How long do interior stairs or steps last?

You can expect interior stairs or steps to last the life of a home, 100 years or more. This includes manufactured and spiral metal stairs. Most stairs are wood and moisture intrusion or termites will shorten the stair lifespan. Regular maintenance, which includes repairing or replacing damaged, loose, or badly worn components, is necessary as a stair ages. 

    Also, see our blog posts The stairs feel too steep. What's the building code? and What is the longest stair run allowed?  

    Here’s a bar graph comparing interior steps and stairs life expectancy to other types of home steps and stairs.
     Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful? 

Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about STAIRS:

• What do home inspectors check when inspecting stairs?

• Is a landing always required at the top and bottom of stairs? 

• When is a railing required at stairs?

• What is the building code for the minimum height of stair steps (risers)? 

• When is a nosing required on a stair tread?

• What is the building code requirement for receptacle outlets at stairs and stair landings?  

• Are open stair risers acceptable?

• Why is a single step dangerous in a house?

• Do I need stairs at all exit doors from a mobile home?  

• What is the lighting requirement for stairs?

• A light is required over a stair after how many steps/risers? 

• When is safety glass required for windows at stairs and stair landings?

   Visit our STAIRS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.