Are steel stairs cheaper than concrete?

Steel stairs are often cheaper than concrete stairs, especially for simple designs, because they are prefabricated, lighter, and faster to install. The answer depends on the design, site, and structural needs, so it is not true in every case.

Concrete stairs need formwork, reinforcement, pouring, and curing time, which adds labor and schedule length. Steel stairs are fabricated in a shop and set in place, which can reduce on-site work. Custom steel designs, such as floating or cantilever stairs, can cost more than basic concrete because of engineering and precision fabrication.

Several factors affect the price:

• Design complexity and number of steps

• Treads, railings, and finish

• Foundation or structural support

• Site access and installation time

Our guide on how to build a metal staircase shows where labor and material costs come from, and our cantilever staircase article explains why some designs cost more. For Utah projects, compare itemized quotes for both materials and review our metal staircase options before you decide.