Can You Modify an Existing Staircase?

Yes. You can change almost everything about the look of a staircase, like the treads, risers, balusters, handrail and newels, without touching the structure. Changing how steep the stairs are is a bigger job. To make stairs less steep, you have to rebuild them with more, shorter steps, which takes more floor space, a pro and usually a permit. If that’s not possible, there are easier ways to make steep stairs safer.

By Douglas Lovin, owner of Cheap Stair Parts, 20+ years in stair parts · Updated 10/22/26

Easy Modifications (No Rebuild)

Change	Guide
Carpet to wood treads	Tread and riser cost
Wood spindles to iron balusters	Baluster swap cost
New handrail or newel posts	Banister cost
Modern look overall	How to modernize a railing
Horizontal bars, cable or glass	Alternatives to spindles

How to Make Steep Stairs Less Steep

Stairs feel steep when the steps are too tall or too shallow. Most codes allow a riser up to 7-3/4″ tall and a tread at least 10″ deep, and older homes often miss both. Your options:

• Rebuild with more steps. More, shorter risers and deeper treads make the stairs less steep, but the staircase gets longer and needs more floor space.
• Add a landing or turn. Turning the stairs can fit a gentler slope into the same space.
• Rebuild with a pro. Both of these change the structure, so hire a contractor and check whether you need a permit.

How to Make Steep Stairs Safer

• Add a handrail on both sides. See how to attach a handrail to the wall.
• Add good lighting at the top and bottom.
• Use treads with a solid nosing so each step edge is easy to see and catch with your foot.
• Make the railing solid. Tighten any loose newels or balusters. See how to fix loose balusters.