UK Staircases Price Guide: Compare Styles, Materials and Where to Buy

Why the right staircase makes a difference

Choosing a staircase is more than picking a route between floors — it’s like choosing the spine of your home. The right design lifts a room, creates a focal point and even affects how comfortable you feel moving between levels. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian terrace or fitting stairs into a new-build extension, thinking about style, material and budget up front saves headaches and hidden costs later.

Popular staircase styles in the UK

Straight staircases

Straight stairs are the simplest and usually the most affordable option. They run in a single flight from one level to another and are great for narrow or compact spaces. You’ll often find straight stairs in terraced houses or where space planning is tight, and many DIY kits from major retailers cover standard straight configurations.

Quarter-turn and half-turn (L and U-shaped) staircases

These designs include a landing that changes the direction of the flight, making them excellent for saving headroom and easing the ascent. Quarter-turn (L-shaped) and half-turn (U-shaped) stairs are popular in UK homes because they feel more private and can fit into corner spaces. They’re pricier than straight stairs due to the extra joinery and bespoke measurements often needed.

Spiral and compact staircases

If floor area is at a premium, a spiral or helical staircase can be a clever solution. They take up a lot less footprint and add a dramatic look, but they’re not always practical for moving large furniture. Expect higher specialist costs for spiral stairs, and be ready to sacrifice a bit of comfort for style and space savings.

Open-riser and floating designs

Open-riser or floating staircases create an airy, contemporary feel by removing or minimising risers. They’re visually striking and allow light to pass through, but they typically cost more due to structural demands and the need for quality fitting. These are popular choices for modern renovations and boutique builds.

Common materials and how they affect price

Oak and other hardwoods

Oak is the go-to hardwood for premium staircases. It’s durable, ages beautifully and takes stains and finishes well. Expect higher price tags for oak than for softwoods; a bespoke oak staircase can be a significant investment but adds long-term value and character to a home.

Softwoods (pine, spruce)

Softwood stairs are an economical choice and suit painted or rustic looks. Pine or spruce kits from DIY chains are affordable and easy to work with, making them a favourite for budget-conscious homeowners or for secondary areas of the house such as loft conversions.

Metal and glass components

Mixing metal spindles or glass balustrades with timber treads lifts the style quotient quickly. Glass panels give a modern, light feel, while metalwork can be industrial or sleek, depending on the finish. These materials typically add to the cost but can be installed selectively to manage budgets — for example, wooden treads with a glass balustrade on the landing only.

Where to buy staircases in the UK: retailers and specialists

Nationwide DIY chains

Big-name chains like B&Q, Wickes, Homebase and Screwfix stock stair kits, parts and balustrade sections. These outlets are ideal for standard straight stairs and off-the-shelf accessories, offering value and convenience if you’re doing a DIY fit or a tradesperson needs quick parts.

Trade suppliers and builders’ merchants

For trade-quality materials and larger jobs, look to builders’ merchants such as Travis Perkins and Jewson. These suppliers often carry higher-grade timber and offer cutting or manufacturing services for bespoke requirements. They’re also a good route for experienced fitters sourcing raw materials.

Bespoke staircase makers and specialists

If you want a show-stopping centrepiece, specialist companies such as Oak Stairs and Signature Stairs focus purely on craft and custom solutions. They can design complex geometries — curved, floating or spiral stairs — and handle design, manufacture and installation, but expect a premium for that service and the bespoke nature of the work.

Typical price ranges you can expect

Prices vary widely depending on design, material and installation. As a rough guide, a basic straight staircase kit from a DIY chain can start from around £350 to £700, enough for a standard domestic flight in softwood. A pre-made oak straight staircase typically ranges from about £1,200 to £3,000. For a quarter-turn or half-turn oak staircase expect costs from roughly £1,800 to £5,000, depending on balustrade choices. Bespoke curved or floating staircases, with hardwood treads and glass or stainless steel balustrades, often start at around £6,000 and can rise well beyond £15,000 for architectural, custom work. Spiral stairs generally begin at around £1,000 for a basic kit and can exceed £4,000 for high-end materials and finishes.

Key factors that affect staircase cost

Height, number of risers and footprint

The taller the floor-to-floor height, the more risers you need, which adds material and labour. Measure your floor-to-floor height in feet and inches — for example, a typical bungalow might be about 8 ft high, while a two-storey home could be closer to 9 ft or 10 ft. More risers equals more treads, balusters and sometimes wider structural elements.

Design complexity

Curved, spiral or floating staircases need specialist joinery and often bespoke stringers and supports. Complexity increases workshop time and installation skill, driving the price up. Simple straight configurations are the most budget-friendly for both parts and labour.

Material and finish

Solid oak treads and handrails cost more than softwood or veneered options. Finishes like lacquer, stain or oil, plus treatments for wear resistance, add to the bill. Glass balustrades and stainless steel fittings are typically more expensive than painted timber spindles.

DIY kits versus full installation: which route to pick?

When DIY makes sense

If you’re confident with tools and your staircase is a standard straight kit, DIY can save money. Retailers provide pre-cut treads, risers and balusters in standard sizes that bolt together like big flat-pack furniture. This works well for straightforward projects where precision is manageable and lifting heavy treads isn’t an issue.

When to hire a pro

For curved, floating or open-riser stairs, or where structural supports are needed, a professional stair fitter or joiner is strongly recommended. Professionals ensure compliance with building regulations and deliver a finish that’s safe and long-lasting. If you’re unsure about structural integrity, investing in a qualified installer is worth it to avoid costly mistakes.

How to measure accurately before buying

Accurate measurements save money and time. Start by measuring the floor-to-floor height in feet and inches — list any skirting board thickness or floor finishes that might change that height. Measure the available clear width for the staircase — many UK homes use widths around 32 in to 36 in, but guest-room stairs might be narrower. Calculate the number of risers by dividing the floor-to-floor height by a comfortable riser height, typically around 7 in to 7.75 in. The going (tread depth) is commonly about 9 in to 10 in for comfortable stepping. If in doubt, sketch the space, note door and window positions, and share these figures with suppliers to get accurate quotes.

Building regulations and safety considerations

Staircases in the UK must meet building regulations for safety — things like maximum riser height and minimum tread depth, handrail height and guarding to prevent falls. These rules exist to protect users, and any serious renovation should factor in compliance. A professional installer will help ensure your new staircase meets the required standards for domestic installations.

Saving money without sacrificing quality

There are smart ways to keep costs down. Opt for a standard-sized straight staircase where possible, use softwood treads with hardwood handrails for a mix of economy and durability, or keep the structure simple and upgrade only visible elements like the balustrade. Buying parts from trade suppliers on promotion or choosing a pre-made kit for the main flight while getting carpentry work done locally for finishing can balance cost and quality.

Planning the project: timeline and coordination

A straightforward replacement of a straight staircase might take a day or two if walls and floors don’t need altering. More complex installs — curved stairs, structural changes or newel-post relocations — can take several days to weeks, including manufacturing time for bespoke elements. Coordinate flooring, lighting and any plastering or painting so each trade can work without blocking the other. Think of your staircase project as a small orchestra: timing and coordination make the performance smooth.

Conclusion

Updating or installing a staircase is both a functional necessity and an opportunity to transform your home. From budget-friendly straight kits at DIY stores to bespoke curved statements crafted by specialist makers, the UK market offers options for every taste and price point. Measure carefully in feet and inches, weigh up DIY versus professional installation, and factor materials and design complexity into your budget. With the right planning, you’ll end up with a staircase that’s safe, stylish and a pleasure to use every day.