Staircase Renovation Guide: An Expert Reveals How to Refurbish an Existing Staircase

Should you replace or reposition your staircase?

When the staircase location no longer serves the layout – or worse, becomes a safety concern – it may be time for more radical action. Replacing or moving a staircase can transform how you live in your home, unlocking new potential and improving both access and flow.

When is it worth relocating a staircase? Often in older period properties, staircases were tucked into corners or partitioned away, limiting headroom and making upper floors feel disconnected. In these cases, a central repositioning can improve sight lines, make upstairs rooms feel more integrated, or create space for a future loft conversion. Alternatively, relocating the stairs may be necessary to open up a kitchen-diner or to link previously separated living spaces.

Richard Burbidge products were used to spruce up the existing staircase in this flat renovation. The flight’s old wooden spindles were replaced with a wooden balustrade with metal detailing that complements the interior palette of the apartment

Planning ahead is crucial. If you’re considering a loft conversion – now or in future – staircase position will impact the entire configuration. The new flight must meet headroom requirements (a minimum of 2m at the centre line, under Building Regulations) and not compromise existing rooms. Even if the loft project is years away, factoring the next flight into your stair design now can save costly rework later, so it’s worth thinking ahead.

Building Regulations will apply when you’re moving a staircase, changing its pitch or altering its structure. That said, while simply redecorating or changing balustrades may not trigger compliance with current regs, anything structural will – including replacement with a new staircase, repositioning or material changes that affect performance (like removing a handrail).

What are some key indicators that your staircase needs to be completely replaced?

• If your staircase’s treads are creaky, uneven or unsafe, it’s probably wise that you look at replacement flights.
• If you need to improve access or headroom, opting for a new staircase instead of renovating might be a good idea.
• If you’re altering the floorplan or adding a loft – even if these might be on the cards in the future, it’s best to plan for the stair position now.

Case study Bungalow renovation & extension with a new bespoke staircase

With strong links to Devon, when Surrey-based Clare and Damian Shaw put a sealed bid in on a 1970s Exmouth bungalow during lockdown, they had no expectation they’d win it. It had been lived in by the same lady for a long time and hadn’t been touched since it was first built, meaning it was going to be a project. The couple were happily surprised when their bid won and quickly got to work deciding how they were going to transform the building into somewhere suited to modern family life.

The bungalow had three decent-sized bedrooms with a planning precedent to add another storey, as both neighbouring properties had. The Shaws discussed their wishlist for the house with Caroline Shortt of Barc Architects. “I felt they really understood the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality, ensuring our home isn’t just beautiful but also practical for everyday living.”

Photo: Stil Studio

In their brief, the Shaws wanted four ensuite bedrooms, a study and a big lounge – however, the ridge height of the property couldn’t be raised. “Caroline came up with a brilliant new layout for the house – that’s the benefit of using an architect,” says Clare.

Neighbouring homes had put the staircase through the middle of the floorplan, at the highest point of the ridge. But Caroline’s drawings positioned it further back to maximise room size at the rear of the house and exploit the great coastal views. “To create a decent sized room upstairs we had to lower the bedroom ceilings below, but the positioning means you see the view as you’re coming down the stairs, which is a much nicer arrangement,” says Clare.

Photo: Stil Studio

Clare worked with her building and carpenter, Dan Stride, on the staircase design. “I showed him lots of pictures of the kind of thing I wanted and he said ‘leave it to me,’ so I trusted him with it – and it’s brilliant,” says Clare. “It’s a bespoke piece of work with an alcove bench seat at the top. He also did the beautiful window reveals in our daughters’ bedrooms that double as built-in seats. You worry so much that you need to explain something to someone in detail, but he did much better than I would have done if I’d drawn it.”

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Which staircase style & design is right for your house?

Staircases are sculptural elements that deserve design attention. Whether you prefer traditional elegance or minimalist modernism, the market now offers an extensive range of bespoke and modular options. However, it is worth considering how they fit with the overall aesthetic and design of your home.

For period properties, timber staircases with turned spindles and carved newel posts can echo original details while allowing for updated finishes to be incorporated. If you have a more contemporary home, try opting for open-tread flights, floating cantilevered steps, or combinations of glass, steel and timber to match your modern style.

This unusual staircase was unloved, with basic plywood treads and a carpet which needed replacement. Kloepping TSS replaced the treads with solid oak to give the staircase a new lease of life that will last decades. The total cost for refurbishment was £3,400 + VAT

Space-saving staircases, such as alternating tread or spiral designs, may be permissible for loft access or in very tight areas, but these often come with restrictions – for example, only being allowed to serve a single room. For open-plan homes, a feature staircase can act as a striking focal point. Consider a sculptural spiral in steel or a helical staircase to really add some visual drama. But remember: these bespoke designs often come with longer lead times and heftier price tags.

How can you turn your staircase into a useful interior feature?

Does a staircase renovation require a Building Regs approval?

No matter whether you’re restoring, making over or totally redesigning your staircase, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the legalities. If you’re renovating a staircase, it’s possible to replace parts like-for-like even if the design does not meet current rules, particularly in period or listed properties that were built well before regulations were in place.

However, when changing the fundamental design or shape of the flight as part of a staircase renovation, you’ll need to comply with Part K of Building Regulations. Check with your local authority for the most up-to-date rules in your area or if you’re in any doubt about what’s allowed.

This barn conversion, designed by Yard Architects, features a unique pink U-shaped staircase with vertical timber battens forming the balustrade. Photo: Tom Fallon Photography

Part K of the Building Regulations sets out the rules new or significantly altered stairs must meet:

• A minimum tread depth of 220mm, measured horizontally between the vertical riser or nosing.
• A maximum riser height of 220mm.
• The nosing (the protruding part of the tread) should not project more than 25mm, plus treads must be level.
• At least 2m of headroom (except for stairs leading to a loft conversion, where you can have a height of 1.8m).
• Want open risers? Make sure that treads overlap by a minimum of 16mm and construct steps so a 100mm sphere cannot pass through the gap between steps.

Roberta Jervis, sales manager at Neville Johnson, says: “Consult with your local authority, a qualified architect or builder when replacing or installing stairs. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and location, as regulations may vary slightly between different parts of the UK.”

Case study Complete staircase renovation for under £1,500

Homeowner Mr Proctor used Stairbox to help transform his staircase. Set within a 1930s semi-detached property, the flight was dated and in need of a refresh. “When thinking of ways to improve the hallway, stairs and landing, a new glass balustrade on the flight was the first thing that came to mind,” says Mr Proctor.

With a clear vision for his renovation, Mr Proctor hired Alex from ADH Carpentry and Joinery to do the works. “The newel posts were all replaced, and then we added an oak and glass balustrade on the stairs and landing, while the strings and stairwell were all clad in oak,” says Alex.

Finally, a thick, plush, carpet was added, tying the stairs in with the rest of the house. “Now that the renovation is complete, it has really opened up the space,” says Mr Proctor. “It’s so much lighter and brighter in the hallway and landing than before.” The whole staircase refurb came in at around £1,164 (including delivery).

How can a staircase renovation impact your house’s internal structure?

Repositioning a staircase is never a standalone job. It can affect adjacent rooms, floorplans and structural walls – so expect knock-on works and plan for them in your budget. If you are moving a staircase you will most likely have damage to the current location, meaning you may need to replaster and redecorate across multiple floors. In addition, you will need to create a new structural opening for the relocated flight, which can in itself be complex. If this is the case, you may need to include:

• Reinforcing or adapting floor joists to accommodate new openings.
• Rerouting of plumbing, electrics or ducting around the new location.
• Adjustment of landings or installation of new balustrades.
• Applying for Building Control approval, which you will need before commencement.
• Checking if your project might be impacted by party wall regulations.

All of this means the job typically involves joiners, structural engineers, and possibly an architect or designer. You may also need planning permission in listed buildings or conservation areas. Expect at least two weeks on-site for a typical replacement, and longer for bespoke or repositioned flights.