Putting in a spiral staircase

For homes with limited space, a conventional staircase is not always the best option. The normal means of access between floors can be well-designed, but it will also take up a great deal of room.

Straight staircases can leave a considerable amount of dead space underneath them. The home design and architecture website Homedit says the use of this area may be limited to a small closet or another staircase. The stairs can also ruin the line of sight in a room, get in the way of light flow, or cause shadows in a room.

Spiral staircases present an intriguing and functional alternative to the conventional set of stairs. They take up relatively little space, allows light to pass through, and can be a visually appealing home feature. Designs aren't just limited to iron or metal; beautiful, artistic designs can be made from wood, glass, and other materials.

Spiral staircases can be installed in both interior and exterior rooms. Homedit says they are often a popular choice for a second, emergency point of egress from a home. Spiral staircases can also be functional, aesthetic choices for access to lofts, decks, balconies, mezzanine floors, and wine cellars.

A freestanding pole secured to the floor allows a set of steps, or treads, to be fastened in a spiral pattern. Evan Gillespie, writing for SFGate, says the fasteners for these treads are usually added by slipping brackets over the top of the pole and bringing them down to their proper position. Though not all spiral staircases feature a handrail, most will include this safety measure along with vertical rails to further support the treads.

Spiral staircases can be custom designed, and do-it-yourself kits are also available from a number of spiral staircase manufacturers. Homedit says the custom design is the better options for homes with non-traditional or limited spaces where a pre-built staircase might not be the best option. Custom staircases will also give you more freedom to have a design that better fits the layout of your home.

Before you put in a spiral staircase, you should make sure it is even feasible. Spiral Stair Warehouse, a company based in Broomall, Pennsylvania, says your community's building inspector will be able to tell you whether a spiral staircase is permissible under the building code.

You'll also need to have a few measurements handy before ordering a pre-built spiral staircase kit. The key measurement is the distance between the floors, not the distance between the floor and ceiling. If you're planning to go through a floor, it's best to cut the opening before making this measurement. The measurement between the floor and the top of this opening—the floor the staircase will go to—will allow you to order pre-built stairs at the correct height.

Any openings should be cut wide enough for the spiral staircase to fit. The length of the opening should be at least two inches longer than the diameter of the spiral staircase. Spiral Stair Warehouse says you shouldn't forget to figure in drywall, paint, or other materials you will use to seal the opening when making this calculation. You can make sure you have enough room for the staircase on the floor by measuring out a space with the same diameter as the staircase.

Arke, the American subsidiary of the Italian spiral staircase company Albini & Fontanot, says most spiral staircases are designed to make a completed 360-degree revolution. As such, the bottom step will be directly under the upper landing and you will be facing the same direction when you exit the staircase.

Some pre-built spiral staircases can be painted, although this should be done after installation to avoid damaging the other paint in your home. Staircases that will be installed outside should be galvanized or otherwise have protection against the elements.

Spiral staircases are not suitable for every situation. Continental Stairs, a company based in the UK, says the small footprint inevitably creates a steep staircase. This will be unsuitable for the elderly and other people who have difficulty with stairs, and it can also make it difficult to transfer items between floors. A spiral staircase can be an eye-catching addition to the home, but it should not get in the way of your everyday activities.