Bespoke Timber Staircases in London
A staircase is used dozens of times a day and is one of the most architecturally prominent features in a home. When it is wrong — creaking, poorly proportioned, structurally compromised or simply dated — the rest of the house suffers. AMB Joinery designs, manufactures and installs bespoke timber staircases across London, from full replacements to targeted balustrade upgrades and period staircase restoration.
Every project is measured on site, designed around your space, and built to order in our Uxbridge workshop.
Staircase Types
Dog-Leg and Quarter-Turn Staircases
The most common staircase configuration in London terraced and semi-detached properties is the dog-leg: two flights connected by a half-landing, turning 180 degrees. Quarter-turn designs turn 90 degrees. Both configurations are common in Victorian and Edwardian houses and are well suited to replacement when the existing staircase is beyond practical repair.
Open-Tread Staircases
Open-tread designs — where treads float without closed risers — are a popular choice for modern interiors and extensions. They borrow light between floors and create a sense of space in narrower halls. AMB Joinery manufactures open-tread staircases in oak and other hardwoods, with steel, glass or timber balustrade options.
Closed-Tread Staircases
Traditional closed-tread stairs with solid risers are the correct specification for period properties where the original staircase is being replaced like-for-like. We match the riser profile, nosing detail and string profile to the surviving fabric of the house, ensuring the new staircase is visually indistinguishable from the original.
Feature and Curved Staircases
For open-plan renovations and statement interiors, we design and build feature staircases with curved strings, bespoke newel posts and custom balustrade designs. These are more complex engineering projects that benefit from early engagement — ideally before any structural opening work is confirmed — to ensure the geometry and fixing strategy work within the constraints of the building.
Balustrade and Handrail Upgrades
Where the staircase structure — strings, treads and newel posts — is sound, a balustrade replacement can transform the appearance of the staircase at considerably lower cost than a full rebuild.
Options include:
- Turned and square-section timber spindles — period-correct for Victorian and Edwardian properties; available in softwood or hardwood
- Glazed infill panels — clear, frosted or reeded glass in a timber or steel frame
- Metal balusters — flat bar or round bar steel balusters, powder-coated, for contemporary and transitional interiors
- New handrails — replacement handrails in oak, pine or painted softwood, matched to the profile of the existing or redesigned to a new section
Building Regulations Part K requires a minimum handrail height of 900mm above the pitch line of the stair for domestic properties. Balustrade spacing must prevent a 100mm sphere from passing through. We ensure all balustrade work complies with current regulations.
Timber Species
European Oak — The standard specification for quality staircases in London period homes. Oak is hard-wearing, stable and can be left oil-finished, stained or painted. It is the correct material for open-tread staircases where the timber will be visible and for feature staircases where grain and figure matter.
Pine (European Redwood) — The traditional choice for painted staircases in Victorian and Edwardian properties. Properly specified and painted, pine staircases are long-lasting and cost-effective. Most original period staircases in London were built in pine.
Ash and Sapele — Available for specific applications, including commercial staircases or where the architect or designer has specified a particular species for the interior.
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Building Regulations
Replacement staircases in existing dwellings must comply with Building Regulations Part K (Protection from falling, collision and impact). The key requirements for domestic staircases are:
- Rise — maximum 220mm per step
- Going — minimum 220mm per step
- Pitch — maximum 42 degrees
- Headroom — minimum 2,000mm
- Handrail height — between 900mm and 1,000mm above the pitch line
- Balustrade — must prevent a 100mm sphere from passing through any opening
For straightforward like-for-like replacements in existing openings, building regulations compliance is managed through the specification and installation process. Where the structural opening is being altered, a building regulations application may be required.
Period Staircase Restoration
In conservation area properties and listed buildings, repairing the original staircase is usually preferable — and in listed buildings may be required. Common restoration work includes:
- Tightening and re-gluing loose treads and risers
- Replacing broken or missing spindles with matching profiles
- Repairing or replacing damaged newel posts
- Re-securing handrails and correcting movement
- Stripping and refinishing painted surfaces
AMB Joinery carries tooling for the most common Victorian and Edwardian staircase profiles and can match spindle and baluster designs from a physical sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a full replacement or just balustrade work?
If the strings, treads and newel posts are structurally sound, balustrade replacement is usually the right scope. If treads are badly cupped or split, strings are cracked, or the staircase moves significantly underfoot, a full replacement is likely to be more cost-effective. We assess this honestly during the survey.
How long does a staircase replacement take?
Manufacturing lead time is typically 4–6 weeks from approved specification. On-site installation of a standard dog-leg staircase takes 2–3 days. The staircase will need to be out of use during installation, so access between floors needs to be planned in advance.
Can you design a staircase for an awkward or tight hallway?
Yes. London properties frequently present constrained layouts — low ceiling heights, tight turns, irregular wall angles. Bespoke manufacturing is often the only way to achieve a compliant and well-proportioned staircase in a difficult space.
Do you handle listed building and conservation area projects?
Yes. We have experience of period staircase restoration and replacement in listed and conservation-area properties across London and can advise on consent requirements during the survey.
Get a Free Survey
Contact us to arrange a free site survey. We will measure your staircase opening, assess the existing structure, discuss the specification and provide a detailed written quote within a few days of the visit.
