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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.
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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."
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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
Can you install cut string stairs in an existing home?
Yes, they can. Cut string stairs are a very popular choice for staircase renovation projects. They typically cost less than metal-heavy designs, such as central spine or cantilevered stairs, and very often, we can replace the existing staircase with a cut string design without having to alter the surrounding structure or walls.
Reach out to our design team to discover how suitable your home is for a bespoke cut string staircase renovation.
Do cut string stairs require special maintenance?
Not at all. Routine cleaning and general care should be enough to keep your cut string staircase in tip-top condition for years. In the unlikely event of damage or wear, our aftercare team can restore it to showroom condition.
Are cut string stairs more expensive than closed string stairs?
On a bespoke level, yes. While prefabricated or modular cut string staircases may compare more closely in price to closed string stairs, bespoke cut string staircases require a lot more precise and detailed craftsmanship to get right, alongside a higher grade of CNC for manufacture. Additionally, the open profile means that each tread and riser must also be finished to a higher visual standard than those that would be concealed.
Are cut strings suitable for modern homes?
Absolutely. While often associated with grand Georgian or Victorian era homes, the reality is that cut string stairs have been a popular choice for discerning homeowners for about 300 years, non-stop. While certain elements, such as handrail and newel-post designs, have seen updates throughout the years, modern cut staircases featuring clean lines, the right material mix, and contemporary detailing can suit even minimalist homes. This style has never been more popular for us than in 2025.
Let's talk
Get in touch and let us show you how we can transform your home.
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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.
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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
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Let’s start making something amazing
Milburn Road
Cobridge Industrial Estate
Stoke on Trent
ST6 2LA
