FIXTURES & FINISHES
Tread with confidence
Complete Stair Systems’ Nick Rackham explains how to choose a custom-made staircase while sticking to a budget
staircase is generally the first feature on view when entering a property, meaning it creates the perfect opportunity for a wonderful first impression. Having a specially designed staircase in the hallway will further enhance this effect while reflecting on the style of the property and the character of the owner. Ultimately, choosing the right stair is a really important decision.
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BUT HOW BESPOKE A STAIRCASE CAN YOUR BUDGET STRETCH TO?
Bearing the importance of getting stairs right in mind, while a closed softwood flight with carpeted treads and risers would be the most economical choice, would it give the right impression? There are several key elements to be considered in specifying a more interesting, custom-made flight with open risers, which will affect the price.
THE SHAPE OF STAIRS TO COME
The simpler the shape of the staircase, the cheaper the cost of the flight. A straight flight staircase is therefore the cheapest to produce, followed by a quarter turn (90 degrees) and then a half turn (180 degrees).
Spiral staircases (steps arranged around a central pillar) can be fairly cost effective depending on the materials used. The most expensive option is to add curves to the staircase – whether in a complete curve (helical shaped) or just with a swooping entrance. While a curved stair can look stunning it costs a significant amount to produce.
SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
Above and beyond the conventional double timber stringer construction, there are many other methods of supporting the steps of a staircase. Steel is very popular due to the fact a smaller amount can support a greater
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weight, and therefore appear less bulky than timber. Steel stringers can be cut to a specific desired shape or can be located under the centre of the stair to form a spine.
TREADS & BALUSTRADES
Hardwood is generally the first choice for custom-made staircase treads but glass, granite and stone are also popular.
Conventional timber spindles tend to be the standard balustrade on a basic softwood stair, but for a more modern, open and light feel a custom-made flight is likely to have a glass balustrade or stainless steel spindles or rails. Glass is extremely popular and is generally held in place between timber or steel newel posts or bolted to the edge of the stringers or treads to give a frameless ‘no newel’ appearance.
Horizontal rails are attractive and a little less costly than glass, but check your building inspector is happy with them before purchasing. They can be viewed as forming a ladder effect and therefore being climbable.
Spindles are also available for custom- made staircases and are often constructed in steel or stainless steel. They are generally thinner in profile than their traditional timber counterparts and the cost of spindles will generally be less than glass, depending on their finish.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Many custom-made, modern staircases have open risers to allow the passage of light. Building Regulations stipulate that the gap between each step cannot exceed 100 mm for safety reasons. All specialist companies will be aware of the Regulations and will have solutions to reduce the gap, but if they have multiple methods for doing this they may not include the cost in their quote.
wonderful first impression
Instead they might list and cost the options separately, so check the quotation carefully.
Another item to consider that can add considerably to the costs is the requirement for a landing balustrade. This is to offer protection around any voids over the stairwell and generally takes the form of a balustrade that matches the staircase. A company is likely price this per metre so be sure to work out how much you need and calculate accordingly.
Installation is another cost to be factored into the budget. Most companies will offer a supply only, or a
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opportunity for a
The staircase creates the perfect
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