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Welcome to First Step Designs, the UK's leading designers and manufacturers of bespoke floating staircases, also serving Nottingham. We work hand-in-hand with clients, architects, and interior designers to conceptualise and craft staircases that are truly unique, inspired, and precision-engineered to last a lifetime.
Working with First Step Designs means choosing the staircase designers who set the bar for high-end design. Having won the 2024 Build It Award for Best UK Staircase, been featured on Grand Designs, and continuously working on high-profile projects across the UK, we're confident that we're the right team to help you achieve something special.
If you're aiming for a bold architectural centrepiece for a new Nottingham development, our award-winning team brings the level of detail and inspired design that makes us the leaders in our field to every project.
Very few staircase styles can match the striking and dramatic look of a staircase that appears to float unsupported in mid-air. Achieving this look, however, requires both advanced engineering and a higher level of precision that most staircase manufacturers typically offer. With the entire load supported by hidden structures, reinforced walls, and carefully calculated anchor points, there simply isn't room for error.
First Step Designs specialises in precision engineering with millimetre tolerances. Using advanced CAD modelling, 5-axis CNC machinery, and intensive quality control, we manufacture floating stairs designed to deliver flawless visual alignment and uncompromised structural performance.
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Your new or renovated stairs are no more than a quick call, email or message away.
You can also use our Inspiration Gallery to save images of our work that you like. Then, simply send them along with any other photos, plans, or details through our contact form so we can discuss your project.
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After understanding what you’re trying to achieve, we’ll send a detailed and itemised same-day quote. Our pricing is honest and transparent, allowing you to quickly determine if we are the right fit for your project.
At your request, we’ll gladly quote for multiple configurations of your ideal stairs.
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After visiting your home to take the measurements we need, we draft and present fully accurate 3D renditions of what your staircase will look like in your home.
Once the details, timelines, and installation dates are locked in, we begin fabricating your dream staircase.
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That’s right: sit back knowing that our expert team of craftsmen is hard at work bringing your staircase to life, fabricating your dream stairs to our exacting standards.
Depending on the complexity of the design, this typically takes anywhere from 3 to 5 days.
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Our expert and experienced team of Staffordshire-based installers will install your new or renovated stairs in 2 to 4 days.
They have a wealth of experience in joinery and engineering, a seriously professional attitude towards work, and operate as unintrusively as possible.
The short answer is that with considered design, a metal staircase can be a welcome and valuable addition to any home. That said, it’s important to recognise that the term ‘metal staircase’ is slightly ambiguous; to some, it refers to the metal substructure that remains hidden during normal use, while for others, it means floating or central spine staircases consisting entirely of metal components and foregoing complementary materials like glass or timber.
Regardless of your definition, our design and engineering teams understand how to craft metal staircases that complement any home and its aesthetic.
While this is not set in stone, it’s common to see the following styles and configurations of metal staircases in these types of homes.
Project timelines vary significantly based on the scope of the project, design complexity, material choices, and installation difficulties; however, we complete most of our projects in approximately 4 to 6 months from first contact. While this might feel like a long timeline given the availability of more immediate solutions, we craft unique staircases comparable to functional art—and we don’t rush art.
When our clients approach us with a clear vision and/or design plans, we can expedite the progress and have it completed in roughly 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the design.
Yes, but very little and very infrequently. We rely on high-quality steel and superior finishing techniques, resulting in ultra-durable metal staircases that are all but indestructible. With the exception of keeping them clean and free of dust, the only remaining maintenance is to ensure that the surface finish remains scratch and damage-free. In the event that a scratch or abrasion reaches down into the raw steel, it’s important to respray or refinish the affected area to avoid oxidation.
Luckily, this is a fairly straightforward task with both instructional videos and the materials required readily available. Alternatively, reach out to First Step Designs for a zero-obligation renovation quote.
Yes, it can. First Step Designs specialises in designing bespoke and deeply personalised staircases, ensuring that each and every element—from the substructure to the finishing, detailing, and accessories—is tailored to suit your home, vision, and style.
We work closely with our clients over the span of several weeks, guiding them through the staircase design process and iterating through staircase styles, designs, and details to find the best possible fit.
By the time the design is finished and sent off to fabrication, we will have gone through design options for the overall staircase style and shape, treads, balustrades, handrails, optional accessories such as decorative inserts or recessed lighting, as well as surface finish options.
Whether referring to full metal staircases or one that relies on a metal substructure, these types of staircases hold several advantages over commonly used alternatives, such as full timber builds. This includes:
