With summer just on the horizon, many of us are longing for those juicy barbecues and the smell of freshly cut grass. And as Minnesotans prepare for those relaxing days ahead, you may be wondering whether renovating your deck space with a spiral staircase will enhance the look and function of your outdoor living area.
Whether or not you plan to extend your outdoor space independently or hire a professional deck building company to install it on your behalf, you’ll want to have a plan in place to ensure a solid and safe foundation for friends and family to gather and enjoy your backyard deck or patio.
In this week’s post, we’ll help you plan your outdoor space by dissecting the many different elements that make up a spiral staircase. And after learning about all the components involved—along with some standard measurements and preferences needed—you can then hop over to UglyDeck.com’s online stairbuilder to customize your spiral staircase and have it installed by us in time for summer.
Dissecting a Spiral Staircase by Sections
Structural Dimensions & Preferences
Height: The height refers to the “total height” of the staircase—from deck to ground—and is commonly measured in inches. The number of steps (or treads) in your staircase is determined by this same height measurement. Some standard measurements of staircases and tread numbers are listed below, but professional deck builders, like UglyDeck.com, can even customize larger or smaller staircases if you contact us with your preferences:
- 88” – 95 ¼” height (9 treads)
- 95 ¼” – 104 ½” height (10 treads)
- 104 ¾” – 114” height (11 treads)
- 114 ¼” – 123” height (12 treads)
- 123 ¾” – 133” height (13 treads)
- 133 ¼” – 142 ½” height (14 treads)
Column Extension: This is the center column, but the extension component is located at the bottom of the column (pole). An extension is made so that the concrete footing in the ground can be lowered, making it invisible at the top of the ground. Homeowners then have the option to put a finish—pavers/rock/mulch over the top—if the footing is dropped down 4” or so. This gives the staircase a cleaner, more finished look.
Diameter: Since your staircase is circular, the diameter will be the total width of your staircase. Be sure to consider the area of the deck you want to install the stairs before deciding on your desired width. Some common diameter widths that UglyDeck.com include
- 48”
- 54”
- 60”
- 66”
- 72”
Material Type: Because your spiral staircase is outdoors, you’ll want to use durable material to protect it from seasonal changes and harsh Minnesota winters. Two common, durable, and weather-resistant materials that always do the trick are steel and aluminum.
Color: There are many unique color options and combinations available to you when you choose UglyDeck.com for spiral staircase installation. We’ll help you design a spiral staircase that is truly tailored to your needs, style, and preferences. To give you an idea of your color options, check out our list below:
- Dark Bronze
- Satin Black
- White Satin
- Textured Black
- Sand
- Silver Sparkle
- Light Pewter
- Dark Pewter
Stairway Preferences
Stair Rotation: Rotation refers to the direction you want your spiral staircase to turn. Imagine yourself at the top of the stairway looking down. Which direction do you want your staircase to go?
- Down-right rotation (i.e. clockwise)
- Down-left rotation (i.e. counter-clockwise)
Step Tread Surface: This component allows you to customize the surface of your steps to add style and functionality. There are two-standard styles of tread surfaces:
Frame Only: The framework/support of the tread that allows you to put whichever tread decking material you choose.
Checkerplate: A metal finish with little raised metal traction pieces.
Riser: Think of the riser as the “backsplash” to the step; it is the space between steps. Some people prefer to keep them open, while others may decide to customize it. Contact UglyDeck.com to learn more about this option.
Spindle Style: Spindles, also known as balusters, add style and flair to your staircase, while also providing some added safety. The spindles span from the handrail to the steps, and there are two common styles of spindles: square and round.
Platform Preferences
Platform Style: The platform is the extension of your deck that acts as the top landing of your staircase, where you enter or exit the stairway. Platforms can be different thicknesses and styles.
Let UglyDeck.Com Help You Customize Your Spiral Staircase
Our professional deck-building team is here to help simplify the process and customize your staircase, while ensuring that it meets both building and safety requirements.
Check out our photo gallery to get inspiration and ideas for your upcoming spiral staircase installation. You’ll get an idea of how to execute your personal style, while seeing some of the spiral staircases we have installed and created for many satisfied customers. Also, be sure to check out our amazing stairbuilder feature, where you can customize all the components we discussed above to build your very own spiral staircase. For more information, contact us today, and let us help you enhance your deck with an outdoor spiral staircase!
