While it may not be the first thing you think of when designing or remodeling a home, stairs are a functional and decorative feature that needs careful consideration. In addition to easy access to the second floor, stairs are an element of design and can create a very enticing entrance to your home.
Stairs are not an easy element of a home to build. Don’t worry though; there are several options available to you. Ready-to-assemble stairs are much more cost efficient. While they are not customizable, you still have options. You can decide amongst spiral, circular, straight or a variety of other shapes. You also have your choice when it comes to material. Some available to consider are wood, stone, concrete, iron and other materials for your staircase.
Straight Stairs – These are the most common types of stairs. They simply go straight up and down. Price can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for a set. Straight stairs do have the ability to be more customized – at a higher cost of course. A majority of companies create these stairs in sections that are easily able to be connected to a landing or the floor. A majority of straight stair sets are also precut and ready for the trimmings of your choice.
Circular Stairs – This type of stairs is more common in luxurious, high-end homes. They are purchased either as pre-assembled or custom made from a manufacturer. Warning – these stairs are heavy and will require machinery to install them. They are also more on the pricey side and range from about $10,000 and up. The more custom the stairs are, the more pricey they become. A majority of contractors will want these stairs fitted to your home as opposed to fitting your home to the stairs. It’s also usually difficult to find circular stairs in stock that fit your particular needs.
Spiral Stairs – These stairs are unique and often used in attics, basements and with two-story additions. They come in steel, hardwood, aluminum and other materials. Designs can be basic, but you can also customize treads, balusters and railings. If you decide on hardwood, you can choose from red oak, white oak, popular, ash, walnut, cherry and a variety of other woods. Your treads can be flat or embossed steel, gratings, rubber, steel, hardwood or plywood. You also can decide which way your stairs will spiral. Spiral stairs can come in one piece or in kits. The knock down kits are cheaper and easier to ship. However, one piece stairs are more durable, quicker and easier to install and weigh less. Spiral stairs can range from about $400 to $5,000 plus.
This guest post was contributed by Veronica Davis. She's an internet business columnist for Examiner and freelance writer that works with several real estate related and home development sites, including 
A circular stair case brings elegance to a house. Although it’s a little expensive, it’s a one time investment, so it’s worth it.
Every home has a unique style that a set of stairs can add to. Stairs are a huge addition to your house… choosing the right style can make it blend in well, or throw off your desired look. For me, I love a brick studio type of design, so a luxurious circular staircase would probably throw-off my desired home style.
Yes, Mia, they are beautiful aren’t they? But very often they’re out of budget no matter how much you’d love to have them. Any kind of stairs can add that extra touch to your home if done right, though.
The most important thing about a staircase is it shouldnt date the house ie not a trendy staircase that goes out of fashion but a classic one