white spiral staircase

Spiral staircases come in a variety of styles, materials, and configurations to suit different spaces, budgets, and design preferences.

From robust metal kits ideal for outdoor use to elegant wooden staircases that complement traditional interiors, each type offers distinct advantages in terms of footprint, aesthetic impact, and installation complexity.

This guide explores the most popular spiral staircase types, including modular vs custom designs, indoor and outdoor options, and key measurement considerations, to help you compare features and find the best fit for your home.

We’ll also highlight important factors like safety, UK building regulations, and how to choose a staircase that works with your layout and lifestyle.

How to Choose the Right Spiral Staircase

Choosing a spiral staircase involves more than selecting a style. It's about finding a solution that works for your space, supports safe and regular use, and meets UK building standards.

A staircase that suits a small loft won't meet the same requirements as one installed on a roof terrace or in the centre of an open-plan living area, for example.

Some homeowners prefer the flexibility and convenience of a modular spiral stair kit, while others opt for a custom-built design to match a specific layout or interior style.

Before exploring the main types, take a moment to consider:

  • Space constraints – floor height, diameter, landing access, and room layout
  • Usage pattern – occasional access, daily use, or decorative
  • Placement – corner, against a wall, or centre-stage as a feature
  • User needs – children, older adults, or users with limited mobility
  • Regulations – compliance with Part K and BS 5395-2 for safety and structural standards

Keeping these points in mind will help you choose a staircase that balances design with safety, comfort, and long-term practicality.

Types of Spiral Staircases Explained

Metal Spiral Staircases

Metal spiral staircases are a durable, modern option for both indoor and outdoor spaces. They're typically constructed from either galvanised steel, known for its strength and resistance to corrosion, or powder-coated aluminium...

Wooden Spiral Staircases

Wooden spiral staircases bring warmth, texture, and timeless character to interiors. They work especially well in traditional homes, lofts, and mezzanine spaces where the goal is to blend form and function in a compact footprint.

Phola Deluxe Spiral Stair Kit

Phola Deluxe Spiral Stair Kit

High-quality models are crafted from timbers such as beech, oak, or ash. Each offers its own grain pattern, colour tone, and natural resilience.

Some staircases use engineered wood for added stability, particularly in temperature-fluctuating environments, while others feature solid timber for a more traditional feel.

Wood is also an excellent choice for acoustic comfort, helping soften the sound of foot traffic compared to metal alternatives.

A variety of stain finishes and customisation options make it easy to match existing interiors, from rustic and homely to sleek and Scandinavian-inspired.

For homeowners working with a smaller space or low ceiling clearance, wooden spiral staircases offer a smart balance between aesthetic value, functionality, and footprint efficiency.

Outdoor Spiral Staircases

Outdoor spiral staircases are designed to handle the challenges of year-round exposure while providing compact, stylish access to spaces like balconies, roof terraces, and garden-level extensions.

Built from materials such as galvanised steel or powder-coated aluminium, these staircases combine strength with long-term weather resistance.

Look for features like self-draining treads, anti-slip surfaces, and UV-stable coatings, all of which help maintain grip and appearance in wet, icy, or sunny conditions.

These additions are particularly important in the UK climate, where rainfall, frost, and occasional snow are routine. Some models also incorporate drainage slots or textured surfaces to improve safety and reduce water build-up.

Outdoor models tend to be more utilitarian in shape, but many still offer strong visual impact, acting as architectural features in their own right.

With minimal maintenance requirements and finishes that stand up to the elements, they’re a practical choice for both modern and traditional properties.

Spiral Staircase Buying Considerations

Spiral staircases vary widely in size, style, material, and suitability for different spaces. Choosing the right one means factoring in dimensions, usage needs, placement, and compliance with UK building regulations, all of which can influence comfort, safety, and ease of installation.

How to Measure for a Spiral Staircase

Before choosing a spiral staircase, it's essential to understand how much space you have and which key measurements will influence your options. These figures affect the safety, comfort, and regulatory compliance of your staircase.

Here's what you’ll need to measure:

  • Total height: Measure from the finished floor level to the top of the deck, landing, or mezzanine. This determines how many treads (steps) your staircase will need.
  • Diameter: This is the total width of the staircase, measured across the full circle. Most domestic spiral staircases range from 1100mm to 1600mm in diameter. Smaller diameters save space but also reduce tread size.

Click here to learn more about our spiral staircases for small spaces.

  • Clear headroom: You need a minimum of 2 metres of vertical clearance above the treads for safe and compliant use, especially when the staircase passes under a sloped ceiling or another structure.
  • Rise and going: Rise refers to the vertical height of each step. Going is the horizontal depth of the tread, measured from front to back at the walking line. UK regulations generally require a maximum riser height of 220mm and a minimum centre line going of 145mm on spiral stairs used for regular access.
  • Floor footprint: Consider not only the diameter of the stair, but also clearance around the base and top, including landing space for safe entry and exit.

Precise measurement will help you avoid costly misfits, ensure easier installation, and allow you to choose a design that meets both your layout and UK safety requirements.

Staircase Placement Tips

The position of your spiral staircase has a major impact on how well it functions within your space...

Material Options for Spiral Staircases

The material you choose for your spiral staircase affects everything from appearance and durability to maintenance and how it performs in different environments.

Here's how the most common materials compare:

  • Steel: Strong, sleek, and low-maintenance, steel staircases are ideal for modern interiors and outdoor use. A powder-coated finish adds colour choice and protection, while galvanised steel offers enhanced resistance in damp or coastal settings.
  • Wood: Warm and characterful, wood suits both traditional and contemporary spaces. Choose between solid timber (like oak or beech) for natural grain and weight, or engineered wood for added stability in fluctuating temperatures. Wooden stairs require sealing or finishing to preserve their appearance over time.
  • Aluminium: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminium is typically used in outdoor stair kits. It’s easy to maintain, but not as heavy-duty as steel—making it best suited to secondary access points or lighter-use areas.
  • Mixed materials: Some designs combine timber treads with a steel or aluminium frame, offering the best of both worlds, visual warmth and structural strength. These work particularly well in mezzanines or open-plan spaces where aesthetics and load-bearing need to align.

Handrails and Safety Features

Safety is a core part of any staircase design, and spiral staircases are no exception. The compact footprint and tighter turns make features like handrails, balustrades, and non-slip treads essential for everyday comfort and peace of mind.

All of our spiral staircases include a continuous handrail as standard, providing support throughout the ascent and descent. For installations leading to a loft floor or mezzanine, you can also add a matching balustrade kit to protect the opening and comply with edge protection requirements.

When choosing your staircase, consider:

  • User needs – wide treads and lower gradients are easier for older adults or anyone with mobility limitations
  • Anti-slip detailing – some models feature textured treads or nosing strips to reduce slip risk
  • Landing safety – ensure there's a suitable guardrail or balustrade at the top, especially in loft or open-plan settings
  • Child safety – for homes with young children, look for closed risers and closely spaced balusters to prevent gaps

Many spiral staircases are also designed to meet or exceed UK safety regulations, including minimum handrail height and fall protection requirements.

Always check your installation area against building control expectations, particularly when the staircase is used as a primary means of access.

Comfort and Accessibility Consideration

Once you’ve measured your available space and understood what will fit, it’s worth considering how your spiral staircase will feel to use day to day. The width of each step, the steepness of the climb, and the number of treads all affect comfort and safety—especially in narrow or high-traffic spaces.

Here’s what to think about:

  • Wider treads offer more secure footing and reduce the risk of missteps, especially when descending.
  • Lower risers (the vertical height between steps) make the climb feel gentler, reducing fatigue over time.
  • More steps with a lower gradient improve comfort but take up more vertical space, ideal where headroom allows.
  • Narrower treads and steeper pitch angles may be necessary in very tight areas but can feel cramped, particularly for older users or those with reduced mobility.
  • Occasional-use staircases (e.g. for a loft or storage access) can usually accommodate a steeper design, while staircases used daily benefit from a shallower, more open feel.

If comfort is a priority, opt for a design with a generous tread width, stable rise, and a smooth transition between steps. This will make your staircase easier to navigate, and much more enjoyable to use long term.

Design Features of Your Spiral Staircase

Beyond structure and safety, a spiral staircase is a statement piece, one that can either blend into your space or become a bold architectural feature. The design elements you choose will shape how the staircase looks, feels, and integrates into your home.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Material and texture: Timber treads bring warmth and a natural finish, especially in traditional or Scandinavian-style interiors. Steel or aluminium frames create a sleek, modern aesthetic, ideal for minimalist or industrial spaces.
  • Colour and finish: Many staircases are available in custom finishes. Consider whether you want a neutral tone that blends with your décor, a contrasting colour for visual impact, or a matte vs gloss finish depending on lighting conditions.
  • Balustrade style: Choose from simple vertical balusters, curved rails, or steel-wire kits to match the overall tone of your space. These details can make the staircase feel more open, refined, or bold depending on your preference.
  • Visual footprint: Some staircases are designed to disappear into their surroundings; others are made to stand out. For open-plan homes or central placements, a sculptural staircase can add significant visual interest without taking up too much floor area.

The design features you choose should feel intentional and aligned with the rest of your interior, so your staircase enhances the space both visually and practically.

UK Building Regulations for Spiral Staircases: What You Need to Know

Most domestic spiral staircases fall under Part K of the UK Building Regulations, which outlines how stairs must be designed for safety and accessibility. Here's a quick overview of the most relevant rules for home installations:

  • Tread going: Minimum 145mm at the centre line
  • Riser height: Maximum 220mm
  • Clear headroom: At least 2 metres above the tread line
  • Handrails: Required on one side for widths under 1 metre
  • Edge protection: Guardrails or balustrades required for mezzanine or loft openings
  • Usage: Stricter rules apply if the staircase is a primary access to a habitable room

For full details and how these apply to your specific project, read our blog on loft stair regulations.

Compare Spiral Staircases at Loft Centre

At Loft Centre, we offer a curated range of spiral staircases to suit different spaces, tastes, and budgets. Whether you need a compact, modular kit or a more decorative centrepiece, you'll find both space-saving designs and visually striking options in our collection.

Gamia Wood Deluxe Spiral Stair Kit

Gamia Wood Deluxe Spiral Stair Kit

All kits are designed for DIY-friendly assembly with comprehensive instructions. For projects that require a more tailored approach, we also support bespoke spiral staircase solutions. ideal for non-standard heights, unique layouts, or heritage settings.

Spiral Staircase FAQs

Do spiral staircases comply with UK Building Regulations?

Yes, spiral staircases can comply with UK Building Regulations, specifically Part K and BS 5395-2, provided they meet the correct measurements and use-case criteria.

Can I install a spiral staircase in a listed property?

Yes, but it requires additional permissions. For listed buildings, any structural changes, including the installation of a new staircase, must be approved by your local authority. The staircase design should be sympathetic to the building’s character and often requires bespoke manufacturing. Materials like timber or wrought iron may be preferred for heritage compatibility.

Are spiral staircases safe for children or older adults?

They can be, if you choose the right design. Look for models with:

  • Wide treads for stable footing
  • Closed risers to prevent gaps
  • Continuous handrails
  • Anti-slip surfaces or nosing
  • Shallower gradients (for ease of ascent/descent)

What’s the minimum space required for a spiral staircase?

Most domestic spiral staircases require a diameter of 1300mm–1600mm, plus extra clearance at the base and top for safe access.

The absolute minimum footprint (including clearance) is usually around 1500mm x 1500mm. This makes spiral staircases ideal for tight spaces like lofts, mezzanines, or small extensions, as long as headroom and access allow.

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