INTERIORS


assess the available space, and create a well-thought-out stair plan that meets both regulatory requirements and your aesthetic preferences.


MATERIALS


this even before you look at design and materials or finishes.


REGULATIONS & COMPLIANCE Stair regulations are many and varied, sometimes conicting and confusing. Talk to a specialist stair company, this may save you a lot of trouble further down the line. They will work closely with you to understand your specific needs,


For most staircases what material you select is driven by budget, particularly with more standard and conventional designs. For simple stairs, wood is the material of choice, as it is eible for design, economical (as it grows on trees) and relatively simple to manufacture particularly with the availability of CNC machining. If it is to be decorated or coered with oor finishes, D is great as it’s very stable, economical and a good material to paint. You can combine MDF with natural timber, using the ‘real’ wood for the visible areas where you want to see the beauty of the grain and colour, with the hidden or decorated areas in cheaper MDF. For more complicated stairs such as spiral or curved, you will most likely require some metal components.


BALUSTRADE


The simplest and also most economical is vertical balusters or spindles, either in wood or metal. Horizontal style balustrade is popular, but not always acceptable to Building Control, so it’s


adisable to check first. Glass can look great, and is not as epensie as you might think, even when curved. Remember that if you don’t want a handrail, then the glass must be laminated.


HANDRAIL


The main options are either timber or metal, which can be either painted mild steel or polished stainless steel. Think about the feel and look, timber is warmer and softer, and metal will look sharp and fresh for longer. For high end projects, leather clad handrails are fantastic, but at a cost!


LIGHTING Make sure the stairs are always well lit, both from aboe and below. ny sort of stair that is dark will not work well. Consider LED lighting, but in moderation, more can be less! There is a lot to consider, but by following the above points in order you should get the best results and value for money. Speak to specialist companies once you have decided on the basic principles, don’t confuse yourself by looking at too much online too early!


Eric Nicholls is managing director of Spiral UK


72 www.sbhonline.co.uk


jul/aug 2023


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