Budget-Friendly Staircase Painting Ideas for Every Homeowner
Want to transform your home‘s interior without spending a fortune?
Painting your staircase is a perfect place to start. Stairs are one of the most ignored surfaces in most homes. But they can have a major effect on your interior design. The best part?
Painting your stairs is an incredibly budget-friendly way to upgrade your space.
In this guide you will learn:
- What Your Staircase Painting Budget Should Be
- Paint Smart To Save Money
- Should You DIY or Get a Pro?
- Budget-Friendly Design Ideas
What Your Staircase Painting Budget Should Be
The costs of painting your staircase will change depending on a number of factors. The typical homeowner will spend $400 to $600 on painting the walls of their stairway. The average project should cost about $500. But what most people don’t know…
The size of your staircase and your material choices can greatly affect your price.
A 12-foot long straight staircase will cost around $375 for a full paint job. Complex staircases with multiple landings or angles will take more time and resources to paint. The good news is that interior painting remains popular as one of the most popular home renovations in 2024. It’s the third most common project that homeowners are completing this year.
Here are the factors that will affect your total price:
- Height and width of your stairway
- Number of coats required
- Paint quality and type
- Condition of existing surfaces
The average staircase has between 12 to 13 steps but some can have just a few or even 36 in larger homes. Each additional step will increase the project price. Most projects fall between $2 to $6 per square foot.
Paint Smart To Save Money
Here’s a secret…
You don’t have to use high-end materials to achieve professional results. It’s all about knowing where to cut corners and where you should spend money.
Selecting Paint
Paint is one of the most impactful items in terms of both cost and long-term durability. Latex paint ranges from $25 to $30 per gallon and is the best option for most stairway painting jobs. It dries quickly, is non-toxic, and is easy to clean up.
But there is a catch…
Latex paint, while being the most budget-friendly option, isn’t always the most durable. If your staircase is high-traffic, consider acrylic latex paint ($40 to $60 per gallon) or oil-based paint ($50 to $60 per gallon).
Oil-based paint is one of the most durable paint options on the market. They have a very high level of resistance to scuffs and other marks. If you have children or pets, they are a great option. The paint will last a very long time and will not need to be touched up. That’s actually cheaper in the long run.
Prep Work Is Essential
Painting professionals will always tell you that preparation is 30% of any painting job. That is where DIY homeowners can save the most money without compromising on quality.
Follow these prep steps to achieve a professional paint job:
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly
- Sand any rough areas or old paint
- Fill cracks and holes with spackling compound
- Apply painter’s tape to the trim
- Drop cloths to protect floors
The better your prep work is, the better your finished result will be. By taking the time to properly prepare all surfaces your paint will last longer and look better.
DIY vs Professional, Which Should You Choose?
This is a question every homeowner has to consider…
Should you do the job yourself or hire a professional?
With 43% of renovation projects being DIY in 2024 more and more homeowners are taking their home improvements into their own hands. Painting staircases present some unique challenges that not every DIYer is ready for.
DIY Painting Works Best When
DIY painting your staircase works best when your stairway is straight and simple. No need for intricate balusters or multiple landings and other fancy designs. If you are comfortable with a ladder and have some basic painting skills, you can save yourself a lot of money.
The average DIY staircase painting project will cost:
- Paint and supplies: $100 to $200
- Equipment rental (if needed): $50 to $100
- Total: $150 to $300
That’s a lot of money saved by doing the job yourself. Plus, it gives you the satisfaction of completing the project on your own.
Hire a Professional When
There are some times when a professional is a must. If your staircase is intricate, has multiple landings, or extends to a height that makes you uncomfortable, a professional is the way to go. Painters know the proper way to prep and they know how to apply a coat of paint.
Budget-Friendly Design Ideas
Do you want to make your staircase really stand out?
A major budget won’t be necessary to achieve some truly spectacular staircase design ideas. Some of the most impressive staircase designs utilize simple, budget-friendly techniques that can be implemented by any homeowner.
Painting Walls and Balusters Two Colors
Painting walls one color and your balusters another is a big trend at the moment. This gives contrast and adds dimension to your stairway without needing to use any expensive materials. It is an easy technique. Just paint the wall a neutral base color and add a pop of color to the railings or trim.
White walls and navy blue balusters are a classic look. Light gray walls and black railings are also popular, as are cream walls and forest green trim.
Accent Walls and Statement Risers
Painting just the risers in a bold color while keeping the treads as natural wood or carpet is another budget-friendly option. This is a great visual effect that doesn’t require painting every surface. You can also add an accent wall down the stairway by painting one wall in a contrasting color.
Accent walls along staircases draw the eye upward and make the staircase become a focal point of your interior design.
Simple Stencils and Patterns
Patterns don’t mean you have to buy expensive wallpaper. Stencils are an inexpensive way to add visual interest to your stairway walls. You can get stencils at any craft store for $10 to $30 and use them to make geometric patterns, floral designs, or custom text. Stencils are a great way to achieve a custom, high-end look with very little skill and investment.
Investing Smartly
The most important part of any budget-friendly staircase painting project is to make smart investments where you spend and save money.
Focus On Key Areas
Not all parts of your staircase need to have the same level of investment. Spend your best paint and most attention on areas people will see and touch the most (railings and the first couple of steps that are seen from your entryway). In less visible areas, you can opt for cheaper materials and people won’t notice the difference.
Plan For Long-Term Results
Look long-term when choosing paint and finishes. Slightly more expensive paint that lasts twice as long is actually the more budget-friendly option. Opt for paint with a built-in primer to save money on applying multiple coats. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are more durable and easier to clean than flat paints, making them great for high-traffic staircases.
Utilize Natural Light
If your staircase has windows or other natural light, use lighter colors to brighten the area. It will make it feel bigger and also look more expensive and professional. Lighter colors also typically require fewer coats, which will save you time and money.
Pulling It All Together
Budget-friendly staircase painting is more than possible with the right knowledge and planning. DIY or professional, if you have a clear plan and budget you can make smart decisions that fit your needs.
The most important step is to plan carefully, buy quality materials within your budget, and take your time with prep work. A well-done staircase painting project can totally change your home’s interior without a huge investment.
Ready to get started?
Grab your supplies, pick your colors, and begin transforming your staircase into a beautiful work of art.
