We at The Great Lakes Stair & Millwork Co., receive a wide variety of requests for many different styles and types of spiral stairs. We have designed and built many of these aesthetically different and exceptionally functional spiral staircase systems in the last 30 years of our extensive history. However, we have found that many people use the term “spiral stairs” almost generically, the same way the terms “tissue” and “Kleenex®” are often interchanged. We would like to take this opportunity to talk about spiral stairs, their advantages, disadvantages, and how they are different from other circular, curved or helical staircase systems.
The term “spiral stair” is widely used (somewhat generic term) to describe a radius / diameter turning staircase such as a curved stair, circular stair, radiused stair, or a round stair. The implication is a staircase that does some type of radius turn. The actual definition of a spiral staircase is the following:
Other turning staircases can be defined as:
Thus, the key differentiator between a spiral staircase and other types of turning stairs is that a spiral staircase wraps symmetrically around a center pole.
Spiral staircases are ideal to be used for ease of personal access in a small area. With a standard 5’-3” finish square opening, we can do a lot with a spiral staircase to traverse between floors with ease. Additionally, spiral staircases are great conversation pieces as they are aesthetically different from perpendicular or traditional staircases. You do not see spiral staircases all the time in the design of a home, so they tend to stand out when implemented. The best part about a spiral stair is that it does “a lot” in a “little” space while looking extremely architecturally aesthetic!
While we are big fans of spiral staircases here at Great Lakes Stair, there are some key points to keep in mind if you are considering implementing a spiral staircase system:
If constructed and used properly, spiral stairs can be a beautiful and safe addition to your home or business where only personal access to an area is needed.
For the most part, a spiral staircase is an easy, attractive alternative to access a floor level in your home while utilizing minimal space. But, spiral stairs do have a few minimal disadvantages. We feel it is our responsibility as a Senior Stair Manufacturer in the United States to make you aware of any potential issues you may (OR MAY NOT) encounter with the addition of a spiral stair in your home or project;
While none of the above (potential) disadvantages of a spiral stair are monumental, it is only fair to make people aware that they could encounter none , some, or all of the above while determining if a Spiral Staircase System is right for them.
Typically, spiral staircases are constructed using all wood, all metal, or made with a combination of these materials. Additionally, spiral staircases can incorporate glass or decorative iron or both. Check out our spiral stair gallery for a wide variety of examples of spiral staircases we have made at Great Lakes Stair.
The cost for a spiral staircase, like any other staircase is relative to the overall design and materials used in the construction as well as installation considerations. You can design and build a cost-effective spiral staircase, or a luxury model. At Great Lakes Stair we will work closely with you and discuss your needs and evaluate your space and propose a spiral staircase solution that works for your home and your budget.
The average spiral stair diameter is 5’-0”. This is predominantly the most widely used size for spiral stairs. The 5’-0” diameter meets most uniform building codes around the United states and neighboring countries for code adherence / compliance. This stair fits comfortably in a 5’-6” finish square or round opening.
Typical Spiral stair diameters can start out utilizing a 4’-0” diameter (we have even completed a 3’-6” diameter spiral stair for a Doll house), but can be made to virtually any diameter up to 12’-0”. After 12’ in diameter, you would be better off putting in a circular stair (see our article on Circular Stairs). The Most common spiral staircase sizes and their respective finished openings they fit in are as follows;
Stair Diameter desired Finish opening needed
These are great questions and also are great concerns when purchasing a Spiral Staircase system. We have all heard the horror stories of fully assembled spiral stairs arriving at a home or jobsite with no ability to get it inside structure. For most applications, this process of fully assembling spiral stairs prior to arrival and delivering them completely welded or fabricated in whole, is nothing short of a catastrophic disaster.
We at The Great Lakes Stair company do things differently than other manufacturers. Most of our spiral stairway applications will be Pre- built in our shop to ensure fit and finish and then disassembled in simple sections, numbered and labeled for ease of final jobsite installation. The stair will then be carefully packaged on a “skid”, wrapped in protective cardboard and shipped directly from our facility to your home or project. We can arrange for tailgate delivery anywhere in the US or neighboring Countries. From here, all you need is one person to carry the lightweight sections through a 2’-6” or larger door into the room or area where the spiral stair will be installed and then reassemble. 2 people are required for stair assembly, one to hold the center pole, the other person to slide the sections over the center pole. It’s that easy.
In general, most spiral stairs can be final assembled and installed in less than a working days time.
With over 30 years of experience in producing and installing spiral staircases, we know exactly what questions to ask about your project and we will understand your needs as a consumer. We collaborate with our customers by sharing photos, evaluating your space, understanding your specifications and then, turning your ideas into reality. We do not produce any base or entry level products, all our spiral staircase solutions range from semi-custom to all custom designed and hand fabricated projects. Remember, One size does not fit all when it comes to spiral stairs. The inexpensive commodity spiral stair market and cheap prices will only lead to problems. We routinely replace commodity spiral staircase kits that were poorly constructed and/or installed by unqualified individuals. Lastly, if it resembles a one size fits all “Erector Set” it typically is. Run far and fast as this is not the time to save minimal monies which will equate to a maximum headache.
Please give us a call at 330-225-2005 or contact us when you are considering purchasing a spiral staircase ; the specialists at The Great Lakes Stair Company will ensure you get the right spiral stair for your needs, at the right price for your budget along with optional expert installation for a spiral staircase that will last a lifetime.
For more information iron spiral staircase for sale, please get in touch with us!