Professional stair refinishing costs a national average of $801, based on 1,861 verified projects reported by Angi Pros, with most homeowners paying $344 to $1,3261. Fixr puts refinishing a standard 12-step set of hardwood stairs at $200 to $1,0002. The main drivers are the number of steps, the wood's condition, and staircase complexity.
Pre-1978 homes: lead paint before any sanding
Refinishing means sanding existing finishes, and the EPA reports that roughly three-quarters of US homes built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint – any renovation, repair, or painting project that disturbs painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home can create dangerous lead dust4. If your home was built before 1978, use an EPA lead-safe certified firm for any work that disturbs potentially lead-painted surfaces4.
Cost by number of steps (Angi)
Angi prices refinishing per staircase size; its table covers per-step refinishing only and excludes banister refinishing:1
| Number of steps | Angi average refinishing cost (per staircase) |
|---|---|
| 5 | $350 – $800 |
| 10 | $700 – $1,100 |
| 14 | $900 – $1,500 |
| 19 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| 25 | $2,000 – $2,600 |
| 35 | $3,100 – $4,100 |
Angi notes that stairs 36 to 48 inches wide budget an extra 15% to 20% above the base estimate.1
Cost by city (Angi, 14-step stairway)
| Location | Angi average cost (per 14-step stairway) |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $1,200 – $1,900 |
| Denver, CO | $1,100 – $1,350 |
| Honolulu, HI | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,000 – $1,450 |
| Memphis, TN | $900 – $1,200 |
| Raleigh, NC | $850 – $1,150 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $750 – $1,000 |
| Amarillo, TX | $700 – $900 |
Labor costs
Labor framing differs by publisher. Angi reports carpenters at $50 to $200 per hour for stair work, stair professionals quoting 20% to 30% of the total project cost, and repair work identified during refinishing at $40 to $150 per hour1. Fixr reports carpenters and repair workers at $50 to $100 per hour for staircase work2. These are separately published figures with differing scopes; ask each pro whether they quote hourly, a percentage, or a flat rate.
Refinish or replace
Refinishing restores the existing wood; replacement is a larger project. For contrast, HomeGuide puts installing hardwood stairs at $100 to $250 per step installed, or $1,800 to $6,300 for a typical 12 to 16-step staircase including materials, labor, old flooring removal, minor subfloor repairs, and finishing3 – an installation scope, not refinishing. Fixr notes refinishing covers cleaning, sanding, filling holes, and patching superficial damage2. Angi reports that most refinishing projects do not require a permit unless the structure is altered, and advises checking with your municipality when structural work is involved1; permit requirements are set locally, so confirm with your building department.
If you refinish stairs yourself
Stair refinishing is a project some homeowners take on themselves. If you do, follow the exact manufacturer instructions for the stain and finish you choose – application, ventilation, drying time, and stain-soaked rag disposal precautions are product-specific – and confirm the finish is labeled suitable for stair treads or floors5. Retailers stock these supplies under Interior Wood Stains & Finishes at Home Depot. And if your home was built before 1978, see the lead-paint note above before any sanding.
Sources
- Angi – How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Stairs?
- Fixr – Stairs Repair Cost
- HomeGuide – How Much Do Hardwood Stairs Cost?
- US EPA – Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
- Minwax – Wood Staining Tips, Do's & Don'ts
Related guides
Staircase Installation Cost
Powder Coating Cost
Banister Replacement Cost (2026): Stair Railing Prices by Material