Timber staircases

Every staircase is a one-off

A staircase follows from the floor-to-floor height, the stairwell opening and whatever space the plan leaves over - three figures that are practically never the same twice. Rise and going follow from them, and they decide whether you will enjoy using the stair or not. We therefore survey on site and calculate the stair for your house, rather than forcing an existing form into it.

The warm tones and soft feel of timber make it an element that fits almost any setting - from a timber-framed house to a modern extension.

A new stair, or refurbishing the old one

Not every old staircase has to go. Often the structure is sound while the treads are worn and the balustrade is loose. The stair can then be sanded and refinished, individual treads replaced, or an existing concrete stair clad in timber. That is quicker, cheaper and, in an older building, often the more coherent answer.

With historic stairs there is the added point that strings, balustrade and turned spindles belong to the house. We overhaul such parts and make good what is missing to match, rather than replacing them.

Finish and grip

Oiled or matt-lacquered timber stairs give good grip and are no more slippery than other finishes. High-gloss sealers can become slick in combination with socks - which is why we rarely use them on stairs. For care, a barely damp mop without standing water is enough, and the heavily used tread can take a little maintenance oil once or twice a year.

Where extra security matters, for instance in hotels or for older residents, we can work fine anti-slip inserts into the treads.