Concrete stairs in BC's Lower Mainland typically cost between $1,500 and $8,000+, depending on the number of steps, width, design complexity, and site conditions. A standard 3-step front entry replacement is on the lower end. A full set of radius stairs with lighting, integrated planters, or boulder features is on the higher end.
Stairs are one of the most complex concrete projects because every step has to be exactly right — rise height, tread depth, width, and slope all need to meet building code. And unlike flatwork, stairs involve vertical forming that requires precision and experience to get clean lines.
| Stair Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front Entry (2–4 steps) | $1,500 – $3,000 | Standard replacement, straight run, broom or smooth finish. |
| Garden / Landscape Steps | $2,000 – $4,000 | Integrated with retaining walls or grade changes. |
| Full Staircase (5–10+ steps) | $3,500 – $6,000+ | Longer runs, landings, more forming and concrete volume. |
| Radius / Curved Steps | $4,500 – $8,000+ | Custom curved formwork. Our specialty — dramatically more labor. |
Disclaimer: The figures above are based on Lower Mainland averages and are intended for educational purposes only. Actual costs vary on a job-to-job basis as material markets move, supply and demand shift, and municipal bylaws change. A free on-site consultation is the only way to get an accurate estimate for your specific project.
Replacing old concrete stairs means breaking out the existing structure and hauling it away. Old stairs are often solid concrete — heavy and difficult to remove, especially if they're connected to a landing or retaining wall. Reinforced stairs take longer to demolish than unreinforced ones.
This is where stairs differ from every other concrete project. Each step is a separate form that needs to be level, plumb, and at the exact right height. Straight stairs use standard lumber forms. Radius stairs require custom bent formwork — each curve is built by hand. The forming alone on radius stairs can take longer than the entire pour.
Stairs require a stiffer concrete mix than flatwork to hold shape in the vertical forms. The concrete is ordered from a ready-mix supplier and delivered by truck. For stairs in backyards or elevated positions, a pump truck is needed to move concrete to the pour site. Smaller stair projects may hit supplier minimum load charges.
Wider stairs require more concrete, more forming, and more reinforcement. Building code requires landings at certain intervals on longer runs. Each landing is essentially a small slab that needs its own forming, base prep, and reinforcement.
The finish on stairs matters more than on flatwork because you're walking on them daily — often in rain. Options include:
Concrete stairs in BC must meet the BC Building Code for residential construction. Key requirements include:
Getting these measurements wrong isn't just a code violation — inconsistent steps are a trip hazard. This is one project where experience with concrete stairs directly affects safety.
In most Lower Mainland municipalities, a permit is required when:
Permit fees, engineering requirements, and inspection schedules vary by city. We confirm the specific requirements for your municipality before quoting — so the permit cost is included in the number, not a surprise after.
Curved and radius stairs are our specialty — and the reason they're at the top of the price range is the formwork. Every curve is custom-bent and braced. There are no straight lines, no reusable forms, and no shortcuts. The forming takes 3–5x longer than straight stairs.
But the result is a feature that transforms the entire property. Radius stairs integrated with retaining walls, planters, or boulder features create something you can't achieve with any other material. It's architectural concrete at its best.
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