There are 7 main steps in planning your stairs.
 

Step 1. Choosing your material, We stock a wide range of hardwood and softwood timbers including red deal, white oak, ash, teak, mahogany & walnut. 

Step 2. Choosing the String style, Closed string is the standard option. It is not possible to see the steps when looking at the side of the stairs, the balusters sit in capping on the string of the stairs. Cut string is the option where it is possible to see the treads when looking at the side of the stairs, the balusters sit on the Treads (steps). With the cut string option it is possible to have additional design features under each step such as brackets, scotia or both.

Step 3. Choosing the Riser style, Closed rise describes a stairs with a full timber riser between each tread (the part you step on). With this option it is not possible to see through the stairs. Open rise allows you to see through the gap between each of the treads and can help to brighten up a hallway if necessary. In order to meet Building Regulations it is necessary to use a small timber stub riser to ensure that the gap between each tread is not too big.

Step 4. Choosing your newel post & baluster style, A wide variety of newel posts and spindles are available. The newel posts are positioned at the bottom and top of a stair flight and at any point where there is a change of direction in the stairs, e.g. at a winder or at a landing. The balusters (spindles) are the vertical posts that hold up the handrail along the flight. It is also possible to have glass panels or wrought iron instead of spindles but we do not supply glass or wrought iron.

Step 5. Choosing your bottom step, There are a few designs you can use for your bottom step. Mostly it depends on the space available. In our gallery you can see examples of a bullnose step, a curtail step complete with a scroll and a large base step. We can help you decide on what best suits your available space.

Step 6. Sheeting & trimmer detail, With a closed rise stairs it is necessary to cover the back of the stairs. This can be done with timber sheeting as shown in our gallery. Alternatively you can arrange for you builder to slab and plaster the back of the stairs. The sheeting effect to the trimmer can give an extra feature to your stairs as an alternative to a plaster finish.

Step 7. Choosing your finish, All our stairs leave our premises fully sanded ready for any finish to be applied. A large number of home owners are aware that a spray finish is more desirable than a Brush applied finish because it achieves a superior appearance and a more durable wear.

Helpful Hints

• A focal point of a well designed home is often the staircase, as this is the first impression a person will get when they enter your home. There is nothing more eye-catching than a skilfully handcrafted staircase.
• Ideally, decide what type of stairs you require at the original drawing stage of your home, but don’t worry if you haven’t done this as we can advise on your options no matter what the stage.
• Get the basics right. The width and pitch of the stairs, as well as the height (rise) and depth (going) of each step will dictate how easily your stairs may be walked.
• Stairs require a solid fixing point at the bottom and top or each stairs. It costs a lot less to ensure that joists or poured floors are adequate at the building stage rather than having to try to change it later.