Staircase Types

Guides in this hub

• Winder staircases: what they are and the rules that govern them

  A winder staircase turns a corner on tapered treads instead of a flat landing. Here is how winders work, the two rules every winder has to keep, why four winders is a harder job than three, and when a landing is the better answer.

• Types of staircase: the main shapes, and how to choose

  Straight, quarter-turn, half-turn, winder, spiral, helical and space-saver stairs, and what drives the choice.

• Space-saver (alternating tread) stairs: what they are and when you can have one

  What a space-saver or alternating tread staircase is, when building regulations actually allow one, the trade-offs, and why it is a space and budget compromise rather than a premium upgrade.

• Mono-stringer and central-spine staircases

  A mono-stringer or central-spine staircase carries the treads on a single central beam instead of two side strings, giving a lighter, floating look. The spine can be steel or a thick timber beam, and the treads cantilever out to each side.

• Cut string vs closed string staircase: the difference, and how to choose

  A closed string hides the tread ends behind a solid raking board. A cut string is shaped to the steps so the ends show.

• Cantilever (floating) staircases

  A cantilever or floating staircase fixes each tread at one end only, usually built into the wall, so the treads appear to float with no support on the open side. The wall and a steel support carry the load, so it is a structural, engineered stair rather than standard joinery.

• Open-riser staircases: what they are, and the rules that apply

  An open-riser staircase has no solid board between the treads, leaving a gap for an open, modern look. The rules still apply: the gap must be small enough that a 100mm sphere cannot pass through, and in England the treads must overlap by at least 16mm.

• Geometric staircases: swept, splayed and continuous

  What a geometric staircase really is, and how swept, splayed, continuous and curved actually differ. Plain-English UK definitions from working staircase specialists.

• Spiral vs helical staircases

  Spiral or helical? What actually separates the two, which one most people really mean, and where each belongs in timber. UK definitions from working staircase specialists.

• Stairs with four winders: the four-winder turn

  A four-winder turn uses four tapered treads to turn the stair instead of the usual three, which spreads the turn over more steps for a gentler, more even climb, but it needs more room in the corner and more skill to build, so many makers do not offer it.