How much does it cost to redo stairs and baseboards in Canada?
Stair treads cost $60 to $200 per step installed in Canada, depending on material. Vinyl plank with a matching nosing runs $60 to $120 per step, hardwood treads with painted risers $100 to $200, and carpet $30 to $70. A typical two-storey home has 13 to 15 steps plus landings, so a staircase usually adds $900 to $3,000 to a flooring project. Baseboards run $2 to $5 per linear foot supplied and installed, and quarter round or shoe moulding $1.50 to $3. Because a standard main floor has 150 to 250 linear feet of baseboard, that adds $300 to $1,250. Stairs and trim are the two line items homeowners most often forget when budgeting, and they are also where quotes differ most, so confirm exactly what is included.
Stairs & Trim flooring cost by province (2026)
Installed prices per square foot, materials and labour together, before tax. These are typical ranges for a standard room-sized job, confirmed by a written quote after a free measure.
| Province or territory | Supply & install | Labour only | Sales tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $10–17 | $3.5–7 | 5% GST only |
| British Columbia | $10–20 | $4–8 | 5% GST |
| Ontario | $9–18 | $3.5–7 | 13% HST on both materials and labour |
| Manitoba | $9–16 | $3.25–6.5 | 5% GST and 7% RST |
| New Brunswick | $8–15 | $3–6 | 15% HST on materials and labour |
| Nova Scotia | $9–17 | $3.25–6.5 | 14% HST on materials and labour |
| Quebec | $8–16 | $3–6 | 5% GST and 9 |
| Saskatchewan | $9–16 | $3.25–6.5 | 5% GST and 6% PST |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $10–18 | $3.5–7 | 15% HST on materials and labour |
| Northwest Territories | $13–24 | $5–9.5 | 5% GST only |
| Nunavut | $15–28 | $6–11 | 5% GST only |
| Prince Edward Island | $9–17 | $3.25–6.5 | 15% HST on materials and labour |
| Yukon | $12–22 | $4.5–9 | 5% GST only |
Ranges reflect regional labour rates and, in the territories, freight on materials. Alberta and the territories have no provincial sales tax, which makes the same floor meaningfully cheaper there.
What drives the price
Material and construction
Capping existing stairs with retrofit treads is cheaper than rebuilding. Solid hardwood treads cost more than engineered or vinyl. Open-sided stairs with exposed stringers and returns cost considerably more than closed stairs between two walls.
Risers
Painted risers are the most affordable finish and the most popular look. Matching wood risers cost more and read as more traditional. Some quotes include risers and some do not, which is the most common source of confusion when comparing staircase pricing.
Nosings
A flush nosing that matches the floor looks far better than a surface-applied one, but it requires more precise work. This detail separates a professional staircase from an amateur one.
Landings and winders
Rectangular landings are straightforward. Winder or pie-shaped steps on a turning staircase take substantially longer and are usually priced individually.
Baseboard profile and height
Taller and more detailed profiles cost more in both material and installation. Paint-grade MDF is the most economical; primed or stained wood costs more.
What a quote usually includes
Included
- Treads, risers and nosings as specified
- Cutting, fitting and fastening
- Baseboard and shoe moulding supply and install
- Caulking and filling nail holes, paint ready
Quoted separately
- Removal of existing stair covering
- Structural repair to stringers or treads
- Painting and staining
- Railing and baluster work
- Refinishing existing handrails
Stairs & Trim flooring cost in major cities
Regional labour rates move the number more than material does. These are typical installed ranges in the cities where we do the most work.
Common questions
01Should stairs be done at the same time as the floor?
Almost always yes. Treads milled from the same production run as your floor will match in colour and grain, and doing both together avoids a second mobilisation charge. Matching a floor a year later is difficult and often visibly imperfect.
02Can vinyl plank be used on stairs?
Yes, with matching stair nosings supplied by the same manufacturer. It is the most economical way to carry a vinyl floor up a staircase and it wears well. Be sure the nosing is the manufacturer's matching profile rather than a generic one, which will not colour-match.
03Do I need to replace baseboards when I replace the floor?
Not necessarily. If the existing baseboards are in good condition, an installer can often work around them and finish with quarter round. Replacing them gives a cleaner result, particularly if the new floor is a different height than the old one.
Get a real number
Service areaAll of Canada — matched to an expert near you
HoursMonday – Friday · 8am – 6pm (local time)
Saturday · 9am – 4pm (local time)
Sunday · Closed · online requests 24/7
The right floor changes how a room feels. The right installer changes how the whole project feels.Start a free quote