A bespoke contemporary staircase is one of the most significant investments in a home or commercial space — and one of the least transparent when it comes to pricing. This guide sets out exactly what a new staircase costs in the UK in 2025, broken down by type, material and specification, with a worked example so you know precisely what to budget before making any enquiry.
Bespoke contemporary staircase — central spine, oak treads, frameless glass balustrade. Designed, manufactured and installed by Continox.
Bespoke Staircase Cost UK: Quick Answer
If you need a fast figure to work with, here are the three main price brackets for a bespoke contemporary staircase in the UK, including design, manufacture and installation. All prices exclude VAT.
These are guide prices for a typical straight or L-shape domestic staircase including a full frameless glass balustrade. The final price depends on the specific design, dimensions, tread material, glass specification and access. All Continox prices include free 3D design visuals, structural calculations, CAD drawings and professional installation.
Contemporary Staircase Cost by Type
The single biggest driver of cost is the structural system — the way the staircase is engineered and supported. Here is a full breakdown of every staircase type Continox produces, with guide prices for a typical domestic installation.
| Staircase Type | Guide Price (excl. VAT) | Structure | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating Staircase | From £7,900 | Steel stringers or wall-fixed | Open plan new builds, refurbs |
| Steel Plate Staircase | From £8,500 | Steel plate treads on steel frame | Industrial-contemporary interiors |
| Central Spine Staircase Most Popular | From £9,500 | Single central spine, cantilevered treads | High-end residential, premium spaces |
| Fully Bespoke Design | From £11,500 | Custom engineering to spec | Architectural projects, complex geometry |
What's included in every price: Free on-site survey, photorealistic 3D design visuals, structural engineering to BS EN 1090, CAD drawings (PDF + DWG), UKCA marking and Declaration of Performance, and professional installation by Continox's in-house team. No subcontractors. Fixed price — no post-installation surprises.
What's Included in the Price
Understanding what you get for the money is just as important as the headline price. Every Continox bespoke staircase price covers the full project — from first site visit to signed-off installation.
Free On-Site Survey
A Continox team member visits your site, takes precise measurements and assesses the structural substrate. No charge, no obligation.
3D Photorealistic Visuals
Full photorealistic renders of your staircase in your actual space — so you can see exactly what you're getting before manufacturing begins.
Structural Calculations
Full structural engineering to BS EN 1090 — demonstrating load compliance and material specification. Included as standard, not as a paid extra.
CAD Drawings
Detailed CAD drawings in PDF and DWG format — suitable for Building Control submission by your architect or building surveyor.
UKCA Marking & DoP
All structural steel components carry UKCA marking and a Declaration of Performance — a legal requirement under UK Construction Products Regulations.
Professional Installation
Installation by Continox's in-house team — no subcontractors. Typically 1–3 days on site depending on scope. Site left clean and clear on completion.
Worked Example: Real Project Cost Breakdown
The best way to understand staircase pricing is to walk through a real project. The following is a typical central spine L-shape staircase for a domestic open-plan refurbishment — 13 treads, oak finish, frameless glass balustrade both sides and integrated LED lighting.
Central Spine L-Shape — Oak Treads, Frameless Glass, LED
Excludes VAT. Includes free survey, 3D visuals, structural calculations, CAD drawings, UKCA marking and installation. All prices fixed — no post-installation additions.
Glass Balustrade Cost: Adding to an Existing Staircase
If you already have a staircase and want to replace tired timber spindles with a contemporary glass balustrade, the glass balustrade can be priced and installed separately. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform the look of an existing staircase without full replacement.
| Balustrade Type | Guide Price | Glass Specification | Aesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framed Glass Balustrade | From £350/m | 10–12mm toughened (BS EN 12150) | Structural definition, post & rail visible |
| Frameless Glass Balustrade Most Popular | From £450/m | 17.5mm toughened & laminated (BS EN 14449) | Minimal, near-invisible fixings |
Both systems are supplied and installed, Part K and BS 6180 compliant, with free on-site survey and fixed-price quotation. For full glass specification details see our Glass Balustrade Regulations UK guide or the glass balustrade range.
Additional Costs & Upgrade Options
The following upgrades and additions are available on all Continox bespoke staircase designs. Each is priced as an addition to the base staircase specification.
Oak → Walnut Treads
Upgrade from solid oak to American black walnut treads. Darker grain, premium appearance. Popular on high-end residential projects with dark interior schemes.
Framed → Frameless Glass
Upgrading from a framed post-and-rail balustrade to a fully frameless system. The most significant visual upgrade available — eliminates all visible metalwork at the glass line.
LED Under-Tread Lighting
Recessed LED strip lighting integrated beneath each tread. Warm white or cool white. Creates a dramatic effect at night and improves visibility on open-tread designs.
Low-Iron Glass Upgrade
Replaces standard clear glass (faint green tint visible at edges) with ultra-clear low-iron glass. The premium specification for high-end frameless installations.
U-Shape vs L-Shape
A U-shape (180° turn) is structurally more complex than an L-shape (90° turn) — additional fabrication, more complex glass cutting and longer installation time.
Timber Handrail Cap
Oak or walnut timber cap on a steel handrail core. Provides a warmer feel than an all-steel handrail — popular for consistency with oak or walnut treads.
What Drives Staircase Cost
If you're comparing quotes or trying to understand why one design costs more than another, these are the six factors that move the price the most.
Structural System
The engineering approach — wall-fixed, twin stringer, central spine — is the primary cost driver. Central spine and cantilevered designs require significantly more fabrication precision and structural engineering than basic stringer systems.
Staircase Shape
Straight is cheapest. L-shape adds cost. U-shape adds more. Each turn requires additional fabrication, structural connection design and more complex glass panel cutting and installation.
Tread Material
Steel plate treads are structural but relatively cost-efficient. Oak adds warmth and is mid-range in cost. Walnut is the premium specification — harder to source, more complex to finish, and priced accordingly.
Glass Specification
Framed glass with standard toughened glass is the entry-level specification. Frameless systems require thicker laminated glass and more precise installation. Low-iron glass adds 15–20% to glass costs but delivers a water-clear finish.
Number of Treads
More treads means more material, more fabrication time and more installation time. A 10-tread staircase costs meaningfully less than a 16-tread staircase of the same type, even with identical specification.
Site Access & Conditions
Difficult access — narrow hallways, upper-floor installation, listed building constraints or existing structural issues — adds time and therefore cost. This is assessed at the free on-site survey before any price is given.
Why bespoke costs more than modular — and why it's worth it. Modular staircases use pre-fabricated components assembled on site. They're cheaper but limited in size, shape and specification. A bespoke staircase is designed and fabricated precisely for your space — exact dimensions, exact material specification, structural calculations to your building's specific loads. The result fits perfectly, carries proper documentation, and is designed to last the life of the building.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Online staircase pricing is inherently approximate — a fixed price can only be given after a site survey. The Continox process from first contact to fixed price takes as little as 48 hours.
Free On-Site Survey
We visit your site, measure the opening and assess the structural substrate. No charge, no obligation, no sales pressure.
3D Design Visuals
Within 48 hours we produce photorealistic 3D renders of your staircase in your actual space — free of charge.
Fixed-Price Quote
A fixed price covering design, structural engineering, fabrication and installation — no post-project additions.
Manufacture & Install
Lead time 6–10 weeks from order. Installation typically 1–3 days on site by our in-house team.
For a comprehensive breakdown of all Continox staircase pricing including location-specific information, see our dedicated Bespoke Staircase Cost UK guide. For design inspiration before requesting a quote, see our Modern Staircase Ideas UK guide.
Staircase Cost UK — FAQ
Common questions from homeowners and developers about bespoke staircase pricing in the UK.
Free Survey, 3D Visuals & Fixed-Price Quote
Free on-site survey, photorealistic 3D visuals included, fixed-price quotation within 24 hours. Bespoke contemporary staircases from £7,900 — designed, manufactured and installed across the UK.
