Staircase Design, Build & Installation
We handle the whole staircase journey—from survey and concept to manufacture and a clean, efficient installation. Our focus is practical design that suits your space, flows well with the layout and meets Building Regulations. You’ll get clear drawings, agreed details for strings, treads and balustrades, and honest advice on materials and finishes. On site, we protect floors, contain dust and keep access clear. Whether it’s a straight replacement or a complex winder with feature balustrades, we deliver neat junctions to floors and walls, accurate levels and a solid, squeak-free result that’s built to last.
Staircase Styles
Style dictates both look and footprint. We’ll guide you through options that balance space, comfort and budget. Straight flights are simple and economical; winders gain turns without a landing; cut-string stairs expose the tread profile for a traditional feature; closed-string stairs give a clean, minimal edge; open-riser designs make spaces feel lighter; and glass balustrades increase light and sightlines. We’ll advise on where each shines, typical constraints (headroom, width, doors nearby), and how handrails, newels and spindles—or glass—tie into your interior so everything feels considered and consistent.
Straight & Winder
Straight flights are the most efficient to build and often the most comfortable to climb, ideal where floor-to-floor height and headroom allow a generous going. Winder stairs introduce pie-shaped treads to turn a corner without a full landing, saving space in tight plans. We set out winders so the walking line is safe and consistent, keep nosings aligned and ensure risers are regular throughout. Where possible we’ll position winders away from door swings and narrow landings, and we’ll propose handrail solutions that provide continuous support through the turn.
Cut-string & Closed-string
Cut-string stairs showcase the tread and riser ends, often with decorative brackets—great for period homes or a crafted feature. They demand accurate joinery and crisp finishing along the exposed profile. Closed-string stairs conceal the ends within the string, giving a simple shadow line that suits modern interiors and helps with acoustic performance. We’ll match the approach to your property, discussing budget, cleaning, and durability considerations. Trims, skirting returns and string caps are detailed so junctions are sharp and consistent from bottom step to top landing.
Open-riser with Glass Balustrades
Open-riser designs keep sightlines open and allow light to pass between floors. They pair well with glass balustrades and minimal handrails for an airy, contemporary feel. We specify tread thickness, riser gaps and guard details to meet compliance and safety, and we can add mid-tread riser bars where required. Glass is templated or set out from drawings, with polished edges and discreet fixings. We’ll advise on slip-resistant nosings, child-safety considerations and maintaining a comfortable, quiet stair that still delivers the light, elegant look you’re after.
Survey, Design & Regulations
A precise survey underpins a comfortable, compliant stair. We capture floor-to-floor height, structural openings, wall plumb, landing widths and nearby doors or windows that affect set-out. From there we propose a layout that fits the space and meets regulations on pitch, headroom, guarding and consistent rise/going. You’ll receive drawings that fix details like width, nosings, string type and balustrade, plus any trimming or steelwork needed. We coordinate with Building Control as required so approvals are smooth and the installation runs without surprises.
Accurate Site Measure
We measure floor-to-floor height, not just floor-to-ceiling, and check finished floor build-ups so rises remain consistent after flooring goes down. Laser levels confirm landings and headroom, and we test wall straightness to plan scribes and trims. Obstructions—radiators, sockets, skirtings, cupboard doors—are recorded to avoid clashes. These checks let us pre-manufacture accurately, reduce site cutting and achieve tight joints at strings, skirts and architraves. The result is a stair that fits first time, feels solid and looks like it was always part of the house.
Part K: Headroom, Pitch & Rise/Going
We design to current guidance for dwellings, including safe pitch, consistent rise and going, adequate headroom and compliant guarding. Handrails are set at a comfortable height with continuous support, and balustrade gaps are detailed with safety in mind. We’ll explain how these rules shape the stair footprint and what options exist if space is tight—such as winders, landings or minor structural tweaks. Our aim is a stair that passes inspection without fuss and feels natural to climb every day.
Materials & Finishes
Material choice sets the tone and affects maintenance. Hardwoods like oak and ash bring warmth, grain and long-term resilience; softwoods offer excellent value and paint beautifully for a crisp, modern look. We combine timbers sensibly—hardwood handrails for touchpoints, paint-grade strings and risers where appropriate—and specify stable boards to minimise movement. Finishes are chosen for use and light: clear oil for natural grain, stain and lacquer for colour and durability, or sprayed paint for flawless coverage. We’ll sample options so you can see and feel the difference before we build.
Oak & Ash
Oak delivers a classic, durable finish with attractive grain that suits both period and contemporary spaces. Ash is slightly lighter in tone with a lively grain, ideal where you want warmth without heaviness. We select kiln-dried stock, orient treads for strength, and match grain across visible components for a cohesive appearance. Handrails are finished silky smooth; newels and caps are detailed to your chosen profile. Protective oils or lacquers are applied for wear resistance, with care notes so the timber keeps its good looks for years.
Painted Softwood
Paint-grade softwood is a cost-effective route to a crisp, architectural look. We prep meticulously: fill, sand and caulk for seamless lines, and use quality primers to block knots where needed. Strings, risers and sometimes treads (when fully carpeted) are ideal in softwood; hardwood handrails can be added for a tactile contrast. We’ll align with your decorator on final colours and sheen, and leave edges and junctions ready for a quick, clean topcoat so the staircase presents perfectly with the rest of your finishings.
Installation Details
A great stair feels solid, quiet and safe. We set newels plumb and true, fix strings securely into trimmers, and glue-block treads and risers to eliminate squeaks. Handrails are jointed cleanly and aligned through landings and turns; spindles are spaced consistently and housed neatly. Where the stair meets floors and walls, we scribe skirts and trims for tight lines and tidy caulking. Access is managed to keep the house usable, and we maintain a clean site so the rest of your project can continue smoothly.
Newels, Handrails & Spindles
Balustrades are both safety and style. We set out spindle centres and rake carefully so spacing is consistent, mitres land cleanly at returns, and handrail heights remain comfortable throughout. For glass, we specify thickness and fixings to suit spans and loads. Newels are fixed to resist wobble, and joints are discreetly reinforced. You can choose classic turned spindles, simple square profiles, metal infills or full-height glass—whatever the choice, we build it straight, strong and with sharp finishing where it meets treads and strings.
Under-stairs Storage Options
Make the most of the footprint with integrated storage. Options include full-height cupboards, pull-out drawers for shoes and coats, or discrete access to plant and meters. We design carcasses and doors to clear treads and strings, align gaps with skirting, and choose hinges and runners that stand up to daily use. Finishes can match the stair—painted panels with subtle handles—or contrast in timber for a furniture feel. Everything is measured and templated so it looks intentional, operates smoothly and maximises every inch.
Aftercare & Guarantees
We stand behind our work. You’ll receive simple care guidance tailored to your materials—cleaning products that protect finishes, advice on humidity and seasonal movement, and how to keep handrails and glass looking their best. Any settling squeaks or minor adjustments needed after decoration are addressed promptly. Our workmanship guarantee covers fit and finish; manufacturer warranties apply to hardware and finishes. If Building Control requires a revisit, we’ll assist. The goal is a staircase that continues to look sharp and feel solid long after we’ve left site.
Why Choose DM Jones Contractors
- ✓ Time-served carpenters with neat, accurate joinery and clean detailing.
- ✓ End-to-end service: survey, design, manufacture and careful installation.
- ✓ Regulation-minded layouts for comfortable pitch, headroom and safe guarding.
- ✓ Hardwood or paint-grade options with durable, well-finished handrails and strings.
- ✓ Quiet, solid stairs—glue-blocked treads/risers and secure newel fixing.
- ✓ Glass or spindle balustrades set out for consistent spacing and sharp lines.
- ✓ Under-stairs storage designed to maximise space and match finishes.
- ✓ Clear timelines, tidy sites, respectful working in lived-in homes.
- ✓ Local references and a straightforward workmanship guarantee.
Ready to Plan Your Staircase?
Tell us what you’ve got in mind—style, materials and any space constraints—and we’ll advise the best route, provide drawings and a clear, itemised quotation. Request a survey and quote to get started.
