What it costs
| Job | Example price |
|---|---|
| Hall, stairs and landingTwo-storey terrace, walls, ceilings, woodwork | £1,250–£2,250 |
Illustrative examples, not quotes: each assumes the job described, good condition, a similar colour and trade paint included. Your own price comes from the Instant Quote, based on your answers. How our prices are worked out.
Why hallways cost more than they look
The stairwell wall in a two-storey Victorian terrace, like those on the Harringay Ladder, can be over five metres tall. Reaching it safely needs a stair platform or a hop-up system, set up and moved several times. Then come the spindles, handrail and newel post, each hand-painted, along with skirting that follows the stairs up and doors opening off every landing. That is why hallways are priced as a single job rather than per square metre.
Finishes that survive a busy hall
Bikes, buggies and shoulders scuff hallways faster than any other room. We recommend a scrubbable durable matt or soft-sheen emulsion on walls. Woodwork gets a hard-wearing satinwood. On the lower wall below a dado rail, a darker or tougher finish hides marks well and suits period houses.
Flats and shared halls
In a converted flat, the hall inside your front door is yours. The communal stair outside usually isn't. For communal stairwells in blocks and conversions, see communal areas.
What to send for a remote quote
- A photo from the front door, one from halfway up the stairs, and one from the top landing
- The number of storeys, and whether the spindles are painted or bare wood
- The number of doors opening onto the hall and landings
Questions
How long does a hall, stairs and landing take?
For a two-storey terrace, usually three to five days, depending on condition and how many doors and spindles there are. The house stays usable throughout, though wet paint needs care for a few hours after each coat.
Can you paint the stairs themselves?
Yes. Painted treads and risers need a floor-grade paint and time to cure. Stairs that are in daily use are painted alternate steps at a time.