Spiral Stair Buying Guide

For Spiral Stair Pricing, Call 1 (800) 368-8280
Spiral Stair Buying Guide: 2013-2014
Table of Contents
Learning Curve: Spiral Stairs vs. Straight Stairs Spiral Stair Roundup: Choosing the Right Spiral Stair Taking Your First Steps: Choosing the Right Spiral Stair Company Ordering a Spiral Stair: Blueprints for a Pain-Free Purchase Pricing a Spiral Stair: How High Should You Go? BOCA, UBC, IRC, and IFC: Decoding Spiral Building Code 3 6 10 15 18 20
Learning Curve: Spiral Stairs vs. Straight Stairs

Some people (these, of course, being people with extraordinary taste and refinement) can merely glance at a space or set of schematics and see the potential achievable through adding a spiral staircase. For the rest of us, heres a breakdown of this potential in terms of architecture, function, and affordability:
An Architects Perspective: Despite the complex ratios and formulas architects must rely upon, nothing trumps the human eyeand, as the adage goes, theres no accounting for taste. Whether a spiral stair juxtaposes a rooms symmetry or simply looks intangibly cool, taste is as good a reason as any to opt for a set of spiral stairs. Still, however, many benefits are far more tangible in terms of architecture and aesthetics chief among them, a spirals visual footprint (or lack of one). A good portion of the stairs we create at Salter Spiral Stair, for instance, end up in homes with spectacular beachfront or backyard views views which would otherwise be obscured by the width and opacity of conventional stairs.
If you have a favorite window or design element, then, and would rather preserve your view of it than bisect it diagonally, going with a set of spiral stairs is a professional solution with long-term rewards. A Residents Perspective: Think about our go-to ways of describing our property. Whether were detailing our dream home to a real estate agent or beaming about the one weve just purchased to our friends and family, we often turn to measurements in terms of bedroom counts and square footage, do we not? What this signifies is that we care about the size and usability of our spacesand, of course, we pay for them accordingly (costs per square foot, etc.).
Think now about the impact of a staircase upon this size and usability. The smallest stair you can find at www.salterspiralstair.com has a footprint of just 12.25 square feet. The footprint of a comparable straight or conventional staircase? Try 50 to 60 square feet. When considering the usage of your spaceand particularly in already tight areas (e.g., decks and patios) or areas with high costs per square foot (e.g., New York, San Francisco, and everywhere else aside from disaster sites) spiral stairs are often the best bet in terms of getting the most out of a space.
A Monetary Perspective: The areas described above, of course, translate also to dollar values. You cant put a price on beauty, for example, and a ro om with an extra 30 square feet of usable space is certainly worth more than a room that feels 30 square feet smaller.
However, the actual cost of spiral stairs can also translate to savings. Many of our industrial clients, for example, have found that higher lengths of spiral stairs are more affordable than even the cheapest available straight stairs. And, of course, when comparing spiral and straight stairs, its important to account for quality. The cheapest wooden straight stair is always going to be less expensi ve than a quality spiral stairbut comparing quality to quality is the only way to contrast the true value of your investment.
Spiral Stair Roundup: Choosing the Right Spiral Stair

Mixing and matching all of the customization options available at www.salterspiralstair.com gives you more than 35,000 possible combinations for your staircaseor an infinite number if you take into account our powder coating and color matching options. Were proud of these offerings, of course, but at the same time realize they can be intimidating for new buyers. To help narrow down your sea of choices, heres a breakdown of the preliminary considerations youll have across the industry:
Interior vs. Exterior:

This might be the simplest division on our list (and that over which youll have the least amount of control due to your environment), but its important to know the characteristics that define each type of spiral.
Traditional interior options often include wood, steel, and iron, while traditional exterior options include galvanized steel and aluminum. For each type, youll want to look for quality in not just material but construction. For our interior wood stairs, we source a variety of hardwoods known for their marriages of durability, versatility, grain pattern, and design complement but theres more at stake in a spiral than just the wood. The shaping and construction of this wood is equally important. To start, we recommend evaluating each option from afar. Will a lighter or darker grain match your design and dcor, for example? And do you prefer the look of something thats stained, painted, or mixed (e.g., stained steps and painted balusters)? Once youve narrowed down your look, youll next want to zoom in much closer on the individual design and construction elements . Does solid wood really mean solid wood, or is the inner column really metal or partially metal? Similarly, if youve decided to go with wood because of its natural appearance, youll want to look closely at the spirals a ssembly. Will metal bolts and fasteners be visible, taking away from the look youve chosen, or are they organically hidden to honor the materials? For interior metals, youll want to take a similar approach. Steel is more traditional and classic looking, while iron is more rustic and Victorian. However, these are only the starting points; select manufacturers offer specialized powder coating and the ability to not only add color to these metals in a manner resistant to wear and chippingbut to completely customize these colors to specifically match your individual space. Similarly, designs will vary as with
wood models in terms of the small details. Inquire whether the spirals welds are hidden from sight, and ensure youre fully informed of all assembly requirements. Will spiral stair kits require specialty tools and contractors, or are they shipped ready-to-assemble with everyday tools? Finally, for exterior options youll need to decide between galvanized steel and aluminum. Galvanized steel is heat-treated carbon steel thats been coated with a protective barrier of zinc. The resulting product is maintenance free, durable, and extraordinarily cost effective. While galvanized spirals often ship with a definitive metallic grey finish, they can easily be painted using ordinary paints and primers. Aluminum stairs, conversely, offer more customization options and the ability to more strategically accent their settings. They can be powder coated in any color (stock or custom) and adorned with wood accents, and the resulting finish is resistant to rust, extreme weather, and chipping. Want more photos? In our web gallery, weve assembled dozens of examples to showcase each of these spiral types as customized for different settings.
Finish Options:
*To learn more about available custom woods, please email us, use our contact form, or call our sales department at (800) 368-8280.
For metal spirals, meanwhile, you have the option of natural iron or galvanized finishes (add photos below) or color finishes (via painting or powder coating). One benefit to using galvanized steel is that it can be painted with multiple coats using consumer grade paints and primers, giving owners the flexibility to paint and repaint their stairs at will. To help with this, we offer an option to ship our galvanized spirals professionally primed and ready to
paint. Powder coating, on the other hand, is done prior to assembly and uses proprietary industrial processes, essentially baking in the color and giving it an edge in durability, uniformity, and maintenance (theyre 100% maintenance free for life). Remember, of course, that not all colors are created equal. Make sure your stair is available in not just red but the red matching your needsand ask manufactures if their processes are outsourced or proprietary and from where they source their colors. (See our standard Pantone options here.)
Continuous vs. Adjustable Sleeves:

One choice youll have with most spiral types is whether to go with a continuous or adjustable (standard) sleeve. In order to attach eac h tread or stair to the central column, adjustable or standard sleeve stairs use a cuff that slides over the column. The less expensive of the options, this creates a notched look due to the added thickness of the cuffs.
For a sleeker look and relatively inexpensive upgrade, we recommend opting for continuous sleeves, which use custom-cut risers to create a flush appearance. In order to achieve this uniform width, each sleeve must be manufactured according to the exact floor-to-ceiling height measurements of your project.
Glossary of Individual Components: Balusters: Vertical columns connecting the outer edges of each step with the upper handrail. Balusters come in a variety of decorative shapes and sizes and serve also as a safety barrier to comply with national building codes. Column caps: A single cap or crown that sits above the spirals central column. Choices vary from minimalistic black vinyl caps to ornate brass or wood spheres and cast iron statuaries. Handrails: Horizontal (for landings) and sloped (for spirals) hand railings. These are highly customizable and typically available in vinyl, aluminum, brass, and solid wood options. Handrail caps: End-caps that bring a handrail to its stopping point at the bottom of the staircase. Solid wood handrails are shaped as a single piece and do not require caps, while vinyl, aluminum, and brass options offer classic domed, hooked, or scrolled options. Treads: Each individual wedge-shaped stair. Treads come with a variety of upper textures including stenciled, non-skid diamond-weave, and grated (suited for drainage of water, snow, and ice). Tread coverings: Secondary optional materials that sit above each individual stair tread. Common options include solid wood, flakeboard (for carpet applications), and non-skid surfaces.
Taking Your First Steps: Choosing the Right Spiral Company

After more than forty years as premiere specialists in spiral staircases, weve learned a lot about best practices in terms of product quality and client satisfaction. Here, then, is our checklist of what you should look for in a spiral stair manufacturer:
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A positive Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
The Better Business Bureau ranks companies according to their client rapport and operating ethics, assigning them grades ranging from A+ to F. Because these ratings are based on actual instances of customer complaints, company violations and misrepresentations, and time in business, they are extremely helpful in determining the overall reputation of a company. We run all of our vendors th rough BBBs Accredited Business Directory and highly recommend this precaution prior to any business dealing. However, if youre still in doubt, dont hesitate to call the manufacturer and inquire on their ratingsreputable providers will be very conscious of both BBBs ethics and their own BBB rating.
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A genuine interest in your project.
Weve learned that in order to provide the best services, it helps to gain an understanding of each clients needs and goals. Similarly, weve also learned that you cant produce superlative spirals if youre not contagiously enthusiastic about the projects these spirals are destined for. Its for these reasons that we take great care to truly understand the scope and constraints of each clients individual undertaking in order to afford them the best match in products, options, and services. Our second item on this checklist, then, is to ensure your manufacturer has a face and an open line to field questions and offer guidance. In short, make sure you talk to a human before investing in your home or officeand that this human feels representative of a wise investment.
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The ability to generate custom one-off CAD designs. The advantages of seeing a true-to-life representation of your project in place of a superimposed stock image are endless. Weve covered the 35,000+ options youll have when ordering your spiral stairs, so its important that you see these options rendered accurately. All of our designers are expertly trained in CAD, giving us the ability to take all of the guesswork out of a project by outlining it pixel by pixel. Ensuring your manufacturer provides this same service will prove invaluable, so be sure to verify whether a prospective company offers custom one-off CAD drawings or relies upon appropriated stock images or estimations.
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Proprietary achievements.
You should have an idea, by now, of the complexity that goes into designing a spiraland this level of complexity requires continual advancement and innovation in order to stay progressive and ahead of the curve. Look for features that distinguish a manufacturer in terms of product design, strength, and ease of installation. Youll find an overview of some of our accomplishments here; however, youll more importantly find them when looking closely at any of our productsfrom our proprietary solid-wood construction methods to the way we enclose each tread end to fortify its foothold and hide unsightly hardware. In short, look for signs your manufacturer is versed in optimizing spiralsnot just assembling them.
_____ A rich history of success.

A companys history is perhaps its greatest benchmark of success (and, therein, its ability to stay progressive and innovative in the face of trends and competition), so take the time to evaluate each manufacturers history. Were extremely proud of Salters forty-year heritage for a lot of reasonsbut chief among them is the satisfaction gleaned from knowing were in this for the long haul as an authority multiple generations have relied upon.
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A specialization in stairsand only stairs.
There are numerous adages that speak to the advantages of achieving excellence in one area versus mediocrity in manyand were firm believers in all of them. If you see value in differentiating between dentists and podiatrists, it should only follow suit to look for a stair company that specializes only in stairs versus one with a broader focus that might do only a few stair sets per year. A specialized focus leads to specialized quality.
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Documentation.
This entire list, of course, is for naught if its all based on guesswork. Look for hard evidence of these achievements in pl ain sight. Reading customer reviews and testimonials can help bring reassurance to your findings, while viewing real-life examples of installations can give you an accurate scope of what to expect with your own project.
Ordering a Spiral Stair: Blueprints for a Pain-Free Purchase

While sales teams and customer service associates are fully trained to walk you through your spiral stair order and guide you through your project requirements, it helps to know what to expect (and what to prepare) prior to placing an order.
The first thing youll need is a representation of your projectnormally a photograph, drawing, or sketch (or combination thereof). For new construction this will be an illustration of whats to come, while projects such as remodels and additions can leverage existing representations. Having this in hand will give stair manufacturers the ability to render accurate drawings, make stylistic recommendations, and troubleshoot any challenges unique to your environment.
Next, it is essential to take an exact measurement of the floor-to-height span your staircase will occupy. Because each spiral staircase is made-to-order for a specific location, it is important to know the exact dimensions to construct each order for a flawless fit and installation, particularly when opting for continuous sleeve spirals.
Finally, you want to be ready to answer any questions regarding project preferences and timelines, so it is ideal for the decision maker(s) to make the call themselves or be present to ensure theyre taking advantage of every available option. One such question to prepare for will deal with building codes, which are essential to meet for new projects and safety compliance. We take code compliance very seriously and are experts in all aspects of national code; however, it is important to know that local codes supersede national codes, so i ts a good idea to contact your local building inspector prior to ordering your stair to ensure compliance with any modifications to the national standards.
Sample questions to prepare for: Do you need to meet building code? And, if so, have you checked with your local inspector for regional codes that supersede national code? Do you know your exact floor-to-ceiling measurements? Do you need an interior or exterior spiral? Do you have a particular stair type, material, and finish in mind? Do you know your desired diameter? Will your spiral rise to the side of a loft/deck or an opening in your floor?
Pricing a Spiral Stair: How High Should You Go?

With more than 35,000 possible stair customizations, it shouldnt come as a surprise to learn that spiral stair prices are highly variable and dependent upon inclusive options. Still, however, there does exist one very solid truth amid all of this variance: equal prices do not suggest equal value.
Our goal, then, with this piece is to give you the tools necessary to determine the value of your prospective purchases. Sales representatives will you give their price, of course, but it is ultimately up to you as an informed consumer to put these prices in perspective. Heres how:
Ask About Choices: In the tens of thousands of stairs weve built and sold, weve had instances of interior spirals costing half as much as exteriors and exterior spirals cos ting half as much as interiors. It all, of course, comes down to the requested options. Meanwhile, comparing manufacturer-to-manufacturer can be even more confusing. Dont be afraid to ask questions to understand the reasoning behind these fluctuations. Ask why one choice is more expensive than another, or why one might be less expensive. This is the best way to ascertain not just how much youre paying for your spiral, but exactly what youre getting for that price. Ask About Value: In order to get the most value, you want to ensure you have the options you need for your custom project. Each time youre pr esented with an option that stands to increase or decrease your price, ask about the practical differences. A powder coated stair, for example, might be three times more expensive than a primed steel stairand would be well worth this cost for someone living on the coast; however, powder coating can be unnecessary for certain situations, leaving significant room to downgrade to something painted and/or galvanized. Inquire, then, not just about the value of an option or component, but the value this would bring to your specific project. Ask About Needs: Getting a great deal on a stair wont matter if its not the stair you need, so take time to ask questions regarding how your stair will hold up to specific needs and constraints. An outdoor stair means only that it can be placed outdoors, for example; this title alone does not mean its been designed to stand up to salt, rain, or ice. Your goal should not be to necessarily get the lowest price, but to get the highest value for your budget. Make sure what youre getting will suit your purposes, and make sure it will continue to suit your purposes without deterioration over time.
BOCA, UBC, IRC, and IFC: Decoding Spiral Building Code

While the word code in the case of building code refers to a set of systematic rules, it can also be used to describe a cryptic form of communicationwhich is how building codes can often come across to those outside of the industry. The good news is that code exists to keep you and your investment safe.
And the other good news is that while there exist four separate policies or entities overseeing spiral stair building codes (Building Officials Code Administrators, Uniform Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Fire Code), we have more than four decades of experience complying with all of them. As longtime members of the Stairway Manufacturing Association, were well trained in all aspects of national code and stair design and can ensure compliance with their every facet. Still, its important to know that local codes vary from municipality to municipality and that these codes will supersede any of the above national and international codes. Our experts have prepared code-compliant spirals to meet the local standards across thousands of communities nationwide and are highly experienced in working with homeowners and building inspectors to comply with local policies. In order to accomplish this, however, its essential to first learn whether or not your local code differs from national code so its recommended you consult your building inspector when ordering a spiral for code-compliant projects.
Heres a rundown of national codes against which to compare:

- Minimum clear walking path of 26 inches. A 5-foot diameter or larger stair will provide this width. - Each tread will have a minimum of 7 1/2 inch tread depth at 12 inches from the narrow edge. - All treads will be identical. - The tread rise shall not be more than 9 1/2 inches high. - Minimum headroom of 6 foot 6 inches shall be provided, measuring plumb from the edge of the platform down to the tread below. - Landing width shall not be less than the required width of the stairway. Mini mum spiral stair tread width is 26 inches. (Salters code platforms start at 31 inches wide.) - Stair balusters shall be spaced so a 4-inch object cannot pass between. The IRC Code permits a 4 3/8 inch space. - Balcony/Well Enclosure guardrail balusters shall be spaced so a 4-inch object cannot pass - Balcony/Well Enclosure guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches. (If your state or municipality requires 42-inch tall guardrails, the sales order must reflect this.) - The stairway shall be equipped with one handrail on the wide edge of the tread. - Handrail height, measured vertically from the tread nosing, shall be not less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches. - Handrail grip size: - Type I-Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1 1/4 inches and not greater than 2 inches. (Salters standard circular handrail is 1 1/2 inch diameter. This will address the UBC minimum cross section of 1 1/2 inch diameter.) If the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter dimension not greater than 6 1/4 inches.
- Type II-Handrails, with a perimeter greater than 6 1/4 inches, shall provide a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. For further information on our Type II options, please contact our sales department.(Verify what handrail size and shape your inspector will require. Handrail size and shape are a very controversial area within the building code. We recommend that you use our standard 1 1/2 round handrails or our 1 3/4 x 2 B&FG solid wood handrail to comply with the proper circumference.)
A 300 lb. concentrated load is required. (Upon request, our sales department can provide structural calculations for your job specifications.)

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For Spiral Stair Pricing, Call 1 (800) 368-8280