Staircase renovations in Ontario
A staircase is often the first thing you see inside a home, and one of the easiest to transform. Here is what a staircase renovation costs in Ontario, plus ideas and code rules.
Quick answer
A staircase renovation in Ontario typically costs $2,500 to $12,000. Refinishing treads and installing new railings sits at the low end, replacing treads and risers with hardwood runs in the middle, and a full rebuild with new stringers, glass, or iron railings reaches the top. The building code sets the rules for rise, run, and railing height.
$2.5k to $12k
Typical range
Code
Rise, run, railings
Permit
For structural rebuilds
1 to 2 wks
Typical time
Staircase renovation cost by scope
A staircase can be updated at several levels, from a quick refinish to a full rebuild. Here is what each costs in Ontario.
| Scope | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Refinish treads and paint risers | $1,200 to $3,000 |
| New railing and balusters only | $2,500 to $6,000 |
| New hardwood treads and risers | $3,500 to $8,000 |
| Add glass or iron railings | $4,000 to $10,000 |
| Full rebuild (new stringers and stairs) | $8,000 to $18,000+ |
The biggest cost jumps come from replacing the structural stringers and from premium railings like frameless glass or custom iron.
Popular staircase upgrades
A staircase is often the first thing you see inside a home, so small changes have a big visual payoff. Popular Ontario upgrades include:
- Stained hardwood treads with crisp white-painted risers
- Iron or metal balusters in place of dated wood spindles
- Frameless or framed glass railings for a modern, open look
- Open risers to let light through
- A new handrail profile and freshly painted stringers
- A stair runner for warmth, comfort, and quiet
Ontario code rules for stairs
Stairs are a common cause of injury, so the Ontario Building Code sets firm rules. When stairs or railings are rebuilt, they generally must meet current requirements, which include:
- Consistent rise and run within set limits, so steps are even
- Guards and railings at a minimum height (commonly around 900 mm for interior stairs, higher for landings and drops)
- Baluster spacing tight enough that a small child cannot pass through, generally under 100 mm
- Adequate headroom above the stairs
Bringing stairs to code matters. Older homes often have stairs that no longer meet current rules. A renovation is the right time to make them safe as well as beautiful.
Do you need a permit for stair work?
Cosmetic work like refinishing treads, painting, or swapping balusters usually does not need a permit. Rebuilding the staircase, changing its configuration, or altering the structural stringers does require a building permit, because it is structural and safety-related. We confirm what your project needs and handle the permit if required. See our permit guide.
Ready to transform your stairs?
We refinish, rebuild, and add glass or iron railings, all to code. Let us quote your staircase.
Talk to ZeybekDo staircase updates add value?
Because the staircase is usually front and centre in the entry, updating it lifts the whole first impression of a home, which matters at resale. It pairs naturally with new flooring, so many homeowners do both together. See our flooring comparison and our guide to renovations that add the most value.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to refinish stairs?
Refinishing the treads and painting the risers typically costs $1,200 to $3,000 in Ontario, depending on the number of steps and the condition of the wood.
How much do iron railings cost?
Replacing wood spindles with iron or metal balusters usually costs $2,500 to $6,000 in Ontario, depending on the length of the railing and the baluster style.
Are open-riser stairs allowed by code?
Open risers are permitted in many cases but must meet code, including limits on the gap between treads so a small child cannot pass through. A contractor confirms compliance for your specific stair.
Do I need a permit to renovate a staircase?
Cosmetic updates like refinishing or new balusters usually do not need a permit, but rebuilding the stairs, changing the configuration, or altering the stringers does, because it is structural work.
How long does a staircase renovation take?
Most staircase renovations take one to two weeks. Refinishing is quicker, while a full rebuild with new stringers and premium railings takes longer.
Zeybek Construction
General contractors, Ontario
Written by the Zeybek team from more than two decades of renovation and construction work across Ontario, from Toronto and the GTA to Kitchener, Waterloo, and beyond. We build kitchens, bathrooms, whole homes, additions, and commercial spaces, and we handle permits and inspections as part of the job.
Related guides
Last updated July 1, 2026. This guide is general information for Ontario homeowners and is not a substitute for a site-specific quote or municipal advice. Costs and rules vary by municipality and project.
Refresh your staircase
From new railings to a full rebuild, we make the staircase a centrepiece. Get a quote, anywhere in Ontario.