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We stick to what we know, and we really know staircases.
Think about a staircase renovation as a cost-effective alternative to a full replacement. By replacing newel posts and balustrades and giving a fresh look to the strings, treads, risers, and other structural elements, we can revitalise your staircase into a showpiece that complements your home's existing design. By choosing to refurbish instead of rebuild, your home can boast a staircase that looks brand new without the cost, inconvenience, and mess of a complete replacement.
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Visit our Inspiration Gallery and like the photos that inspire you. When you’re done, simply click on ‘See My Favourites’ to contact us through our portal.
We’ll get back to you to discuss your project and provide an accurate quotation within 24 hours, all without a visit to your home.
Alternatively, give us a call at +44 1782 959300 to get started right away!
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Following a quotation a qualified designer will visit your home to survey your staircase and discuss final detailing and design options.
One visit it all we need, the next people you see will be our installation team!
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After you've approved your installation drawings, we roll up our sleeves and start crafting. Some created by hand, while others benefit from cutting-edge production techniques.
We have a deep passion for creative woodworking
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Our unique French Polishing studio allows us to create a range of beautiful finishes to complement your home.
Not only protecting the timber but enhancing its natural beauty in a range of colours and textures.
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Our experienced Staffordshire-based installation team will breathe new life into old stairs—professionally and the first time around—over the course of the next 48 to 72 hours.
Our 5-step process to professionally refurbished stairs couldn’t be simpler.
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Explore our wide range of designs to bring your old staircase back to life
While some designs are specifically suited for new staircases, we offer a wide range of designs and ideas that truly push the boundaries of staircase transformations. Our designs are custom-made to perfectly fit each client's space, ensuring a tailored solution. Choose from our extensive selection or let your imagination run wild, creating a unique staircase design that reflects your personal style and vision.
Don’t see yourself as a designer? Our talented in-house team of design experts have an eye for all things aesthetic and will gladly assist you in choosing the best stair renovation options for your home.
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Why renovate an old staircase?
Refurbishing or renovating a staircase is a big decision. In addition to the financial burden, you also have to consider the inconvenience and disruption it will cause. On the flip side, a refreshed set of stairs comes with a host of benefits:
In the UK, staircase renovations must comply with both Building Regulations Approved Document K and potential Approved Document M.
First Step Designs offers nationwide staircase renovation services. Please reach out to our team today for a zero-cost and obligation-free assessment of what it would take to turn your existing stairs into an architectural masterpiece.
Embedded glass balustrades feature seamless and hidden fixings, sliding into pre-cut grooves in the base- and handrail. The balustrades are held in position by high-quality silicones for no movement. Embedded glass balustrades are better for clients seeking a minimalist or seamless build without visible clamps. These balustrades may be more expensive than clamped glass balustrades as the baserail design is more complex and requires additional labour during installation.
Clamped glass balustrades feature glass panels that are attached using stainless steel or aluminium clamps attached to the newel posts or handrails. They’re easier and cheaper to install and ideal for homeowners who prefer a modern or industrial look.
As a UK staircase industry leader, First Step Designs provides in-home measurements for all staircase renovations—ensuring peace of mind for both you and us.
Taking measurements for a new balustrade is a bit more complex than you might imagine. While there are tonnes of online resources available, including video walkthroughs, even the slightest mistake or miscalculation can lead to unsafe, unsightly, and poor-quality stairs.
If you’re working with a true professional, they won’t leave anything to chance and will insist on taking the measurements themselves. Be suspicious of a contractor that would take thousands of pounds from you without personally double-checking the measurements.
Using trigonometry, we can estimate the height and width of each treat based on the average tread size and the maximum riser height as outlined by UK building regulations. This allows us to provide accurate quotations. If you’re satisfied with our quote and wish to proceed, the First Step Designs surveying team will visit your property to present sames, share 3D visuals, and carry out a full technical survey of your staircase.
Yes, you can. This is actually more common than one might think, as balustrades are often one of the first staircase components to wear out, especially in older homes or homes with very active children who pull on them. It's important to note that the replacement newel posts, spindles, and handrails must comply with Building Regulations Approved Document K’s specifications for minimum height and spindle gap size.
The most common materials for staircase renovations are wood, metal and glass. Realistically, you can renovate a staircase with any staircase building material—it all comes down to your expectations and the renovation budget.
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we have to acknowledge the skills and expertise that professional staircase designers bring to the table. We recommend taking some time to find images of stairs that you like and discussing them with your design team.
Comments like ‘I love this type of balustrade’ or ‘this finish would go well with x, y, and z in my home’ help us immeasurably and guide us in creating 3D mock-ups of stairs that suit your style and home.
At First Step Designs, we know how crucial the right staircase is and encourage open, honest client feedback. We need you to love your stairs, not just like them!
Yes, it is. Staircases are the largest home feature in many homes, and they are both functional and a focal point. They’re the first thing you see when entering a home, and they immediately make a statement.
Upgrading your stairs gives you the chance to impress prospective buyers with designs that bring the whole interior aesthetic together, maximise the available space, and improve the home's safety and functionality. The right materials—high-quality oak, glass, or skilled ironmongery—can create the desired feeling of luxury that appeals to buyers.
While the entire project, from making first contact with the design team to the final post-renovation sweep-up, may take as few as 4 weeks and up to 8 to 10 weeks in busier periods, the actual installation is typically completed over 2-3 days. Minor renovations may be completed in as little as one day.
Bespoke staircase renovations can vary significantly in cost; however, most projects end up with a final bill of between £4,000 and £9,000. There are several factors that influence the final cost, including the design complexity, material choices, and installation difficulty. While prefabricated or commercially produced alternatives may be a cheaper option, they lack the uniqueness or high-quality craftsmanship bespoke staircase renovations offer.
If your stairs have become outdated or unsafe, or you wish to boost your home’s resale value, we strongly recommend speaking to expert designers who can help you make the right call for your home.
Consult our blog post, How Much Does a Staircase Renovation Cost, for a more detailed answer.
Let’s talk
Get in touch and let us show you how we can transform your home.
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Your hallway is destined to become the centrepiece of your home.
Enhance your entrance hallway by completely revamping it, turning the most substantial furniture piece in your residence into a captivating focal point. Our staircase renovation service guarantees the ideal "welcome home" greeting you've always desired.
Want to see more?
Check out our Projects and Case Studies to see how we can transform your home.