cases, designers recommend at least three balusters per foot.
Size
You will encounter quite a wide price range for stair railing costs. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $500 per linear foot for installing a new railing, not including labor. Less expensive materials cost between $10 and $60 per linear foot and highly durable options cost over $100. Additionally, the cost of the balusters runs $3 and $17 per piece before installation costs.
| Feature of a 10-Foot Railing | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood railing | $250 |
| Spindles | $90 |
| Labor | $600 |
| Total | $940 |
Type of Material
Get a better sense of how much stair railings and balusters cost by choosing the material. Most homeowners aim to strike a balance between a type of material that fits your home's aesthetic and your project budget. For example, wood railings cost the least at $10 to $40 per linear foot while glass railings can push into the $500 per linear foot range.
Labor
Professional installation will add quite a bit to your total, but we recommend hiring a local staircase builder for safety reasons and to keep the banister up to code. Include between $70 and $150 an hour for labor fees to hire a local staircase contractor, at an average of six to 10 hours. The installation time length will vary depending on the size, material, and design of your stair railing. Custom work will also add to the labor time.
If our example above requires six hours of installation at $100 per hour, the total price for the 10-foot railing is now $940.
Location
Where your handrail lives in or outside your home also dictates the price. For example, installing a new handrail on your front concrete steps costs an average of $80 per linear foot. The extra cost accounts for the weather-proof material and the cost to attach it to the concrete.
However, replacing a porch or deck railing costs an average of $925 depending, yet again, on its size, material, and the age of the structure.
In addition, you’ll need to take into account other location-based factors, including staircase slope, stair shape, and access to the area. Railing and baluster installations typically cost more for staircases that are difficult to access or irregularly shaped.
Design
The highest per-linear-foot costs for railings and balusters come into play when you choose a custom design. According to HomeAdvisor, custom-made wrought-iron railings can range up to $900 per linear foot.
You can also differentiate between wall-mounted and integrated handrails. Integrated handrails sit on top of the railing and include balusters. Wall-mounted handrails, however, will cost $25 to $40 per linear foot on average, not including labor.
Stair Railing and Baluster Cost by Type of Material
The type of material you choose greatly impacts the cost of the stair railing and its balusters. While some materials cost less because they are easier to acquire, others come with hefty price tags due to their durability and longevity. These price ranges account for the full railing design—handrail, baluster, and balustrade together.
Wood
You will pay between $10 and $40 per linear foot for wood stair railings. While they tend not to last as long as iron, steel, or cable wires, wood stair railings are often desirable for their classic look and the option to paint, stain, and carve them.
Stainless Steel
The next leap in price is for stainless steel railings, which cost between $25 and $110 per linear foot. Stainless steel is well-loved for its stability and durability, even when used outside for porches and patios. This railing type will also require less maintenance over the years compared to wood.
Cable
The structure of a cable stair railing combines a steel, iron, or wood handrail with cable balusters that run vertically or—breaking tradition—horizontally. The unique design costs between $60 and $220 per linear foot.
Glass
Glass stair railings replace the traditional balusters with a pane of glass set within a metal frame. The look is sleek and modern while adding a level of safety by cutting out the breaks between balustrades. Glass stair railings cost $100 to $500 per linear foot.
Wrought Iron
The cost of wrought iron stair railings ranges from $50 to $120 per linear foot, but custom options can cost up to $900 for the same. The highest price tag comes with ornate and complex designs. Overall, you'll pay more for wrought iron for its extreme durability and longevity of over a century.
| Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $10–$40 |
| Stainless steel | $25–$110 |
| Cable | $60–$220 |
| Glass | $100–$500 |
| Wrought Iron | $50–$120 |
Additional Costs to Consider
Picture your unique project and take a moment to consider the costs that may come along when installing new stair railings.
Removing Old Railings and Balusters
When creating your project budget, add between $70 and $150 for an hour of removing the old stair railings and balusters. The process could take longer if you need to remove it from plaster, concrete, or brick or if the contractors need to repair the wall or staircase before installing the new one. For example, the cost to repair concrete steps ranges between $250 and $750, depending on the size of the damage.
Shape of Staircase
Keep in mind that railings that need to curve, bend, or spiral will often fall into the custom category, pushing the price up. Spiral, floating, and helical structures can cost between $1,000 to tens of thousands higher than the average staircase, and this unique design choice will add to the cost of stair railings and balusters.
Permits
The cost of a construction permit for something as simple as a new railing could run as low as $20 or as high as $2,000 for a permit that covers a larger project, such as installing the steps. Since the railing is a key safety feature, be sure to research local safety codes and requirements by your HOA and local ordinances to confirm construction requirements.
Refinishing and Painting
Interior painters charge between $20 and $50 per hour or $2 to $6 per square foot. You could pay up to $20 per linear foot for painting railings and balusters due to the intricacy of the job.
Costs to Install Railings and Balusters Yourself
You can save up to $1,500 on labor costs if you choose to build and install the stair railing yourself. However, remember that materials can cost anywhere from about $200 to $5,500 on average when you include the railing and baluster costs.
You will also need the following tools on hand, which could add to the price of DIYing the job:
Measuring tape
Nail gun
Circular saw
Chop saw
Hammer
Level
Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, work boots)
Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
Although going the DIY route will help you cut costs, hiring a professional ensures that your railing and baluster installation is accurate and done efficiently. This type of job requires specialized and technical skills best suited for a professional staircase contractor near you. While you can expect to pay $70 to $150 per hour for their services, it’s worth the peace of mind of knowing that your staircase features will remain intact for years to come.
How to Save Money on Railings and Balusters
If the extra cost of railings and balusters snuck up on you during your home renovation project, there are some things to keep in mind to cut costs.
Opt for wood or stainless steel railings and balusters.
Remove the old railing and baluster yourself.
If possible, have your stair railing installed simultaneously as your new steps to cut down on labor overhead.
Speak with at least three staircase companies to compare prices and discuss package deals.
Replace individual balusters if your railing is still in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wood hand railings cost $10 to $40 per linear foot, which is much lower than other popular materials like cable, glass, or wrought iron. Wooden staircases and their railings can match many home styles, making this an ideal choice both for price and style.
Always begin by researching your local building codes and, when in doubt, speak with a local staircase company for confirmation. If you're estimating your handrail measurements, find the length of the nosing line of your steps—the horizontal line that touches the top of the tread of your steps. Measure between 34 and 38 inches up the walls for placement. The length of the handrail will then run the length of your nosing line or beyond, depending on local codes.
You can transform your staircase to fit nearly any home style, whether it be a modern look with cable stair railings or a classic cozy vibe with painted wooden steps. Popular trends include incorporating vibrant colors, patterned wallpaper, and adding unique storage throughout the staircase structure.