History of the Spiral Staircase

1. History of the Spiral Staircase Spiral staircases have drastically increased in popularity over recent years. They are a firm favourite in homes and businesses across the world and are used for anything from accessing rooftop gardens to fire escapes. A spiral staircase will generally conjure images of lighthouses or ancient castles, but as historic as they may look, they are still very much in use and trendy today. It is difficult to know the exact origin date of the spiral staircase, but it is generally believed that the spiral staircase gained in popularity at the time of the Middle Ages. There is a very old marble spiral staircase that is still standing in Italy in the Trajan’s Column and this was most likely constructed around 133 AD. However, this is not the first spiral staircase that was ever built and they were most likely well in use a long time before that one’s existence. It is generally agreed that the spiral staircase is more than 3000 years old. Today we use spiral staircases mostly because they save on space and for their aesthetic appeal. In the past, and when the first spiral staircases were built, they were most likely used as a form of protection in kingdoms. Due to their narrow size and spiral nature, the staircase delayed an attacking army as it significantly reduced the number of people that could charge up a staircase at any given time. The first spiral stairs were also a little different from the ones we know now as they were usually constructed of marble and built directly into the walls of a castle, which is likely where their circular nature originated. It was some time before the spiral staircase became the freestanding unit, we now know it to be, with a single-pole as support. Although they were then constructed of marble, it is not likely that you’ll find a marble spiral staircase today. They are usually constructed of steel, glass, or wood. A spiral staircase is a beauty to behold and they have a certain timeless elegance and appeal, which is why they are still so popular today. Many people choose to use spiral stairs to save on space, which is ideal for city living as many of the modern apartments tend to be high-rise or double- or even triple-storey buildings with a very small footprint. This also means that people are using spiral

2. stairs to access areas that they usually could not. It is quite common for apartment dwellers to use spiral stairs to access back gardens or rooftop gardens and it is also possible for balconies to be incorporated into spiral staircases as they will already come with a square landing, which can easily be extended into a balcony. This will create a lovely little additional outdoor space, which is what they are often used for especially in neighbourhoods where gardens are a luxury. The main concern with spiral staircases is that they are not as versatile as ordinary staircases. It is usually much more difficult to carry items up a spiral staircase, particularly large items, which is why a staircase manufacturer and installer will often advise you that the spiral stairs should not be the only staircase in the home. Additionally, they may pose a hazard to elderly people, those with disabilities, or small children due to their small and twisting nature. However, what they lose in efficiency, they make up for in appeal. The spiral staircase has a long and complex history and it is not a hundred percent clear when it originated. However, just as they were a favourite back then, they are a favourite now, and more and more people are choosing to incorporate spiral stairs into their homes. It creates a wonderful focal point and offers any building a sort of timeless elegance. About Us Complete Stair Systems is one of the leading staircase manufacturers and installers in the UK. With a focus on open, modern, and light designs, our staircases create a real ‘wow’ factor and a focal point within a dwelling. Our staircases are constructed in a combination of timber, steel and glass and have open risers to allow the passage of light.Whether creating a grand feature staircase in a new hallway or accessing a tight loft space, we will have the perfect solution within our large range.We are proud of our completed spiral stair and staircase projects and have prepared a helpful and inspirational staircase gallery and staircase case study list to demonstrate the styles and materials we offer. For more information on Complete Stair Systems, please visit https://www.completestairsystems.co.uk/.