How Practical are Spiral Staircases?

How Practical are Spiral Staircases?

Whilst spiral staircases have long been admired for their form and appearance, their practicality is often a subject of debate.  Below are the key considerations to determine just how practical they are.

Aesthetics and Form

Spiral staircases are very stylish and can create a real wow factor in any room. Their unique, winding design adds a touch of elegance, sophistication, and interest to any space.  With a wide variety of materials, finishes, and styles to choose from, you can create a spiral staircase that is very practical for your home.

Space-Saving Design

One of the main advantages of a spiral staircases is that they save space when compared to a conventional staircase layout. Whilst traditional straight staircases require a significant amount of horizontal space, spiral staircases can be installed in tight corners or small areas.  This feature makes them ideal for homes with limited space, loft conversions, or as secondary staircases to access mezzanines, storage, or a games room.

Accessibility and Comfort

Depending on your personal circumstances, and the constraints of your home, a spiral staircase may not be the most comfortable or accessible option for everyone.  In particular, the narrow treads and steep pitch can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues, children, or pets.  Also, carrying large items or furniture up and down a spiral staircase can also be difficult.  For these reasons, they might not be the best choice for main staircases in family homes or properties with frequent heavy traffic.  If you are considering a spiral staircase, you should try and opt for as large a diameter as possible.

Safety Considerations

Safety is a very important factor to consider when considering if a spiral staircase is right for you.  While spiral staircases can be safe when designed and built to building regulations, they can pose a higher risk of slips and falls due to their compact design and steepness of pitch.  Adding non-slip treads and maximising the depth of treads can help mitigate these risks.

Installation and Cost

Installing a spiral staircase can be a very simple process, particularly if you opt for an ‘off the shelf’ kit system.  Spiral staircase kits come with all the necessary components and can be assembled with basic DIY skills and everyday household tools.  In comparison, Custom-made spiral staircases, can be more complex and expensive to install due to the bespoke design and materials, but steel favourable when compared to the installation of a bespoke straight flight staircase.

Summary

In summary, spiral staircases can be a very practical solution for specific situations and users, particularly where space is limited or where design is a priority.  However, they may not be the most comfortable or accessible option for everyone.  For this reason, it is important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages, reflecting on your household’s specific needs.

Complete Stair Systems have been suppling spiral staircase across the country for over 20 years.  With a wide range of styles and materials to choose from they make the perfect choice of company for your spiral staircase.  If you have any concerns about their practicality, we have a showroom in Romsey, Hants where we have several full height spirals for you to try.

See below the most popular spiral categories –