NCC Compliance Requirements
- 1 Riser height: maximum 190mm, minimum 115mm (each riser must be equal)
- 2 Going (tread depth): minimum 240mm measured from nosing to nosing
- 3 Stair width: minimum 1000mm for residential (some older homes have narrower stairs — NCC allows existing stairs to remain if not being altered)
- 4 Balustrade height: 1000mm measured from stair nosing
- 5 Balustrade openings: no opening can allow a 125mm sphere to pass through (child safety)
Popular Staircase Styles
- 1 Floating open-riser with glass balustrade: most popular in contemporary renovations, opens up the space significantly
- 2 Timber tread with painted timber balustrade: traditional, suits period homes
- 3 Concrete with vinyl or timber overlay: common in new builds, very durable
- 4 Steel stringer with timber treads: industrial/modern aesthetic, very structural look
Lead Times
Custom staircases — particularly those with glass balustrades, steel stringers, or specialist timber — have lead times of 4–12 weeks. Order early and coordinate installation with your build program. Avoid having your build held up waiting for a staircase component.
⚠️ Watch out: Temporary stair access during construction must be safe and compliant — never leave a building accessible via an unsafe temporary stair. This is a WHS requirement for licensed builders.
Cost Guide
Straight timber staircase replacement: $5,000–$12,000. Floating timber/glass feature staircase: $15,000–$40,000+. L-shaped or U-shaped stairs add 20–40% to cost. Glass balustrade is typically $400–$700 per lineal metre of glass panel. Steel stringers add $3,000–$8,000 to standard timber stair cost.
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