yep agree, what you are liking is going to cost way more, what your allowance for is for budget/flagfall/basic detail. Maybe 30K suggestion a little inflated for this but certainly 10-15K min Depends upon who, material chosen and extent of finish...possibly you may be able to get away with some quality carpentry to tackle a similar balustrade idea rather than getting a (more expensive) joinery shop to do it, because if it was joinery w' clear 2 pac'd timber screens then arguably yes the number would get pretty scary pretty quickly. You can achieve the screen effect in various ways, but expect to tip in 3-4 times the number allowed at this stage............costs aside though, if it's a U shape set-up, (without knowing how it's planned/positioned etc,) unless you have a fully exposed side (in a significant aspect of the residence), it's questionable whether you'll get the effect you're after and hence if it's the best way to spend money on the screen balustrade - they're a great detail, lovely internal textural element, but arguably best/most striking when implemented on single runs like in the images......

Thanks Paul,

Definitely food for thought....I get it now, I will speak to my builder and see if we can come up with something. I don't mind putting in a little more money but not 3 or 4 times. back to finding a more basic staircase that isn't going to be ugly. Its so hard to make decisions based off photo's :(

No worries Kelly - it's all part of the process, you'll be an expert by the time you're finished ;) - good luck! :)

As a guide for you, we have recently installed our staircase. 17 steps in grey ironbark, both treads and risers. Grey ironbark upper level balustrade with brushed stainless steel vertical rods as in your photos, as well as horizontal rods in the upper balustrade. Total cost $15k without polishing

Oh! ok, wow...thank you. I am miles off then :(

Kelly, is it essential that your staircase be open all the way to second floor? I ask because having it more enclosed would enable you to utilise the dead space under stairs for additional storage, a study nook or powder room. I too really admire the beauty and feature of the stairs you posted, but I also think the functional opportunity all that dead space presents is too good to be wasted.

yes Ann, we will be putting a pantry under the staircase...We desperately need more storage!

Sounds good. Under our stairs are three banks of handlesless file drawers flush with the wall, and a good sized powder room.

Hello,Kelly,have your stair been done?Would you consider metal vertical balustrade? You can find a metal welder to finish it.