Custom Stair Tread Prices (2025 Guide) | TF Stairs USA

 

If you’ve ever tried shopping for stair treads, you’ve probably noticed prices can vary, a lot. That’s because not all stair treads are created equal. The cost depends on a few key factors: the wood species you choose, the thickness of each tread, the finish, and the level of craftsmanship that goes into every cut.

At TF Stairs, every tread is custom-built, not mass-produced. Unlike generic box-store treads that are cut to standard sizes and finished overseas, our custom hardwood stair treads are crafted here in the USA, one at a time, to your exact specifications. That precision makes a difference you can see and feel — tighter fits, smoother finishes, and longer-lasting performance.

This guide breaks down real pricing data from TF Stairs alongside market averages across the U.S., so homeowners, builders, and contractors can make informed decisions when planning their projects. Whether you’re comparing white oak vs. walnut, or wondering how much a custom IPE tread might cost, this overview will give you a clear picture of what goes into the price — and why quality is worth it.

Average Cost of Custom Stair Treads (Quick Overview)

When it comes to pricing, there’s a wide range between materials, and for good reason. Each hardwood species has its own density, sourcing cost, and level of craftsmanship required to mill and finish it correctly. The table below shows average U.S. market ranges for custom-made hardwood stair treads, based on data from TF Stairs and verified national benchmarks.

Wood Type	Estimated Price Range (Per Tread)	Notes
Red Oak	$250 – $400	Classic, durable, and cost-effective — ideal for remodels.
White Oak	$300 – $500	Popular for modern builds; excellent humidity resistance.
Walnut	$450 – $700	Luxury finish, rich tone, and premium feel.
Maple	$300 – $500	Clean, light tone perfect for contemporary interiors.
Ash	$320 – $550	Bold grain with a unique, natural look.
Hickory	$350 – $600	Rugged strength with rustic character.
Mahogany	$400 – $650	Elegant reddish-brown tone, ages beautifully.
IPE (Brazilian Walnut)	$500 – $800+	Ultra-dense, weather-resistant — ideal for outdoor stairs.

These prices reflect high-end, USA-crafted stair treads, not prefabricated imports or thin overlays. Every tread built by TF Stairs is milled, sanded, and finished to order, ensuring a perfect fit, consistent tone, and lasting durability that mass-produced treads simply can’t match.

If you’re planning a staircase upgrade or new build, explore our full range of hardwoods in the Custom Stair Treads Collection to find the ideal wood species and finish for your project.

Real TF Stairs Pricing Examples

To give you a true picture of what custom stair treads cost, here’s a look at actual pricing from TF Stairs’ current product lineup. These numbers represent real-world listings for handcrafted, made-to-order hardwood treads, the same ones trusted by homeowners, builders, and luxury contractors across Florida and the U.S.

Wood Type	Thickness Range	Price Range (Per Tread)	Highlights
White Oak	2”–6”	$240 – $460	A customer favorite for its strength, clean grain, and versatility — works beautifully in both classic and modern homes.
Red Oak	2”–4”	$206 – $349	Timeless, affordable, and reliable — perfect for remodels and traditional interiors.
Walnut	3”–4”	$463 – $586	Premium luxury wood with deep tones and stunning natural variation — ideal for statement staircases.
Hickory	2”–4”	$258 – $376	One of the toughest domestic hardwoods, offering rustic appeal and long-term durability.
Mahogany	2”–4”	$401 – $586	Known for its rich, reddish hue and smooth texture — a favorite among architects and designers.

 

All TF Stairs treads are made-to-order in the USA, available in multiple thicknesses, finishes, and edge profiles to suit your exact specifications. Whether you’re installing a straight flight, open-riser, or floating staircase, each tread is precision-milled for perfect fit and finish, ensuring a result that looks incredible and lasts for decades.

What Factors Affect Price the Most

Not all stair treads are priced equally, even within the same species. The cost of your custom stair treads depends on the level of material, labor, and precision involved in crafting each piece. Here’s what drives the price up (or keeps it down):

Wood Species & Rarity

The type of hardwood you choose is the biggest price driver. Domestic woods like Red Oak and White Oak are more affordable and easier to source, while exotic species such as Walnut, Mahogany, or IPE command higher prices due to density, import costs, and limited availability.

Thickness & Size

Thicker treads require more raw material and machining time. For example, a 4-inch tread may cost nearly double a 2-inch version, especially when using premium hardwoods. Larger or custom dimensions also increase material waste, which affects pricing.

Edge Details

Custom edge profiles (bullnose, mitered returns, or waterfall edges) add extra cutting and finishing labor. These details elevate the final design but also add to production time and overall cost.

Finishes & Stains

A natural or clear-coated finish is the most affordable, but if you choose custom stains, matte finishes, or multi-step polyurethane protection, expect a moderate price increase. These finishes enhance color depth and protect the wood from wear and moisture.

Shipping

Wood is heavy, and shipping handcrafted stair treads across the country adds logistical costs. Freight pricing depends on weight, quantity, and distance from our Florida workshop. TF Stairs ships nationwide, ensuring careful packaging to prevent damage in transit.

Installation

Floating stair systems or open-riser designs require precision-cut tolerances and often custom mounting hardware. Traditional stairs are more straightforward to install, while floating stairs involve higher fabrication complexity and install cost.

Cost Comparison: TF Stairs vs. Big Box Stores

When comparing prices for stair treads, it’s important to remember, you’re not just paying for wood. You’re paying for precision, durability, and craftsmanship. The difference between mass-produced treads from big box retailers and custom hardwood stair treads from TF Stairs is night and day.

Big Box Store Treads: Lower Price, Lower Quality

Most large retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s sell prefabricated treads made overseas or from lower-grade lumber. A standard unfinished Red Oak stair tread (around 48” long) might cost as little as $34.96, which sounds like a bargain, until you factor in:

• Limited sizing options (usually one length, one thickness)
• Soft, unfilled grain that dents and chips easily
• Inconsistent staining and warping over time
• No edge customization or matching finish options

These treads are made for volume, not precision. They might work for quick fixes, but they’re not designed for longevity or luxury-grade builds.

TF Stairs: Built for Performance and Beauty

By comparison, a handcrafted White Oak tread from TF Stairs starts around $375, but that’s for a custom-sized, USA-milled, precision-cut product made from select hardwood. Each tread is designed for your exact measurements, stain-matched to your home, and finished by hand for lasting beauty.

The difference?

• True hardwood density (not veneers or fillers)
• Tight-grain cuts for structural stability
• Exact sizing down to the millimeter
• Professional finishes that protect for decades
• Made in the USA by experienced craftspeople

The ROI of Quality

When you invest in TF Stairs, you’re not just buying a tread, you’re building value. High-quality custom stair treads increase home resale value, reduce long-term maintenance, and last 3–5x longer than mass-produced alternatives.

It’s the difference between temporary stairs and timeless craftsmanship.

Installation Costs (If You’re Hiring a Pro)

When budgeting for your staircase upgrade, remember that material cost is only half the equation, installation labor can make a significant difference depending on the type of stairs, materials, and prep work required.

Average Labor Cost

Professional installation typically runs between $50–$100 per tread (labor only). That range can vary based on your region, stair design, and finish requirements. Complex installations like floating stairs, open risers, or curved designs often fall on the higher end due to precision alignment and additional hardware.

For a standard 12-step staircase, that means installation costs could range from $600 to $1,200 — excluding materials.

Retro Fit (Overlay) Stair Treads: A Smart Cost Saver

If you’re working with existing stairs in good condition, retro fit stair treads (also known as overlay treads) are an excellent way to save on labor and demolition costs. Instead of tearing out your old steps, these treads are installed directly over your existing staircase, eliminating the mess, disposal, and structural rebuild.

This approach can cut your total installation time in half, often completed in a single day, and can save you hundreds in labor while delivering a clean, modern look.

Why Hire a Professional Installer

Even the best-quality stair treads won’t perform properly if installed incorrectly. A skilled installer ensures:

• Precision fitment with no gaps or uneven alignment
• Compliance with building codes for riser height, tread depth, and nosing projection
• Proper adhesion and fastener use for safety and longevity
• Flawless finishing that protects against squeaks, movement, and long-term wear

Hiring a professional doesn’t just save time, it ensures your stairs are safe, quiet, and built to last.

The True Value of Custom Stair Treads

When it comes to stair treads, you really do get what you pay for. The cheapest option might work for a quick fix, but true value comes from craftsmanship that lasts decades, not years.

Custom stair treads aren’t just about aesthetics, they’re about safety, durability, and design integrity. A well-crafted hardwood tread doesn’t warp under humidity, doesn’t creak under pressure, and doesn’t fade with time. It anchors your home with lasting beauty and solid structure.

At TF Stairs, we believe in the “buy once, buy right” philosophy. Every tread is cut, finished, and inspected to meet the highest standards of precision and performance, because when you invest in your home, you deserve more than average.