How Much Does a Spiral Staircase Cost?

Average Cost to Install Spiral Staircase

Spiral Staircase Prices by Material

How much is a spiral staircase? Ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, the price of spiral stairways can vary quite a bit. The price largely depends on the material type. A metal spiral staircase costs much less than wood, glass, and Trex installations. The height and width of the staircase matter as well, as do labor rates.

Steel Spiral Staircase

When using steel materials, the cost to build stairs is about $1,000 to $4,400. Steel spiral staircase prices are considered one of the more affordable options and are often sold as full kits in various styles. Some even have wood treads that beautifully contrast the metal materials.

Wrought-Iron Spiral Staircase

Wrought iron is a popular spiral staircase material due to its upscale reputation and durability. If you choose wrought-iron materials, expect this project to cost approximately $1,000 to $4,600. The kit includes the wrought-iron railing price as well as the balusters, treads, and supports. As with the metal kits, you can choose to have wood treads installed.

Cast-Iron Spiral Staircase

Similar in price to wrought iron, cast-iron spiral stairs run anywhere from $1,000 to 4,600. The material is well-loved by many homeowners due to its stylish Victorian look. The complexity of the design determines the final price. This material works best inside since it can rust outdoors.

Wood Spiral Staircase 

For wood spiral stairs, expect to pay around $2,000 to $20,000. Since traditional hardwood stairs cost up to $30,000, this design could save you money. At the low end of the range are stairs made from oak, pine, and other basic wood varieties. High-end wood—such as walnut and mahogany—can drive up the final price considerably. You can either buy a kit or have a stair company design and install a custom build.

Aluminum Spiral Staircase

For aluminum spiral stairs, expect to pay between $2,500 and $20,000. Also available as a kit, these stairways are weather-resistant, making them an excellent choice for outdoor installs, but they work well indoors. Homeowners living near the ocean may find this type of spiral staircase to last longer than others.

Glass Spiral Staircase

A glass spiral staircase sits at the higher end of the cost spectrum, with a price tag of about $2,500 to $20,000. Wood or metal materials for the railings, balusters, and supports are often incorporated into the design. When sold as a kit, it includes the price of cable railings.

Trex Spiral Staircase

When built using Trex, your stairs will cost $4,000 to $8,000 on average. This composite material is often used to replace wood stairs and railings. For that reason, it works great outdoors and looks good inside, too. It’s also easy to clean with just soap and water, whether indoors or outdoors.

Spiral Staircase Cost Factors

There are a variety of cost factors that impact the overall price of a spiral staircase. For example, the size, location, adornments, and the pro you hire to do the work will all impact the price. Make sure to incorporate these variables when planning your budget for the project.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Spiral Staircase Costs

Whether used indoors or outdoors, spiral stairs cost around $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and materials. However, not all materials work equally well for indoor and outdoor spiral staircase installs.

The best outdoor materials include:

• Wood

• Aluminum

• Wrought iron

• Trex

As they aren’t weather-resistant, steel and cast iron are often used indoors. Glass works best indoors as well since it can be easily damaged.

Labor

The cost of labor to install a spiral staircase runs from $35 to $85 per hour. Basic kits take less than a day to install, while custom designs can take as much as two weeks. The total price for the project includes installation by a pro.

Size

The price range to install a spiral staircase covers stairways up to 8 1/2 feet tall and 3 1/2 feet wide. For each extra step beyond that height, addaround $150 for low-end materials and $300 for high-end ones. As the width increases, add up to $100 per foot.

Location

Costs vary by location, mostly depending on the demo work needed to make space. The cost of cutting out drywall, reinforcing floorboards, and similar tasks can greatly drive up the final price. Otherwise, it’s usually just a matter of assembling the kit as instructed unless it’s a custom build.

Treads

The actual steps on a staircase are called treads. Often, treads are made of the same material as the rest of the staircase, but not always. 

Sometimes, homeowners will opt for a spiral staircase made of metal (steel, aluminum, wrought iron, etc.) and then select wooden treads for the stairs, for example. The types of treads most commonly used on spiral staircases include wood, steel, tile, glass, stone, and composite.

Handrails

Handrails cost about $900 on average. Like the treads, handrails can be made of the same material as the rest of the staircase, or you can choose a different but complementary material. 

Wood and metal are some of the most common handrail options for spiral staircases, but some homeowners choose to use PVC, especially with outdoor stairs.

Balusters

Balusters are the spindles that support the handrail on a staircase. Balusters cost about $1,200 to $1,600 or $3 to $17 each before installation. Not only do they look aesthetically pleasing, but they also support the structure and make the staircase safer to use. 

Many balusters are adorned with special designs and finishes and are often made of wood, wrought iron, or other metal.

DIY Construction vs. Hiring a Pro

Although spiral staircase kits are available, their installation is often quite complex. For that reason, it’s best left to a professional stair installer near you rather than trying to complete it as a DIY project. 

The extra cost of hiring an expert provides true peace of mind. You can rest assured that your stairway is safe and secure and adds value to the home.

Spiral Staircase Kit Prices

If you decide to give a spiral staircase kit a try on your own, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 for basic models to about $15,000 for more intricate designs and materials. For example, you can get a basic steel spiral staircase kit on the low end and a more complex glass or aluminum spiral staircase on the higher end.