How Much Does It Cost to Install Cement Stairs?

Installing new outdoor cement entry stairs can transform your home's curb appeal, creating a sleek, inviting aesthetic. If you're on a budget, constructing a concrete staircase is a cost-effective alternative to stairs made of natural wood, stone or other high-cost materials.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install Concrete Stairs?

According to HomeGuide, the average cost of cement stairs is around $100 to $500 (CAD 138 to CAD 688) per step. These figures include the materials and labor required to install a single concrete step — for example, to provide safer access to a raised doorway.

As you might expect, installing a multistep stairway typically costs more. Most homeowners pay between $500 and $5,000 (CAD 688 and CAD 6,880) to install a stairway consisting of five to 10 steps.

What Are the Cost Factors Involved in Installing Outdoor Cement Entry Stairs?

Concrete step installation costs vary widely because several factors can significantly influence project prices. Here's a look at some key factors to help you budget more accurately.

Precast vs. Custom-Poured Concrete Stairs

The biggest factor impacting the cost to install concrete stairs is whether you choose precast or custom-poured steps. Precast stairs come ready-made, while custom steps are poured on-site by a professional installer.

Precast steps are usually cheaper, costing around $100 to $350 (CAD 138 to CAD 482) per step. Installing five to 10 precast steps costs approximately $500 to $3,000 (CAD 688 to CAD 4,128) in total. The total includes these costs:

• Five to 10 precast steps. $200 to $1,700 (CAD 275 to CAD 2,340)

• Professional installation. $100 to $800 (CAD 138 to CAD 1,101)

• Delivery. $200 to $1,000 (CAD 275 to CAD 1,376)

Custom steps are more expensive, at $200 to $500 (CAD 275 to CAD 688) each. Installing a five- to 10-step custom staircase generally costs between $1,000 and $5,000 (CAD 1,376 and CAD 6,880), including the cost of materials and labor.

Landscape Leveling

Your installer may recommend leveling the landscape at the site to provide a flat surface for your new stairway. Leveling or retrograding usually costs $0.40 to $2 (CAD 0.55 to CAD 2.75) per square foot.

Handrails

You likely need to install handrails to prevent falls and injuries, especially if your staircase has multiple steps. Popular railing materials for exterior stairs include:

• Wood. $20 to $60 (CAD 28 to CAD 83) per linear foot

• Aluminum. $50 to $200 (CAD 69 to CAD 275) per linear foot

• Stainless steel. $50 to $250 (CAD 69 to CAD 344) per linear foot

• Wrought iron. $65 to $135 (CAD 90 to CAD 186) per linear foot

The cost of installing a handrail also depends on whether it's needed on one or both sides of the staircase and the total length of railing required. As an example, installing a total of 25 linear feet of stair rail typically costs between $500 and $6,300 (CAD 688 and CAD 8,683) for materials and labor.

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Concrete Finishing

You can choose to stain, stamp or coat your new concrete steps to create a more aesthetically pleasing look or provide better protection.

Staining changes the color of precast or custom concrete steps and costs around $2 (CAD 2.75) per square foot for a basic finish. More elaborate stained designs can cost significantly more, with some homeowners paying $15 (CAD 21) or more per square foot.

Stamping involves pressing molds into freshly poured concrete to create a textured effect. This process can give your custom steps the appearance of cobblestones, brick pavers or even natural wood. Depending on the complexity of the job, concrete stamping costs roughly $8 to $26 (CAD 11 to CAD 36) per square foot.

Coating concrete steps with a protective finish can protect the staircase from adverse weather and help extend its lifespan. You can expect to pay around $200 to $400 (CAD 275 to CAD 551) to have a coating applied.

Stair Treads

Stair treads can improve grip on the step surfaces and significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls, particularly on exterior stairs or for people with balance or mobility issues. Budget an additional $100 to $500 (CAD 138 to CAD 688) to add treads to your new staircase.

Permits

Some local building codes require you to obtain permits before installing a new concrete staircase. In some areas, the proposed size of the steps impacts whether you need a permit, so it's worth checking with your local planning office to ensure your project complies with the rules in your jurisdiction. While permit fees vary between locales, most range from $100 to $1,000 (CAD 138 to CAD 1,376).

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Concrete Steps?

If you're replacing damaged or worn-out concrete steps, the existing stairs must be removed before you install new precast or custom-poured cement steps. While the exact cost of concrete step removal depends on the size of the structure, you should expect to pay between $250 and $500 (CAD 344 and CAD 688).

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.