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First Step Designs is a leading UK designer, fabricator, and installer of bespoke central spine staircases. Over the last 10 years, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners in Cheshire and its surroundings improve their homes with central spine staircases that act as a dramatic and impressive centrepiece, elevate their homes’ value, and command attention.
In 2023 and 2024 alone, First Step Designs was featured onGrand Designs, won the Best Staircase award at the 2024 Build ItAwards, and we’ve been working on increasingly high-profile projects. We look forward to showing you why we’re fast becoming a dominant name in the UK custom staircase industry.
Unlike many of our competitors, we custom design and fabricate every part of your staircase ourselves, steering clear of stock items and box sections covered in unsightly welds. Our spines feature laser-cut profiles, custom-fabricated into a seamless architectural structure that’s visually flawless and with no visible manufacturing details.
Reach out to us for an obligation-free discussion about how we can help you build a central spine staircase that complements your home, personal taste, and style, creating an architectural feature that enhances your home.
Designing, fabricating, and installing central spine staircases comes with a unique set of challenges and considerations when compared to other types of staircases. We factor in the differences in structural loads, rely on high-precision engineering and fabrication practices to ensure stability and understand the importance of a perfect-fit installation, among many other unique considerations.
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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.
First of all, they’re beautiful. When designed right and fabricated with care, central spine staircases can add a certain—and we’re really not trying to sound snobbish here— ‘touch of class’ to an indoor space. They’re sleek, appear to float in midair from certain angles, and can complement any aesthetic with the right detailing and finishes.
For some homeowners, central spine staircases are simply the logical choice. Homes with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, uninterrupted panoramic views, or custom-designed walls with specific features or materials all benefit from stairs that don’t need wall-mounted anchor points, ensuring that your feature walls remain features and don’t become fixtures.
In more compact homes, open central spine staircases with a smaller footprint help to save space while also allowing for maximum natural sunlight in the room.
Yes. Visit our Inspiration Gallery and filter by wood structure to see completed projects. You can also explore specific styles like oak, grey oak, and floating timber staircases for further inspiration.
With our in-house finishing techniques and precision craftsmanship, your staircase is built to last for decades. We design with longevity in mind—choosing timbers, finishes, and construction methods that resist age and wear, both structurally and visually.
Definitely. We often design slim-profile timber staircases for compact or narrow spaces. Timber's workability allows us to maintain a refined aesthetic without sacrificing structure or safety, even in more confined areas.
Yes. Many of our clients choose to pair timber treads with steel balustrades or glass panels for a modern contrast. We work closely with you to create a design that balances timber’s warmth with other materials for a unique, cohesive look.
Timber is highly adaptable and works beautifully across nearly all staircase styles—including straight flights, central spine, floating, zig-zag, and traditional cut-string styles. It can be used in full-timber constructions or as part of a mixed-material design.
Yes. We offer a wide variety of stains, clear protective finishes, and a full colour-matching service to complement other interior features like flooring or accent walls. Whether you want natural, raw-look oak or a rich, dark stain, we can create the perfect match.
Not at all. Our staircases are finished with long-lasting protective coatings designed to resist scuffs, scratches, and UV fading. Simple cleaning and occasional checks are usually all that’s needed to keep your timber staircase looking its best.
Modern timber staircases are extremely durable when properly fabricated and treated. We use enhanced finishing and treatment processes to ensure your staircase stands up to daily wear, moisture, and environmental changes for decades.
Absolutely. While timber is often associated with traditional interiors, it’s incredibly versatile. With the right design, timber staircases can feel sleek, minimalist, and ultra-modern—especially when combined with glass, steel, or cantilevered layouts.
We primarily work with European white oak due to its strength, stability, and beautiful natural grain. However, we also offer a wide selection of timber types and finishes to suit different interior styles and project requirements. All timber is responsibly sourced from FSC-accredited suppliers.
