Over the 30 years we’ve been manufacturing staircases, we’ve seen new styles come to the fore, particularly more Nordic-style floating staircases with steel stringers and thick timber treads. The simple combination of materials on these staircases really brings out the character and richness of the wooden elements. We recently manufactured two flights of these staircases for homeowners James and Ruth Neve, who live just a short walk from our workshop in Chapel-en-le-Frith.
As owner – James – explained, the existing staircase in their home seemed to not only fail to meet Building Regulations but was also dangerous:
“The flow of the existing stairs was uneven and we had to warn guests to be careful in case they caught their heels and stumbled. On one occasion, this caused Ruth to slip and break her ankle. On closer inspection by people who came to look at the staircase, questions were raised about whether the staircase was compliant.”
By chance, we’d had contact with the couple previously for completely unconnected reasons and they’d learnt about our business. When it came to looking to replace their stairs, they felt that they wanted to get a quote from us, particularly with us being very local.
“We had originally thought that we might want a replacement staircase with glass panels and wood.” James explained. “We recall that it was either Rick or Ben Harding who showed us photos of the staircases they’d designed and manufactured in the past and this drew us to the floating steel staircase design. It helped greatly to be taken to a similar installation and see it in location.”
Based on these initial meetings and discussions, we produced detailed CAD designs for the staircase which runs across two flights and includes a simple metal balustrade with plain round spindles which runs continuously up one side of the of the staircase and along the connecting landing. Separate wall mounted handrails were also added for the opposite side. The tread themselves are thick Grade-A ash which are fixed to specially profiled steel stringers.
“The 3D CAD drawings were particularly helpful during the design phase” James said. “They allowed us to clearly observes things, ask questions and make comments without having to understand complex plans. There was a good understanding of our requirements and a great service provided in terms of drawings and subsequent changes to those drawings. There was also an attention to detail which meant that most issues were anticipated and addressed before the installation of the stairs.”
Once the designs were agreed, our local partners got to work manufacturing the steel stringers whilst our foundry and workshop teams manufactured the aluminium balusters and mild steel handrail. Once the metalwork was completed, we powder coated all of the sections with a smooth black finish. The Ash treads were manufactured from 10.5 cm thick solid ash and supplied unfinished to allow the owners to adapt the look to their tastes.
The installation itself was carried out by Mark Ashton
“Mark Ashton and his team, who were recommended to us by British Spirals & Castings, could not have been better.” James explained. “There were some issues encountered along the way (almost inevitably) but Mark was diligent and committed in the way he sought to resolve them. We are very pleased with the quality of the work and whilst there is always a level of inconvenience and disruption in living on a building site they made it as easy as possible and were a pleasure to have working for us.”
“Overall we are delighted with the whole project. There is a joy and security in using the stairs and those who have seen them have thought they are fantastic. We would gladly recommend British Spirals & Castings and Mark Ashton to anyone who would consider having such work done – in fact we have already done so! We were delighted with the commitment shown to our project and wonder whether we would have received such excellent service from companies with wider profiles that offer equivalent services.”
If you need a staircase, railing, balustrade or balcony for your own project then get in touch. You can view a wide range of our designs in our gallery and submit a quote directly from there.
