March 24, 2025, 8:30 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
In the course of a renovation, it is often necessary to replace the stairs as well as the floors, walls, and windows. They often no longer match the new style of the house or have become very outdated. You can find out how to proceed in this article.
Replacing stairs initially means additional costs and work. Good preparation and cooperation with professionals are, therefore, necessary to ensure that the project is a perfect success. How do you proceed if you want to replace the stairs?
Overview
The Advantage of Replacing Stairs
Replacing a staircase can be worthwhile for various reasons, as there are aesthetic, functional, and value-enhancing benefits. Here are five important points that can play a role.
1. Improved Safety
Replacing stairs not only offers visual benefits but also makes a significant contribution to improving safety. In the long term, this can protect against accidents. Old or worn stairs can pose a danger due to smooth, uneven steps, wobbly banisters, or a reduced tread surface. Such defects can increase the risk of falls — especially for children, the elderly, or people with limited mobility.
Modern stairs are usually equipped with the most important safety standards. Additional safety features can often be added, such as integrated lighting to improve visibility and reduce tripping hazards. For children, stairs can be supplemented with railings and handrails on both sides.
2. Upgrading Living Space
A new staircase can be used to visually enhance the living space, as it is often a central design element in the home. There are many different staircase models and designs made of different materials, such as wood, metal, or glass.
Floating steps or a glass banister, for example, can create an airy feeling of space and make the living room appear brighter and more open. If you prefer a classic look, curved elements create a stylish atmosphere. You can also use special surfaces or materials to highlight the staircase in the room.
3. More Functionality
When you replace an old staircase with a new one, you can flexibly adapt it to your individual needs and the available space. For example, by choosing a compact staircase shape, you can create additional space and make better use of the living area. At the same time, the staircase becomes easier to walk on with a lower gradient or flatter steps.
Barrier-free solutions can also be realized by replacing the stairs. Non-slip materials and an adapted design improve safety when climbing stairs.
4. Increase the Value of the Property
A new staircase can significantly increase the value of a property. Potential buyers value modern and safe features. A well-designed staircase solution can, therefore, work wonders and is a visible sign of the quality of the house. In addition, the entire staircase can be upgraded through efficient measures, for example, by providing more storage space under the stairs, which can be an advantage, especially in smaller houses.
5. Longer Service Life
A staircase replacement can significantly extend the lifespan of the entire structure. In the long term, this not only offers safety but can also save costs. Old stairs often show signs of wear, such as worn steps, which either need to be sanded or partially replaced.
These recurring repairs can occur again and again over time. By installing a new, high-quality staircase that is fitted with durable, modern materials such as high-quality wood, stainless steel, or even natural stone, you can ensure that they can withstand heavy use and remain in good condition for decades to come.
Planning and Preparation When Replacing Stairs
Replacing stairs requires careful planning to avoid unpleasant surprises. Inappropriate dimensions or even the wrong materials could quickly become a disadvantage. However, this can be prevented by having the structural conditions checked at an early stage. This is the only way to ensure that the staircase you have chosen not only looks good but also fits the room functionally.
Of course, the construction of the new staircase should also hold onto the wall — but only a professional can assess this. Additional steps are often necessary for reinforcement and safety to ensure that the structural requirements and safety regulations are met.
Is a permit necessary? A planning permit is not always required when replacing stairs. Approval is required, for example, if the new staircase transforms the basement into a new living space or changes the escape routes. It usually depends on the individual situation. It is, therefore, always advisable to check with the relevant building authority in advance.
Is Replacing Stairs Possible by Yourself?
If the conditions are right and you have sufficient manual skills, it may well be possible to replace stairs yourself. It always depends on whether the new staircase is standardized or prefabricated. It also depends on the type of staircase.
However, if it is a more complex staircase construction, such as a spiral staircase or stairs with individual dimensions, it is rather difficult for non-professionals to make precise adjustments. This should also not jeopardize the statics, as stairs are load-bearing components and require special attention. It is, therefore, important to have the stairs replaced by professionals if you have little previous knowledge.