Staircases

Staircases are a large part of our work , and they cover a huge range from very small flights for small cottages to huge multiple flights for mansions and shops . They can vary from narrow 600mm wide flights to huge 2000mm wide grand staircases. There has always been vastly differing designs for staircases the straight flight with closed strings and risers probably being the most common type , there was a time when staircases with open strings and risers were very popular particularly when staircases were put into the main living area rather than in the hallways , period staircases were much more elaborate often curved in design, cost and changing styles unfortunately has made this type relatively obsolete except in the very largest of houses. Changing building regulations have also forced us into changing styles so they are less open but safer for children and older people .

In recent years more and more people seem to be looking for new designs and look at , using different materials , as a company we have no set ideas for staircases and these more radical design can easily be accommodated , in fact we welcome new designs and always enjoy the challenge .

Staircase can of course be made from many different materials , softwood , Parana Pine , English and European Oak , Ash , Sapele to name a few , often we use two complementary timbers or for that different staircase two contrasting timbers , we are also able to include glass or stainless steel or even is required ironwork . Non slip inserts can be set into the treads for decoration or safely . Grooves can be cut into the treads for safety on external staircases .

Handrails and spindles are a huge subject , we have no standard designs for handrails so any shape style size or design can be supplied they can vary , from delicate Georgian design to massively ornate , they can also have vertical curves , goose neck have swept curves be continuous or just simply run into the newel posts. We can also design and supply turned newel posts with turned balls , acorns or a designed newel cap , you could also have a teardrop or similar hanging from the underside of the newel post.

Spindles can also come in an enormous range of shapes and sizes and can also be supplied turned or perhaps with flutes , obviously the design of the staircase tends to dictate the style of the handrail and spindles . Original styles usually require turned spindles while modern staircases require simpler styles. We could of course supply glass , either plain or coloured or perhaps a special design sandblasted onto the glass.

You could of course alter the first steps of the staircase , you can have a simple bullnose tread or a series of shaped treads as seen in adjacent picture , staircases can also have a splayed entrance into the main staircase often curved or just angular. The types and designs are endless. The area surrounding the staircase is also important and as in adjacent picture you could have a galleried area, this gives a very different aspect to the staircase and this can be achieved in both large and small properties.

Softwood staircase winding around a single newel post

Galleried entrance hall with bifurcating European Oak staircase

Carriage staircase with open risers in European Oak