With many people renovating their existing properties rather than opting to move, a staircase which takes up less space for accessing new levels or rooms has never been a more popular feature. A spiral staircase can take up nearly half the room of a conventional straight flight staircase, whilst still providing a convenient means of ascent. When looking to purchase a spiral, the first decision to make is whether a small kit staircase will be sufficient, or whether a larger more bespoke feature stair would be the better option. The kit staircases tend to be designed as secondary access staircases, for going up to a mezzanine level or a converted loft space. The largest kit spiral is likely to be around 1600mm total diameter. By contrast, bespoke spirals can be anything up to 3000mm overall diameter, and can be safely installed as the main staircase in a property. They also tend to have a wider range of materials available, such as different timbers or the option for stainless steel metalwork.
From a technical point of view, the most common error people make whilst searching for their first spiral staircase is in regards to the opening. The opening in the ceiling for a spiral should ideally exceed the total diameter of the stair being placed in it by 100mm. So, if a 1600mm diameter spiral is being installed, a circular opening of 1700mm or more would be necessary, allowing 50mm on either side of the staircase. This is to allow the 50mm “knuckle gap” as a person climbing the stair moves their hand along the handrail.
Spiral stairs are available to suit many budgets; kit ones can begin at 800 or so, whilst top of the line bespoke spirals, in oak or with stainless steel centre columns, can reach upwards of 9000. In general, if looking for a small secondary access stair, budgeting 1800-1900 should be sufficient unless it is passing over 3000mm in height, and for a main staircase, a budget of around 5000-6000 should cover the more popular options in terms of material and style.
If installing yourself always ask for advice in this area to make sure you have all your bases covered. As the slightest error in your measurements can be very costly, because once the rope is cut you will have to start all over again as measurements have to be precise and unsightly joins will not give you professional look you are looking for.
The other critical regulation is in regards to clear tread width, which was touched on above. Contrary to popular belief, a 1600mm diameter spiral does not have the required 800mm clear tread width, as the diameter of this spiral includes both the centre column width (normally 120-150mm) and the handrail to either side of the stair (40-50mm). Therefore for a stair with an 800mm clear tread width, a minimum overall diameter of 1850-1900mm would be recommended.
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