Cost to Basement Staircase Remodel in Minneapolis, MN (2026)
If you’re budgeting a basement staircase remodel in Minneapolis, most projects run $2,153-$9,687, 8% above the $4,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Number of Steps. On its own it can swing the cost by $100 - $600 per step, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Overlay new treads on existing stringers instead of full replacement. If your stringers are solid, you can install new hardwood treads directly over the existing structure at a fraction of full replacement cost.
$2,153-$9,687 in Minneapolis
8% above the national average · 1.08x cost multiplier
In Minneapolis, a basement staircase remodel runs $2,153 to $9,687 on average - about 8% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Minneapolis
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per step | $108 | $301 | $646 |
| Materials | $820 | $2,255 | $5,125 |
| Labor | $1,364 | $2,273 | $5,113 |
| Permits | $0 | $205 | $308 |
| Total | $2,184+9% vs. national avg | $4,733+8% vs. national avg | $11,059+7% vs. national avg |
Budget
Cosmetic refresh of existing staircase - new treads, risers, paint or stain, basic railing replacement on a standard 13-step basement stair
Mid-Range
Full stair replacement with oak or maple treads, painted risers, new wood balusters, and solid wood handrail on a standard 13-step stair
Premium
Custom open-riser staircase with hardwood treads, wrought iron or cable balusters, custom handrail, and integrated lighting on a 14-16 step stair
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Minneapolis may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Poplar / Paint-Grade Wood Treads | $15 - $35 per tread | Budget remodels where stairs will be painted to match trimLowest cost, paints smoothly, widely available, easy to work with |
| Red Oak Treads | $35 - $65 per tread | Homes with oak hardwood floors - creates a seamless look from the main level downClassic look, stains beautifully, very durable, widely available, matches most oak floors |
| Maple Treads | $45 - $75 per tread | Modern or contemporary homes that want a lighter, cleaner aestheticVery hard and durable, light color that brightens basements, tight grain for a clean look |
| Engineered Hardwood Treads | $30 - $60 per tread | Basements with moderate humidity where solid wood stability is a concernMore stable than solid hardwood, real wood veneer on top, moisture-resistant core, variety of species |
| LVP / Vinyl Stair Nosings | $20 - $45 per step | Basements finished with LVP flooring where a cohesive look is the priorityWaterproof, matches LVP flooring perfectly, no staining or finishing required, durable |
Other Projects in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Estimate
Typical Range
$2,153-$9,687
vs. National Average
8% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.08x
Cost Per step
$108-$646
This 1.08x estimate prices Minneapolis labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →