Spiral Staircases
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
- Want to convert basement to a bedroom and connect it with spiral staircase
- Spiral staircase into remodeled basement?
- Exterior spiral stairs for deck to ground
Want to convert basement to a bedroom and connect it with spiral staircase
April 2013
Can you recommend a contractor to turn an unfinished basement into a bedroom + bathroom and connect them to the main floor with a spiral staircase (kit)? Thanks. Need more space...
Before you install a spiral staircase, make sure you have a way to get your furniture and other belongings into the basement. A neighbor of mine made a fairly large, expensive mistake by not thinking ahead when he installed a spiral staircase.
We had almost exactly this situation. Licensed contractor Lowell Hicks expertly and affordably converted raw basement space into a charming in-law apartment, and installed a kit spiral staircase we had bought from a little ad in Smithsonian Magazine. We are extremely pleased with the result. Unlike some contractors, Lowell combines the traits of reliability, affordability, skill, and problem solving (He is a member of Mensa). He's at (510) 612-9988, fcleffer [at] yahoo.com. [Note: The railing that came with the kit was a piece of 1/4' x 2' steel about 20 feet long, bent in half. The instructions said, only, 'Bend to fit.' No way. The manufacturer gave me the names of their 3 other US customers. I phoned them. None had managed to install the railing. Lowell made a new railing from heavy rope; looks and works fine.] john.b
Spiral staircase into remodeled basement?
Nov 2011
Do you have an indoor spiral staircase? We are thinking of putting one leading down from a corner of the living room into a remodeled basement, which will include a bedroom & bathroom, and access to the garage. Any words of advice, warning, or encouragement? Best place to purchase metal/wood staircases? Thanks. Berkeley mom
We are in the process of installing a spiral staircase, to our basement as well. As for shopping around, I would suggest you either just Google it or pick up a copy of Fine Home Building magazine and just look for the ads, but they are deceiving. So the first question is whether you are going to build to code, with permits, the legal route; or not. If so you are looking at a very expensive venture. The minimum diameter for a 'code' legal stairs is 5 feet. Do you plan on have a code legal handrail with the 4' ball requirement; more$$? What about building/construction access? Anyway there is lots to consider. We purchased a beautiful cast iron stair from Steptoe and Wife, in Canada, and it was the least expensive. Unfortunately, I'll be out of the country until mid December, but if you can wait until then I can show you our project. Tim
Exterior spiral stairs for deck to ground
April 2011
We have a small second-story deck that currently does not have a staircase to connect it to the ground-level patio and yard. We'd like to build a staircase but a 'standard' staircase constructed from decking materials would take up too much of our yard space. Therefore, we are considering having a metal spiral staircase installed since they take up considerably less room than deck staircases. We are having difficulty locating a reasonably-priced contractor that can build and install an exterior metal spiral staircase. We aren't looking for anything too ornate, just a simple design that is safe for kids and adults. If you've done a similar project and would recommend your contractor, please let us know. Thanks! anon
I'm responding with an alternate idea that you might consider instead of the spiral. Spirals are not very good for moving things up and down, can be tricky to just walk on, and are generally expensive. A low cost alternative to look at is an alternating tread, or 'LaPeyre' stair. These are quite compact, can take less space than a spiral and feel just like a regular stair when walking up and down, though they are quite steep looking. A simple alternating stair can be built quite easily by any competent carpenter or DIY'er and uses a lot less material than a regular stair. You can see the basic idea on the net by typing in 'LaPeyre Stair' or alternating tread stairs. These are stirs that you see on boats and water/gas tanks and such. LaPeyre used to sell a very nice wood interior stair, but they only make them out of steel or aluminum these days, so if you don't like that look, you will need to build your own or find someone who markets an exterior wood version. They install with four screws, so it couldn't be any easier to do. I have used them on past projects and my clients were quite happy with the results and the space saved. Though they seem steep, they are very easy to climb and it is very easy to carry things up or down on them, since the rails tuck under your elbows to provide support. Charlie B., Architect
Consider having to carry furniture, refrig, oven, up that spiral staircase. Often there is an alternative if there is space. Or creating a deck or large landing at the apartment's level, in order to get the stairway to come out where you want it to.
My contractor husband says "Stocklin Iron" in Santa Rosa are the go-to folks for metal spiral staircases.
They installed a GG bridge orange painted one in my Mom's SF Edwardian. It's gorgeous!