Basement Stairs

Your basement stairs are the first thing you see when heading downstairs — and in most Utah homes, they’re an afterthought. Bare plywood treads, unfinished drywall, a wobbly builder-grade railing, and zero lighting. Upgrading your basement staircase sets the tone for the entire finished space below.

Utah Basement Finishing remodels existing basement stairs and builds new staircases as part of full basement finishing projects. From simple cosmetic upgrades to full staircase rebuilds with open risers, hardwood treads, and custom railings, we make your stairs look and function like they belong in a finished home.

What We Offer

Staircase Finishing (Existing Stairs)

• Tread and riser finishing — hardwood treads (red oak, white oak, hickory), LVP treads, or carpet runner over painted risers
• Drywall and paint — finish the stair walls with smooth drywall, trim, and paint
• Railing upgrade — remove builder-grade railing, install new wood or metal railing with code-compliant balusters
• Lighting — recessed stair lights, LED step lights, or wall-mounted sconces along the stairway
• Under-stair storage — custom shelving, pull-out drawers, or a finished closet under the staircase

Staircase Remodel

• Open riser conversion — remove solid risers to create an open, modern staircase that lets light pass through. Requires structural assessment to ensure stringer capacity
• Stringer replacement — new stringers (notched or closed) for a completely rebuilt look
• Tread widening — some basement stairs are narrow (32-34″). If the framing allows, we can widen to 36″ or wider for a more comfortable descent
• Landing additions — L-shaped or U-shaped configurations with a landing (required by code if the staircase exceeds 12 feet of vertical rise)
• Wall removal — opening up a closed staircase to the adjacent room creates a dramatic open feel and floods the stairway with light from the basement

Custom Railings

• Wood railings — traditional profiles in oak, maple, or poplar. Painted or stained to match your home’s style
• Metal balusters — wrought iron or powder-coated steel in straight, twisted, or basket designs paired with a wood handrail
• Cable railing — stainless steel cable with wood or metal posts. Modern, minimal, and allows light to pass through
• Glass panels — tempered glass railing panels with a wood or metal cap rail. Premium look, maximum openness
• Horizontal metal — clean horizontal bars in matte black or brushed nickel. A popular contemporary choice

Code Requirements

Utah building code (IRC) has specific staircase requirements:

• Minimum width: 36 inches (clear, between walls or railing to wall)
• Maximum riser height: 7¾ inches
• Minimum tread depth: 10 inches
• Headroom: Minimum 6’8″ measured from the stair nosing to the ceiling above
• Handrail height: 34-38 inches measured from the stair nosing
• Guards (where open on one side): Minimum 36 inches high with balusters spaced no more than 4 inches apart (so a child can’t fit through)
• Landing: Required at the top and bottom. If the staircase exceeds 12′ vertical rise, an intermediate landing is required

Our Process

Step 1: Assessment

We evaluate your existing staircase — structural condition, dimensions, code compliance, and what modifications are feasible. Some upgrades (like open risers) depend on the stringer type and condition.

Step 2: Design Selection

We help you choose tread material, railing style, lighting, and any structural modifications. We bring physical samples so you can see how materials look in your space.

Step 3: Construction

Demolition of existing finishes (if applicable), structural modifications, new tread and riser installation, railing and baluster installation, drywall/paint, lighting, and under-stair finishing. Stair remodels take 1-2 weeks depending on scope.

Step 4: Final Inspection

We verify all code dimensions (riser height, tread depth, handrail height, baluster spacing) and ensure the staircase is safe, solid, and beautiful.

Cost Range

Railing costs:

• Wood railing with wood balusters: $40–$60/linear foot
• Wood railing with iron balusters: $50–$80/linear foot
• Cable railing: $80–$150/linear foot
• Glass panel railing: $150–$250/linear foot

Tread costs:

• Red oak treads: $30–$60 per tread (material + install)
• White oak treads: $40–$80 per tread
• LVP tread covers: $20–$40 per tread
• Carpet runner: $500–$1,500 for a full staircase

Why Choose Us for Basement Stairs

• Code expertise — stair dimensions are strictly regulated. We build every staircase to code so it passes inspection and, more importantly, is safe for your family
• Structural competence — open riser conversions and staircase rebuilds involve load calculations and proper engineering. We know when a modification is feasible and when it isn’t
• Finish quality — treads, railings, and trim are high-visibility elements. Our finish carpenters deliver tight joints, smooth surfaces, and clean details
• Integrated design — we design the staircase to match the finished basement’s style, not as a standalone project. The stairs should feel like part of the whole space

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open up my enclosed basement staircase? In many cases, yes. If the staircase wall is non-load-bearing, we can remove it to open the stairs to the adjacent room. If it is load-bearing, we install a beam and posts to carry the load, then remove the wall below. We assess the structure during the initial consultation.

Are open risers allowed by code in Utah? Yes, with restrictions. The opening between treads cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through (a child safety requirement). Open risers are typically designed with the treads overlapping or positioned close enough to meet this requirement. We ensure every open-riser staircase we build is code-compliant.

How do you finish stairs with LVP if the rest of the basement has LVP? We use matching LVP tread covers — pre-formed stair nose pieces that wrap over the tread and bull nose. The color and texture match the floor below for a seamless transition. It’s a popular option because it’s durable, waterproof, and visually cohesive.

Can you add a railing where there isn’t one? Absolutely. If your stairs are open on one or both sides without a proper railing (common in older Utah homes), we install a code-compliant railing system. This is a safety improvement that’s often required during a basement finishing permit inspection.

What can I do with the space under the stairs? Under-stair space is prime real estate in a basement. Popular options: pull-out storage drawers (great for shoes, games, seasonal items), a finished closet with a door, open shelving for books and display, a built-in reading nook (if the space is tall enough), or a small desk/work area. We custom-build whatever makes sense for your layout.

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Transform your basement stairs. Call 801-515-3473 for a free consultation.

Utah Basement Finishing — 369 E 900 S #235, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 | Mon–Sat 8am–6pm