A Simple Guide for UK Homes and Projects
If you’ve ever struggled to fit a full staircase into a tight spot, you’re not alone. That’s where the winder staircase comes in. It’s compact, clever, and a lot more common than you might think, especially in homes where space is at a premium.
But what exactly is a winder staircase? How does it differ from a straight flight or a staircase with a landing? What do you need to know if you’re thinking of installing one?
Let’s break it down in plain English.
So, What Is a Winder Staircase?
A winder staircase is one that turns a corner without using a flat landing. Instead, it uses wedge-shaped steps (called winders) to change direction. These treads gradually turn the staircase, making it a smart solution for awkward spaces.
There are usually three winders in a typical 90-degree turn. If you’re going for a full 180-degree turn, you’d be looking at a double winder staircase. And if the middle winder is shaped like a kite, it’s known as a set of kite winder stairs.
You’ve probably walked up one without even noticing.
Why Choose a Winder Staircase?
Here’s why winders are so popular in both residential and commercial builds:
- Space saving: They use less floor space than staircases with full landings.
- Design flexibility: They allow you to work around walls, corners, and tight floorplans.
- Aesthetics: They look sleek, especially when paired with steel and glass.
- Cost-effective: Fewer materials and less floor space often mean lower costs overall.
They’re ideal for loft conversions, basement access, and internal staircases in smaller homes. But they also work beautifully in larger buildings where layout efficiency is key.
How Do They Affect Staircase Layouts?
Winders change your staircase layout because you’re replacing a square landing with a curved or angular transition.
This has a knock-on effect on the following:
- Stair width
- Tread size and shape
- Handrail design
- Stringer configuration
When planning a project, it’s important to consider how the winder section will influence flow, usability, and build complexity. A good fabricator will help you model the turn accurately, taking into account your rise heights and floor levels.
What About Building Regulations?
A winder staircase must still comply with building regulations in the UK. That means:
- The maximum rise height (vertical step) must not exceed 220 mm
- The minimum going (horizontal step depth) must be 220 mm
- You must maintain at least 2 m of headroom above the tread
- The pitch of the staircase must not exceed 42 degrees
With winders, there’s an extra consideration: the “going” is measured at the centre of the tread. This needs to be consistent across the winder steps to prevent tripping hazards.
At Smart Steels, we design all our staircases to fully comply with regulations and pass inspection with ease.
Double Winder Staircases: What You Need to Know
A double winder staircase turns 180 degrees using two sets of winders. This is a great alternative to a dog-leg staircase, which would require two straight flights and a square landing in the middle.
Double winders are often used in narrow homes or buildings with centralised stairwells, such as townhouses or apartments. They look neat, feel smooth to climb, and reduce the amount of visual and physical space the staircase takes up.
If you’re working with limited floorplan flexibility, this is a layout worth exploring.
Should You Use Kite Winder Stairs?
Kite winder stairs get their name from the kite-shaped central tread in a three-step turn. They allow for a more natural curve and better foot placement during the turn.
This option is particularly useful when you want to blend the staircase direction change into the flow of the space. With the right steel and balustrade design, kite winder stairs can look incredibly sharp.
We recommend them for both modern and traditional interiors where space-saving needs to meet visual impact.
Let’s Talk Design
At Smart Steels, we don’t just install stairs. We help you design them properly from day one.
If you’re planning a new build or refurbishment, we’ll help you:
- Select your floor levels and align them with rise heights
- Choose between single, double, or kite winder layouts
- Pick materials and finishes that suit your style and space
- Ensure full compliance with UK building regulations
Our staircases are fabricated in-house, tailored to your layout, and installed with the attention to detail we’re known for.
Need a staircase that fits your layout without compromising style or safety? Let’s talk. We design, fabricate, and install winder staircases that really work for your property.
FAQ
Can I replace a straight staircase with a winder staircase?
Yes. If space is tight or you want to free up room below the stairs, a winder design can often work better than a full landing.
Are winder staircases legal in the UK?
Yes, as long as they comply with current building regulations. We ensure every winder stair we fabricate meets those standards.
What’s the main difference between kite winder stairs and regular winders?
Kite winders use a more centrally balanced turning tread, improving safety and step usability. They’re especially helpful in tight 90-degree turns.
Do winder stairs cost more to fabricate?
Not necessarily. While the design can be more complex, they often use fewer materials and take up less floor area than a full landing setup.
Can Smart Steels install a double winder staircase in a commercial building?
Absolutely. We design and fabricate winder staircases for commercial and residential projects across London and the South East.
How do I start planning my staircase layout?
Get in touch with us. We’ll help you map out your staircase layout, select your floor levels, and calculate the correct rise heights.