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trying out small-diameter spiral staircases?
Question:
> I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > before I commit to it.
With 4′, think elevator.
Response:
"JerryMouse"> wrote > "g pavlov"> wrote > I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > before I commit to it. > With 4′, think elevator.
With elevator, think $10k.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > "JerryMouse"> wrote >"g pavlov"> wrote >>I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft >>renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small >>diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a >>spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one >>before I commit to it. >With 4′, think elevator. > With elevator, think $10k.
At least… Matt
Response:
"Matthew S. Whiting"> wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "JerryMouse"> wrote >>"g pavlov"> wrote >>>I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft >>>renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small >>>diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a >>>spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one >>>before I commit to it. >>With 4′, think elevator. > With elevator, think $10k. > At least…
That’s my client ballpark figure, per floor.
Response:
Check out the "miraculous staircase" at the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, NM. It is a 20 foot spiral staircase with two 360 degree turns and no center support, screws or nails.. There was no space to build stairs to a loft, so the nuns prayed and someone showed up and built the staircase and then disappeared. — Herb Boulder, CO
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "Matthew S. Whiting"> wrote > > "JerryMouse"> wrote > >>"g pavlov"> wrote > >>>I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > >>>renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > >>>diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > >>>spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > >>>before I commit to it. > >>With 4′, think elevator. > > With elevator, think $10k. > At least… > That’s my client ballpark figure, per floor.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > before I commit to it. The problem is that I can’t find a > maker/reseller in my area with an installed spiral in their > showroom/shop that I can try. They all want to mail brochures, send > salespeople to "discuss my needs", etc., but I think that’s a waste of > time without first getting a feel for something as particular as a > spiral stair. > So my questions on the practical side are: > 1. Any experience on living with a small-diameter spiral, esp. with > small children; > 2. Any San Francisco Bay area (+ 200-300 miles) places to try spiral > stairs? (Stair builders’ showrooms, public spaces with installed > stairs, people who have built/installed their own and are willing to > share.) > On the ‘philosophical’ side: > How do these spiral stair vendors stay in business? Do people really > put down thousands of dollars for a spiral stair sight unseen (or > tread untrod)? Isn’t it cheaper and better marketing to have a stair > installed in your shop to show clients than sending a "needs > consultant" to my home? > Cheers! > George
I lived in an apartment with a spiral staircase to the loft bedroom,and getting furniture up there was NOT FUN. — Jim Yanik,NRA member remove X to contact me
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > before I commit to it. The problem is that I can’t find a > maker/reseller in my area with an installed spiral in their > showroom/shop that I can try. They all want to mail brochures, send > salespeople to "discuss my needs", etc., but I think that’s a waste of > time without first getting a feel for something as particular as a > spiral stair. > So my questions on the practical side are: > 1. Any experience on living with a small-diameter spiral, esp. with > small children; > 2. Any San Francisco Bay area (+ 200-300 miles) places to try spiral > stairs? (Stair builders’ showrooms, public spaces with installed > stairs, people who have built/installed their own and are willing to > share.) > On the ‘philosophical’ side: > How do these spiral stair vendors stay in business? Do people really > put down thousands of dollars for a spiral stair sight unseen (or > tread untrod)? Isn’t it cheaper and better marketing to have a stair > installed in your shop to show clients than sending a "needs > consultant" to my home? > Cheers! > George
think about how an emt is going to get a backboard with patient strapped to it down it.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > before I commit to it. The problem is that I can’t find a > maker/reseller in my area with an installed spiral in their > showroom/shop that I can try. They all want to mail brochures, send > salespeople to "discuss my needs", etc., but I think that’s a waste of > time without first getting a feel for something as particular as a > spiral stair. > So my questions on the practical side are: > 1. Any experience on living with a small-diameter spiral, esp. with > small children; > 2. Any San Francisco Bay area (+ 200-300 miles) places to try spiral > stairs? (Stair builders’ showrooms, public spaces with installed > stairs, people who have built/installed their own and are willing to > share.) > On the ‘philosophical’ side: > How do these spiral stair vendors stay in business? Do people really > put down thousands of dollars for a spiral stair sight unseen (or > tread untrod)? Isn’t it cheaper and better marketing to have a stair > installed in your shop to show clients than sending a "needs > consultant" to my home?
The residential code will probably place a lot of dimension minimums on your design. You may want to investigate what you may be required to do with your local enforcement agency. Sincerely, Donald Lee Phillips, Jr., P.E. Worthington Engineering, Inc. 145 Greenglade Avenue Worthington, OH 43085-2264 (remove NS to use the address) 614.937.0463 voice 208.975.1011 fax http://worthingtonengineering.com
Response:
I have one with a 5′ diameter (was already there when we bought) and is barely enough for short sized, slim people. For small children can be an excitment but is also a danger. Consider also how difficult (impossible?) carrying heavy stuff (furniture, a mattress, a TV set, an armachair..) up and down can get . I would have no problem letting you climb up and down mine, but I live too far away from the Bay Area – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > before I commit to it. The problem is that I can’t find a > maker/reseller in my area with an installed spiral in their > showroom/shop that I can try. They all want to mail brochures, send > salespeople to "discuss my needs", etc., but I think that’s a waste of > time without first getting a feel for something as particular as a > spiral stair. > So my questions on the practical side are: > 1. Any experience on living with a small-diameter spiral, esp. with > small children; > 2. Any San Francisco Bay area (+ 200-300 miles) places to try spiral > stairs? (Stair builders’ showrooms, public spaces with installed > stairs, people who have built/installed their own and are willing to > share.) > On the ‘philosophical’ side: > How do these spiral stair vendors stay in business? Do people really > put down thousands of dollars for a spiral stair sight unseen (or > tread untrod)? Isn’t it cheaper and better marketing to have a stair > installed in your shop to show clients than sending a "needs > consultant" to my home? > Cheers! > George
Response:
Its easy to fall on a spiral, easier to fall with a small diameter. I imagine a 4′ spiral is comparable to climbing a ladder…umph. Before you buy, do whatever you have to to try one out. I never spec less than a 6 footer on my plans.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > before I commit to it. The problem is that I can’t find a > maker/reseller in my area with an installed spiral in their > showroom/shop that I can try. They all want to mail brochures, send > salespeople to "discuss my needs", etc., but I think that’s a waste of > time without first getting a feel for something as particular as a > spiral stair. > So my questions on the practical side are: > 1. Any experience on living with a small-diameter spiral, esp. with > small children; > 2. Any San Francisco Bay area (+ 200-300 miles) places to try spiral > stairs? (Stair builders’ showrooms, public spaces with installed > stairs, people who have built/installed their own and are willing to > share.) > On the ‘philosophical’ side: > How do these spiral stair vendors stay in business? Do people really > put down thousands of dollars for a spiral stair sight unseen (or > tread untrod)? Isn’t it cheaper and better marketing to have a stair > installed in your shop to show clients than sending a "needs > consultant" to my home? > Cheers! > George
Response:
Hi, I had one about that size in my last house as a result of sun room addition on top of attached double garage. I had one made and installed for acess from sunken main floor family room. My kids were toddlers then. They just loved it. I had one made from local wrought iron crafter. In late 80’s it cost me ~2K CAD. (1.5K USD now?) They brought it on a crane mounted truck, swung it over the back yard fence and thru my family room patio doors, ready to be installed. Pre-done everything, painting, carpet on steps, etc. Little tight but it was functional. Tony – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft > renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small > diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a > spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one > before I commit to it. The problem is that I can’t find a > maker/reseller in my area with an installed spiral in their > showroom/shop that I can try. They all want to mail brochures, send > salespeople to "discuss my needs", etc., but I think that’s a waste of > time without first getting a feel for something as particular as a > spiral stair. > So my questions on the practical side are: > 1. Any experience on living with a small-diameter spiral, esp. with > small children; > 2. Any San Francisco Bay area (+ 200-300 miles) places to try spiral > stairs? (Stair builders’ showrooms, public spaces with installed > stairs, people who have built/installed their own and are willing to > share.) > On the ‘philosophical’ side: > How do these spiral stair vendors stay in business? Do people really > put down thousands of dollars for a spiral stair sight unseen (or > tread untrod)? Isn’t it cheaper and better marketing to have a stair > installed in your shop to show clients than sending a "needs > consultant" to my home? > Cheers! > George
Response:
I am considering a spiral staircase as an option for an attic/loft renovation. The space I have would probably allow only for a small diameter (4′, maybe 4.5′), which exacerbates all the drawbacks of a spiral staircase, so I think I want to see and walk up and down one before I commit to it. The problem is that I can’t find a maker/reseller in my area with an installed spiral in their showroom/shop that I can try. They all want to mail brochures, send salespeople to "discuss my needs", etc., but I think that’s a waste of time without first getting a feel for something as particular as a spiral stair. So my questions on the practical side are: 1. Any experience on living with a small-diameter spiral, esp. with small children; 2. Any San Francisco Bay area (+ 200-300 miles) places to try spiral stairs? (Stair builders’ showrooms, public spaces with installed stairs, people who have built/installed their own and are willing to share.) On the ‘philosophical’ side: How do these spiral stair vendors stay in business? Do people really put down thousands of dollars for a spiral stair sight unseen (or tread untrod)? Isn’t it cheaper and better marketing to have a stair installed in your shop to show clients than sending a "needs consultant" to my home? Cheers! George