Running boards are the accessory nobody thinks about until Grandma can't climb into the truck — and then they're suddenly the most important part on it. If you've leveled or lifted your truck, that climb got taller. Here's the real difference between stationary boards and electric (power) steps, with the honest pricing we quote at the counter in Willis.
Stationary running boards: simple, tough, affordable
Fixed boards or steps bolted to the rocker panel mounts. No motors, no wiring, nothing to fail. Options range from slim nerf bars to wide flat boards with full grip pads.
- Pros: least expensive, zero maintenance, take a beating (rocks, curbs, ranch roads), install fast
- Cons: always hanging there — slight clearance loss off-road and they collect mud where your pants leg finds it
At our shop, stationary boards start around $500 installed.
Electric (power) running boards: the trick setup
Motorized steps that stay tucked up under the rocker until a door opens, then drop down to meet you — think AMP Research PowerSteps. On a lifted truck they solve the height problem completely while keeping the clean, board-free look and full ground clearance when they're stowed.
- Pros: best of both worlds — full step when you need it, invisible when you don't; LED-lit options; the “wow” factor is real
- Cons: costs more, and moving parts + wiring mean more that can eventually wear (quality brands hold up well — we install a lot of them)
Power boards start around $2,000 installed, wiring included.
Which one for your truck?
| Your situation | Our pick |
|---|---|
| Work truck, jobsite abuse, budget matters | Stationary |
| Family hauler with kids or older passengers | Either — stationary if budget-first, power if the truck's lifted tall |
| Lifted show truck where looks matter | Power — clean rocker line, steps appear on demand |
| Serious off-road use | Stationary heavy-duty steps (or rock sliders — ask us) |
One tip on lifted trucks
The taller the truck, the more the step placement matters. A board mounted for a stock truck sits wrong on a 6-inch lift — we set step height for how your truck actually sits, which is the difference between a natural step-up and an awkward hop.
Price it into your build
Running boards are now part of our Build Planner — spec your lift, tires, wheels, and boards together and text us the whole thing in one tap. Or jump straight to a free estimate.
Starting-at pricing includes the part and installation. Typical baselines, not quotes — brand and options set the final number, and pricing can change over time.
Ready for an easier climb? Get a free estimate or call (936) 320-8120 — serving Willis, Conroe, Montgomery, The Woodlands, and all of Montgomery County. More reading: our full accessories lineup.