Basement Stairs
Elevate Your Space, Enhance Your Home
Safe and Attractive Basement Stairs
During your basement remodeling project, you may not think about basement stairs as much as you do about walls, flooring and lighting. And that’s okay because the team at Utah Basement Builders thinks of it for you. We know you can’t get into your basement without a safe flight of stairs, and that’s why we take building basement stairs so seriously.
While there are more complicated construction projects than stairs, the truth is that things can go wrong with stairs. It’s important to have experienced professionals build your basement stairs.
Local Codes for Basement Stairs
First of all, stairs must conform to code. That means that the risers must be a certain height and the treads a certain depth. There is an acceptable range for the degree of slope. Nosing may be required on stairs that have solid risers.
There may be a minimum width, and this is measured from the outer edge of the railing, not from stair edge to edge. Landings may be required at the top and bottom of the flight of stairs. And — this is important especially for basement stairs — you must have minimum headroom.
If the space between the top and bottom of the staircase exceeds a certain length, you may need to build stairs with a landing in the middle.
There is a set of rules for handrails as well. They may not protrude too far into the area of the stairs. If the railing is round, it must be within a set diameter. It must also be placed within a set distance from the stair treads — no higher and no lower.
The rail must also be continuous from the first stair to the last, and in some cases, the top and bottom must be fastened to the wall (not just to hardware that is fastened to the wall).
Our services
Basement Remodeling
Basement Finishing
Basement Theater
Basement Game Room
Basement Kitchens and Bars
Basement Bedrooms
Basement Living Rooms
Basement Man Caves
Basement Stairs
Bathroom Remodel
Rely on Professionals
As you can see, building a staircase correctly is not easy for a novice. You may be able to safely use a staircase that is not up to code, but you’re taking a gamble. Further, if your staircase is not up to code and a guest in your home falls and gets hurt, you could be liable for your error.
Additionally, you may fail to pass inspection after your basement remodeling project is finished if your stairs aren’t up to code. Or you could run into trouble when you have your property assessed or inspected in preparation for selling.Additionally, you may fail to pass inspection after your basement remodeling project is finished if your stairs aren’t up to code. Or you could run into trouble when you have your property assessed or inspected in preparation for selling.Additionally, you may fail to pass inspection after your basement remodeling project is finished if your stairs aren’t up to code. Or you could run into trouble when you have your property assessed or inspected in preparation for selling.Additionally, you may fail to pass inspection after your basement remodeling project is finished if your stairs aren’t up to code. Or you could run into trouble when you have your property assessed or inspected in preparation for selling.Additionally, you may fail to pass inspection after your basement remodeling project is finished if your stairs aren’t up to code. Or you could run into trouble when you have your property assessed or inspected in preparation for selling.
The professional basement contractors at Utah Basement Builders are well-versed in staircase building codes, but we also know how to build beautiful staircases.
We build a lot of straight staircases, but some basement finishing projects call for a winding staircase, or L- or U-shaped flights. A spiral staircase is VERY stylish — plus, it saves space.
When you’re finishing a basement, whatever style of staircase or handrail appeals to you, trust Utah Basement Builders to build it for you — safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remodel existing basement stairs in Utah homes?
Yes. Utah Basement Builders remodels outdated basement stairs by improving safety, updating finishes, replacing railings, adding lighting, installing new treads, and matching the staircase to the finished basement design.
What basement stair styles are available?
Basement stair styles range from traditional enclosed staircases to modern open designs with exposed stringers, along with painted or two-tone approaches that tie the staircase into the rest of the finished basement’s look.
Can basement stairs be made safer?
Yes. Utah Basement Builders can improve stair safety with updated handrails, better lighting, slip-resistant materials, improved finishes, and code-conscious construction.
What materials are commonly used for basement stairs?
Basement stairs hold up best with materials suited to a below-grade environment, engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl for treads, since both resist the humidity swings a basement is more likely to see than the rest of the house, along with metal railings, cable rail systems, or painted wood, depending on the style. Utah Basement Builders helps choose materials that balance durability, moisture resistance, and cost.
Can storage be added under basement stairs?
Yes. Under-stair space works well for cabinets, closets, shelving, or hidden storage, and Utah Basement Builders can build this out as part of a broader custom cabinet solutions plan for the basement.
Can basement stairs match the rest of my home?
Yes. Utah Basement Builders coordinates railings, flooring transitions, trim, colors, and finishes so the basement stairs blend with the home’s existing style and the new basement finishing design.
How long does a basement stair remodel take?
A simple stair refresh, new treads, paint, updated railings, often wraps up in a few days, while a full stair rebuild or layout change can take several weeks. Utah Basement Builders provides a schedule based on the scope of your specific project.
Why hire a professional for basement stair construction?
Basement stairs are one of the more code-regulated parts of a basement remodel, covering rise and run dimensions, railing height, and headroom clearance. Ryan and Brian personally review these details on every project rather than leaving them to a subcontractor, which is what keeps a rebuilt staircase safe, structurally sound, and code-compliant.