Struggling with limited space in your home?
Perhaps you’re bored of your old, straight flight, and want to switch things up a little?
Whatever qualms you have with your interior, a curved staircase is guaranteed to bring some excitement back to your hallway.
But how can you incorporate them into your home?
Staircase specialists, Pear Stairs, reveal everything you need to know about curved staircases and share some of their top tips for including them in your home’s design in this article!
Assess your space carefully
One of the most important things when designing any type of staircase is making sure you have enough space to accommodate it.
Curved staircases can be an excellent option for those working with limited floor space, but you still need to check that the space you do have available is sufficient. By thoroughly assessing your space, you can ensure that your curved staircase will not only look stunning but also function efficiently in your home.
The general rule of thumb is that the hole in the floor should be 100mm larger than the diameter of the staircase which, according to UK building regulations, should be a minimum of 800mm.
You also need to make sure that you measure the ceiling height, to help you determine the number of and the height of each step. You can do this by simply measuring the distance between the floor to the ceiling.
Finally, assess how the staircase will impact the flow of adjacent rooms, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct pathways or create awkward spaces.
Choose the right design
This is the fun part!
There are many different materials to choose from – including wood, glass and metal – that you can use in your spiral staircase design.
Whether you go traditional with oak, more rustic with wrought iron, or contemporary with glass, your staircase is bound to look the part.
You can even combine materials – like wood and glass, or glass and metal, for example – for a totally unique look.
However, we would highly recommend matching it to the rest of your interior to create a beautifully cohesive look, and to tie everything in nicely together.
Safety considerations
Safety is a crucial consideration when designing your staircase, and when working with a specialist, you’ll need to think carefully about building codes and regulations in your area and whether the ideas you have in mind meet those requirements.
These regulations usually specify requirements for tread depth, riser height, handrail placement and overall dimensions to ensure safety.
Some other things you can consider are:
- Non-slip treads – Stair treads, especially bare wooden treads, can be slippery, so if you want to prevent any accidents, you should consider adding non-slip materials. From anti-slip sprays and coatings to carpet and tread tape, there are many things you can do to prevent unwanted slips, trips and falls on the stairs.
- Staircase lighting – Not only does staircase lighting boost the aesthetic appeal of your staircase, but it also enhances safety by increasing visibility in poorly lit areas to prevent trips and falls.
- Stair gates – If you have small children and pets, adding stairgates to the top and bottom of your stairs is a must if you want to prevent them from taking a tumble and hurting themselves. There are plenty of stylish (yet functional!) options available, so you’re bound to find something perfect for your staircase and the rest of your home.
Maintenance
Finally, you need to think about the amount of upkeep your new curved staircase will require, and whether this fits in with your lifestyle.
Let us explain.
If your schedule is jam-packed, i.e. you work 9 to 5, five days a week, and spend your weekends entertaining the kids, you’ll need something that’s easy to keep clean, and that requires minimal upkeep – like glass, for example.
However, if you’ve got plenty of time on your hands and don’t mind giving your staircase a once over two or three times a week, you needn’t think as carefully about the materials you choose.
Curved staircases at Pear Stairs
Considering installing a curved staircase in your home?
We can help!
Here at Pear Stairs, we’ve been designing and building high-quality staircases for decades and would be more than happy to help with all your curved staircase needs.
To receive a free, no-obligation quote or find out more about curved staircases, give our team a call today on 01938 553 311. You can also email us at webenquiries@pearstairs.co.uk and we’ll be in touch to answer all your questions!
