Stair updates with better railings, lighting, trim, and cleaner transitions.
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.
Utah building code (IRC) has specific staircase requirements:
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.
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.
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.
We verify all code dimensions (riser height, tread depth, handrail height, baluster spacing) and ensure the staircase is safe, solid, and beautiful.
| Stair Project | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic finish (treads, paint, basic railing) | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Full stair remodel (new treads, custom railing, lighting) | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Open riser conversion | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Complete staircase rebuild | $8,000–$20,000+ |
| Under-stair storage buildout | $1,500–$5,000 |
Railing costs:
Tread costs:
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 and stair nose pieces that wrap over the tread. The color and texture match the floor below, which keeps the transition clean and durable.
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.
Update your basement stairs. Call 801-515-3473 for a free estimate.
Utah Basement Finishing, 369 E 900 S #235, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 | Mon–Sat 8am–6pm