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First Steps Designs has been designing, building and installing bespoke central spine staircases in Staffordshire for over ten years. We work with Staffordshire homeowners to bring their home improvement visions to life—delivering central spine staircases that not only catch the eye but also enhance living spaces and boost property value.
In recent years, our commitment to excellence is increasingly being recognised. First Step Designs was featured on Grand Designs in 2023, and we won Best Staircase at the 2024 Built It Awards. By choosing First Step Designs, you can trust that you’re working with the best.
We don’t believe in stock staircases—every element is custom-designed and fabricated to meet your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. The spines for our central spine staircases are laser-cut for precision before being meticulously crafted for a seamless finish. The result? An architectural masterpiece of a staircase that looks truly at home in your home.
If you’re considering installing a central spine staircase or are simply looking for more information, reach out to us for a discussion with zero obligations. To build you the perfect staircase, we need to hear exactly what you want. Then we can bring it to life!
Your home is unique—your staircase should be, too. That means nothing stock, everything bespoke.
Designing, building, and installing staircases comes with a unique set of challenges that require experience and expertise to do properly and in a lasting fashion. First Step Designs uses high-precision engineering and fabrication practices to ensure safety and stability and proper structural load-bearing capabilities for safety and the perfect fit.
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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.
Central spine staircases are works of art. They have a commanding presence, adding to or enhancing the character and personality of any living space. Their sleek aesthetic creates an almost hovering effect when expertly fabricated, granting further elegance and grace. With the right detailing and finishing, there is nothing quite like a central spine staircase.
Homes with elements designed to create an open-plan flow—floor-to-ceiling glass windows or walls or wide, sweeping views—are perfect for central spine staircases. They don’t require wall-mounted anchor points, unlike floating staircases, for example, and can be positioned to further enhance your home’s uninterrupted, minimalistic feel.
Smaller homes benefit greatly from central spine staircases, too. A staircase that is open from all angles that does not block any space other than what it needs, saving precious living space and makes the room feel bigger, airier, and brighter.
First Step Design central spine staircases are almost endlessly customisable! When going through the design process with our team, you can pick from various materials, tread styles, shapes, and finishes that match your vision. Plus, we 3D render each staircase we plan to build so you get the most realistic preview possible.
Check out our inspiration gallery for examples from previous First Step Design Clients to get your creative juices flowing. Take in every detail and element because when it comes to your own version, the world is your oyster!
Every central spine staircase we’ve built is safe. We understand the unique engineering principles of building high-quality, reliable staircase installations and use cutting-edge technology and equipment to achieve them. Computer-aided design (CAD), laser-precision cutting, and modern welding methods only increase our confidence in our staircases' performance and safety.
Minimalistic staircases, like central spine staircases or floating staircases, may appear less safe to the eye but remain tightly regulated by Building Regulations. Elements like non-slip tread fittings or texturing can help you feel safer, too.
At First Step Designs, we’ve designed, fabricated, and installed central spine staircases of all materials, including wood, steel, glass, stone, and concrete. The spine is almost always built from steel for maximum structural integrity, while treads are typically crafted from a range of hardwoods we can also offer other solutions such as stone, concrete, glass and many others! Most of our clients choose central spine staircases for their sleek, minimalist aesthetic, so steel, glass, or wood are the most common materials.
Let’s deal with the small disadvantages first (because there are only two!)
Central spine staircases are more expensive because they require a more involved design and fabrication process than alternatives. Rest assured, the results are worth the increased cost, but it’s a given that they will always be slightly pricier.
Secondly, central spine staircases generally have a larger footprint. They are not hidden away on the sides of living spaces – that’s not their point! If you’re considering an installation, speak to a member of our team who can help you ensure your staircase is as space-efficient as possible whilst complying with building regulations.
On the positive side, a central spine staircase is a simply stunning addition to your home. They are unrivalled in homes with a modern design, with open plan, flowing living spaces. They command attention and discussion, appear floating from certain angles, and can be customised to add even more gravitas. Open tread designs, for example, bring in even more natural light and add to the depth and freedom of your home.
Staircases come in all shapes and sizes, but few match the elegance of a central spine staircase. The steps receive structural support from a central beam – or spine – which runs on an angle from top to bottom. This means no wall mounts or stringers are required to reinforce the installation. Wall-mounted staircases may be simpler in design and function, but a custom-built central spine staircase takes things to the next level.
