[01]
How we work
Cut String Staircases: Crafted details that have stood the test of time
Cut string staircases have been a sign of prestige since the Georgian era; a cut above the simpler closed string designs that had been the norm for simplicity’s sake for generations. Traditionally made entirely by hand, they were beautiful portfolio pieces; however, they were also extremely time-consuming to produce, and over time, prone to movement or required additional maintenance as they settled.
Today, advances in joinery, CAD planning, CNC machining, and modern materials allow us to honour their traditional character while engineering them for lasting beauty. When paired with intricate balusters and sweeping handrails that complement the home’s architectural lines, First Step Designs creates unique architectural centrepieces—status symbols—of enduring appeal.
[02]
Unique Design
Bespoke cut string stair designs that celebrate your vision
At First Step Designs, the journey to a bespoke staircase starts with a conversation, not a catalogue. We don’t prefabricate, we don’t mass-produce, and we don’t rely on one-size-fits-all solutions.
Our design team guides homeowners, architects, and interior designers through design options and configurations, ensuring that every last detail is tailored to the home. Whether you’re restoring a period property, breathing new life into a mid-century home, or looking for a modern interpretation of this timeless style for a bespoke home, a cut string staircase from First Step Designs provides visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Words from the designer
"Cut string staircases showcase clean lines and precise craftsmanship, turning the home's biggest piece of furniture into a striking design feature. With refined detailing and flexible design options, eachFirst Step Designs cut string staircase feels modern, elegant, and truly custom."
[03]
The Benefits
Why choose a cut string staircase?
Cut string staircases bring a sense of structure and substance. By revealing the individual treads and risers, they also gain rhythm and depth, as opposed to the sleek and flowing feel of closed string stairs.
Cut string stairs contribute:
• A lighter appearance than closed string stairs, without going fully ‘open’ the way central spine or cantilever stairs do.
• A sense of craftsmanship, with perfectly finished end-joins and profiles on display rather than concealed.
• Design versatility, working equally well in heritage and contemporary homes.The perfect foundations to achieve a flawless, continuous handrail.
• Increased visual interest, especially when paired with feature balustrades or lighting.
• Beautiful opportunities for contrasting finishes—such as white strings paired with natural oak treads or contrast rails against powder-coated spindles—for depth and character.
• Increased property value in the event of putting the home on the market.
Cut String Staircase FAQs
Do I need planning permission for metal stairs?
You do not need planning permission to renovate or replace an existing staircase.
You do, however, need planning permission for new build projects. For more details on the process and how First Step Designs can assist, contact our team via our online portal or call 01782 959 300.
Do you service clients across the entire country?
Yes, we do. First Step Designs is a leading supplier of bespoke metal and other types of staircases in the UK. Over the last decade, we’ve built new staircases and performed staircase renovations for clients up and down the UK.
Do you also fit the metal stairs?
Yes, we do. It can be argued that a staircase installation is as important as design and fabrication. We only trust our experienced in-house installation team to get the job done right the first time around, removing the risk of poorly installed stairs that sway or creak and the need for constant back-and-forths to remedy small issues that pop up due to improper installation.
Are the stairs completely bespoke and one-of-a-kind, or are there designs to pick from?
At First Step Designs, we pride ourselves on designing, building, and installing one-of-a-kind staircases. While we do offer a small range of very popular designs, more often than not, even these will be customised with bespoke finishes and features.
Are metal stairs safe?
Yes, metal stairs are just as safe as other types of staircases. In the UK, staircase materials and designs are regulated to conform to strict building regulations, ensuring they meet safety standards for load-bearing capacity, slip resistance, and handrail requirements.
What are the advantages of metal staircases?
Metal is an incredibly strong and rigid staircase material that opens up design options that are difficult or expensive to achieve with wood, glass, or concrete. Their strength allows designers to create cantilever or floating staircases that appear to hang in mid-air without any visible support structures, as well as slimline staircases for homes with limited floor space.
Another advantage of metal staircases is that they work incredibly well when used alongside a broad range of other materials. Different types of metals with unique visual and functional properties; clear, frosted, or etched glass detailing; polished wooden handrails; and even decorative concrete landing areas all complement metal staircases beautifully to give homeowners and designers the freedom to truly express themselves.
What are the cons of metal stairs?
The only real downside to a metal staircase is the increased costs; however, as stated earlier, these costs are largely offset by a reduced need for long-term maintenance. While there are other potential cons, such as noise or sound amplification, temperature sensitivity, or the risk of rust and corrosion, these disadvantages are easy to eliminate or heavily negate in the design and fabrication process. Noise-dampening timber treads, ultra-durable and scratch-resistant powder coats, and many other modern material science advancements
significantly reduce the disadvantages of residential metal stairs.
Does a metal staircase add value to your home?
A well-designed and bespoke metal staircase that fits seamlessly into your home, complements your other design choices and aesthetics, and creates a beautiful focal point can add significant resale value to your home. Metal staircases offer a unique blend of durability, modernity, and customisation options, making them an eye-catching and desirable feature for prospective buyers.
How long do steel staircases last?
While each and every First Step Designs metal staircase is covered by a 10-year guarantee, the reality is that most metal staircases will last for several decades, even with minimal maintenance. Essentially, the metal components of a metal staircase only get damaged when the surface finishes or paintwork gets scratched deeply enough for oxidation (rust) to form. In most cases, a quick paintwork touch-up every 10 years or so should keep a metal staircase in top condition for decades.
What material are metal stairs made of?
Modern residential metal staircases are predominantly manufactured from mild steel, although both stainless steel and aluminium may be used for certain elements depending on the design. Mild steel, also known as low-carbon steel, is stronger, more affordable, and easier to weld and work with than higher-carbon steel.
Almost all residential metal stairs have mild steel substructures while aluminium and stainless steel may be used for handrails, balustrades, or decorative elements due to their superior resistance to corrosion and aesthetic appeal.
Depending on the design, glass, wood, and concrete may also be used as decorative or safety elements.
Are metal stairs expensive?
Metal stairs are neither expensive nor especially affordable; complex and bespoke metal staircases featuring intricate design elements and exotic material choices are expensive, while bare-bones, prefabriated, functionality-over-everything-else metal staircases are significantly more affordable, especially when considering their durability and low maintenance requirements.
Bespoke metal staircases for designer homes typically range anywhere between £178,000 and £30,000 (+ VAT) depending on the design complexity, material and finishing choices, and level of customisation. While this may be more expensive than softwood or concrete alternatives, when factoring in an expected lifespan of 80+ years even with minimal maintenance, the pricing difference between metal and other types of stairs starts to shrink.
Check out our blog post on How Much Does a Metal Staircase Cost? for more information on this topic.
Let's talk
Get in touch and let us show you how we cantransform your home.
[04]
Cut String Styles
Cut string staircases, styles, and configurations
Cut string staircases can be adapted to complement a wide range of homes, layouts, and architectural styles. The expert designs at First Step Designs will guide you through variation iterations and configurations to find the final layout that works best with your home.
Some of our most popular configurations include:
- Traditional cut string stairs: Painted hardwood strings with mitre return of tread profiles and a cut bracket. Popular in heritage homes or as a staircase renovation project.
- Contemporary cut string stairs: End grain of each tread on show to prove no mixed core composites have been used. Minimal detailing for a clean, less fussy finish. Modern, sweeping balustrades for a more refined feel.
- Cut string stairs with glass balustrades: A versatile style that can be adapted to complement contemporary and ultra-modern homes. An attractive balance between structure and openness.
- Cut strings with sculptural handrails: Curved or flowing handrails add a sense of elegance and craftsmanship to both straight and curved cut string stairs.
[05]
Why Us
First Step Designs:
Setting the bar for bespoke staircase design
At First Step Designs, we exclusively design and craft bespoke staircases—individually tailored masterpieces that require skill, patience, and an obsession with even the finest details. It’s this deep love for innovative design and millimetre-perfect craftsmanship that won us the 2024 Build It Award for Best UK Staircase and continues to drive our reputation for staircases that truly stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Whether looking for a new cut string staircase or renovating an older model that’s starting to show its age, reach out to First Step Designs to begin the journey towards a bespoke staircase crafted without compromise.
Want to see more?
Check out our Projects and Case Studies to see how we can transform your home.
From the Journal
.jpg)
Let’s start making something amazing
Milburn Road
Cobridge Industrial Estate
Stoke on Trent
ST6 2LA
