Manufacturers produce staircases to cover a wide range of applications, from ‘straight’ stock flights, to more complicated special order winding stairs. Designs are based on research with architects, builders and surveyors, as well as many years’ experience.

Manufactured kits are available, complete with landings, balusters and spindles, providing a one-stop staircase solution that meets building regulations. Part K of the building regulations applies. For more information visit www.asktrada.co.uk or www.bwf.org.uk

Staircases are manufactured in softwoods and hardwoods and often incorporate plywoods or other sheet materials. Component parts are often made from high quality white-wood because it provides wide sections (typically 250mm), while edge-laminated Pine offers an engineered solution.

The basic sections of a staircase consist of:

• the strings: the long side panel that fits along the wall
• the treads: the flat surface that is stepped on
• the risers: the vertical timber pieces joining each tread. Open tread staircases (with no risers) can be supplied.

The characteristics of a typical straight flight are:

• 13 steps
• floor to floor height of approx. 2574mm – 2639mm for a standard closed flight
• widths over the strings of 855mm – 914mm.

Made-to-measure staircases, or ‘specials’ are commonly available – for example, for loft conversions.