The Ultimate Staircase Guide for UK Homes: Types, Materials, Regulations and Costs

Whether you’re building a new home, restoring a period property, or creating an outstanding architectural feature, your staircase deserves careful planning. At Oakhanger Metalworks, we design and craft bespoke mild steel staircases that combine precision engineering and distinctive style. This guide walks you through the key options and helps you get ready for a smooth, successful project.

Types of Staircases: Which Layout Suits Your UK Space?

Choosing the right staircase layout means balancing space, structure, and style. Here are the most common designs for homes and commercial spaces across the UK:

Staircase Type	Description	Best for...
Straight Staircase	A single, uninterrupted flight between floors.	Simple construction, maximum flow, long corridors.
Quarter-Turn (L-Shaped)	Features a single 90° turn, typically incorporating a small landing.	Fitting into room corners, creating visual interest.
Half-Turn (U-Shaped)	Two parallel flights connected by a central 180° landing.	Compact vertical stacking, excellent space efficiency.
Winder Stairs	Turned stairs using triangular treads (winders) instead of a landing.	Optimising space in smaller homes or loft conversions.
Spiral Staircase	A highly compact, circular design revolving around a central column.	Minimal footprint, secondary access, or attic stairs.
Helical (Curved)	Sweeping, elegant curves without a central support column.	Grand entrances, luxury architectural features.

Mild steel is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to all these formats, providing the necessary strength for sculptural forms and ensuring long-lasting durability that timber simply cannot match.

Ideal Rise and Run: Understanding UK Staircase Regulations (Part K)

Compliance with UK Building Regulations (Part K) is non-negotiable for domestic staircases. These rules define the safe dimensions, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and consistency across every step. Don't risk costly rework, always follow these standards:

UK Building Regulation (Part K)	Requirement for Private Dwellings	Why It Matters
Rise (Step Height)	Must be between 150mm and 220mm	Prevents strain and ensures a natural, rhythmic climb.
Going (Tread Depth)	Minimum depth of 220mm	Guarantees enough foot placement area to prevent slips.
Pitch (Angle)	Maximum pitch (steepness) of 42∘	The angle must be comfortable and safe for descending.

Key Safety Note: Consistency is key. Every step within a single flight must have the exact same rise and going. 

Staircase Materials: The Perfect Combination of Strength and Style

The material selection influences the staircase's final look, its maintenance needs, and its lifespan.

Material	Best Used For	Key Benefit for Projects
Mild Steel	Structure, Frames, Balustrades	Unrivalled durability, highly adaptable for bespoke and complex designs. Our specialty.
Timber (Oak, Ash)	Treads, Handrails	Adds warmth, tactile comfort, and contrasts beautifully with industrial steel.
Glass	Balustrades, Railings	Creates a stunning, open-plan, light-filled aesthetic. Requires robust steel fittings.
Galvanised Steel	Exterior Stairs, Fire Escapes	Essential protection against rust and harsh UK weather conditions.

Mild steel staircases can easily be paired with premium hardwood treads or minimalist glass panels, and provide the perfect blend of high-performance structure and high-end finish.

Minimum Staircase Width: Ensuring Comfort and Compliance 

The width of your staircase directly impacts accessibility and usability. Always adhere to these UK minimums, though we recommend aiming wider for maximum comfort in family homes:

• A standard domestic staircase must be at least 750mm wide;

• Minimum required width is often reduced to 600mm in loft conversions;

• Commercial/public buildings typically require 1000mm or more based on the building’s intended use and occupant load.

A wider staircase, especially one that is more than 850 mm wide, creates a much more spacious feel and significantly simplifies moving furniture and overall access.

Balustrade Options: Where Safety Meets Bespoke Style 

The balustrade (the railing system) is crucial for fall protection and is arguably the most visible design component. Metal fabrication allows for complete creative freedom:

• Metal spindles are available in clean, contemporary round or square profiles, or classic decorative wrought iron styles;

• Glass panels are used for a contemporary, clear look, secured with minimalist steel clamps or channels;

• Cable or rod systems: are ultra-modern and sleek, using taut horizontal or vertical stainless steel components for a barely-there aesthetic;

• Custom laser-cut panels are truly unique, fully bespoke option using laser-cut mild steel to incorporate intricate patterns, company logos, or geometric designs into the railing itself.

At Oakhanger Metalworks, we design and fabricate bespoke balustrades that perfectly align with your staircase's structure and your interior design goals.

Cost of a New Metal Staircase: What to Budget for in the UK 

Pricing a custom staircase depends heavily on three factors: Design Complexity, Material Choice, and Finish. Here is a general pricing guide for custom fabrication (excluding site installation and VAT):

• Basic straight mild steel staircase: starting from £1,500 – £2,500. This reflects the simpler engineering and less labour-intensive installation;

• Spiral or standard L-shaped metal stairs: costs typically range from £3,000 – £6,000+, due to the additional complexity of curving metal stringers and components;

• Helical (curved) or cantilever (floating) designs: these sit at the premium end, often starting from £6,000 and more, as they require intensive structural engineering, complex rolling, and hidden fixings.

Factors that may increase cost: powder coating (for superior finish and durability), luxury hardwood treads (like European Oak), and fully integrated glass balustrades.

Getting a Bespoke Staircase Quote: What Information Do We Need?

To ensure we provide you with a fast, accurate, and relevant quote for your staircase, please prepare the following key details before contacting us:

1. Site measurements: the precise floor-to-floor height (from finished floor to finished floor), the ceiling clearance (headroom), and the available footprint space.

2. Preferred layout: confirmation of your desired style (e.g., straight, spiral, winder, L-shape).

3. Material preferences: what combination are you considering?

4. Intended use: is the staircase internal or external (requiring galvanisation)? Is it domestic or commercial?

5. Visual aids: Any photos of the space, quick sketches, or architectural drawings are extremely helpful.

Ready to transform your space with a custom-engineered mild steel staircase? Contact the Oakhanger Metalworks team today to discuss your project and receive a tailored, detailed quotation.