How To Build Spiral Stairs: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Home Maintenance
• Floors and Stairs

How to Build Spiral Stairs Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Planning the Layout of Your Staircase 2 Installing the Center Column 3 Assembling the Steps and Other Components Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Andrew Peters

Last Updated: January 5, 2025 References

Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Andrew Peters. Andrew Peters is an Architecture and Construction Specialist and a Principal at Peters Design-Build, a full service architecture and construction firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew specializes in sustainable and holistic design and building practices. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Accredited Professional. He served as Project Manager for the international-award-winning “Refract House,” Team California’s entry in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, a project featured in over 600 online and print articles. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 296,315 times.

Spiral staircases are eye-catching, aesthetic features fit for any gorgeous home. And if you're looking to build one in your space, you've come to the right place! We'll teach. you how to plan the layout, install the column, and build the stairs around it. Read on for a complete guide.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Planning the Layout of Your Staircase

Download Article

1. 1 Designate an unused corner or open, central area for your staircase. Pick out a spot between two floors of your home or building that you think would make a good location for a spiral staircase. Spiral staircases tend to work best in tight spaces and parts of the room that don’t receive heavy foot traffic, such as corners. Beyond that, where you put your staircase is entirely up to you.[1]
   • You might situate your spiral staircase in your home's foyer, or in a downstairs living room, open hallway, multi-level garage, or another suitable area.
   • Before you get started on your project, consult your local building codes and see what criteria they contain about spiral staircases. In some cases, building codes might dictate that staircases satisfy specific spatial dimensions, including width.[2]
2. 2 Measure from floor to floor to find the height of your staircase. Extend a measuring tape from ground-level on the lower floor to ground-level on the upper floor (or vice-versa). Write down the measurement you get to the nearest 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm). This number will tell you exactly how high your staircase needs to be.[3]
   • If one or both floors are carpeted, be sure to start your measurement from the underlying solid flooring rather than the top of the carpet, as this is the surface you’ll be building on.[4]
   Advertisement
3. 3 Give your staircase a minimum diameter of 26 inches (66 cm). Generally speaking, the wider your staircase is, the better it will look and the safer it will be. The total diameter of your spiral staircase, however, may be limited by the amount of space you have available. Ideally, you want your treads, or steps, to be at least 26 inches (66 cm) across in order to provide as much security and ease of navigation as possible.
   • Plan on adding at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) to the chosen diameter of your staircase to ensure adequate finger clearance along the outer handrail.[5]
   • Your spiral staircase may need to be a certain minimum width if it’s to serve as the main stairway for your home. For more information on stairway diameters or other safety considerations, consult your local building inspector or talk to a qualified contractor.[6]
4. 4 Make sure your treads are at least 7.5 inches (19 cm) deep on center. According to national building codes in the U.S., the minimum tread depth for a spiral staircase is 7.5 inches (19 cm) at a point 12 inches (30 cm) from each tread’s narrow end. This means that if you want your treads to be 36 inches (91 cm) wide, they’ll need to be at least 7.5 inches (19 cm) deep at the inside of the middle section. Make a note of this as you’re outlining your staircase’s individual dimensions.[7]
   • Remember that building codes (and therefore minimum required tread depths) may differ from place to place. To avoid costly errors, it’s always a good idea to check before you build.
   • Unlike ordinary stair treads, the treads on a spiral staircase taper on the interior edge where they attach to the central support column.
5. 5 Calculate the exact number and spacing of your steps. Divide the height of your staircase (in inches) by 7, which is the ideal rise, or amount of vertical distance between each step, for most staircases. Round that number to the nearest whole step, then divide the height once again by your total number of steps to figure out how much distance you’ll need to leave between each step.[8]
   • For a planned staircase that’s going to be 96 inches (240 cm) high, you would divide 96 by 7 to get 13.71, or 14 steps. You would then divide 96 by 14 to conclude that each step should be placed 6.85 inches (17.4 cm) apart.
   • Each step of your staircase also needs to offer a minimum of 6 ft (1.8 m), 6 in (15 cm) of headroom in order to meet national building codes.

   Tip: You may need to add or subtract a step from your plans if your local building codes prescribe a certain minimum or maximum step height.

6. 6 Draft a detailed building plan for your spiral staircase. Now that you’ve worked out the necessary dimensions for your staircase, sketch them out on a piece of paper. This will give you a handy visual aid that you can refer back to during the construction process. Be sure to label your plans with all of the important measurements, including the height and diameter of the staircase, the exact number of steps, and the optimal depth and spacing of each tread.[9]
   • Double-check your plans to confirm that they’re as complete and precise as possible. Making a mistake in the planning phase could end up costing you time and money once you actually begin building.
7. 7 Consider purchasing a modular spiral stairway kit for ease of assembly. Most spiral staircases aren’t built from the ground up. Instead, they’re assembled from modular kits, which come in a variety of dimensions, materials, and styles. If you just want to add an attractive spiral staircase to your living space without the painstaking work of measuring, cutting, and configuring each component yourself, a modular kit is the way to go.[10]
   • Modular kits come complete with everything that you need to put your staircase together, along with full, detailed instructions to guide you through the assembly process from beginning to end.
   • Modular spiral staircase kits can range in price from as low as $1,000 to $100,000 or more.

   Tip: Compare different options online on the websites of major home improvement centers, or search for businesses in your area that specialize in manufacturing modular staircase kits.

Advertisement

Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Installing the Center Column

Download Article

1. 1 Mark the location of your center column using a plumb bob. A plumb bob is a type of tool used to check vertical building lines. Suspend the plumb bob by hand from a point directly above where you want the center column to go. The tool's weighted end will cause the attached cord to form a straight line from top to bottom. When the bob stops swaying, mark the indicated spot on the floor of the lower level with a pencil.[11]
   • If you’re installing your staircase in an area with carpet, hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring, you’ll need to remove the flooring materials in order to expose and mark the subfloor underneath. Anchoring the center column of your staircase directly to the subfloor will help ensure maximum stability.
2. 2 Cut a section of steel pipe to serve as your center column. Schedule 40 pipe with a 3–3.5 in (7.6–8.9 cm) diameter will work well for most projects. Mark the intended height of your staircase on the edge of the pipe, then use a circular saw equipped with a carbon-steel saw blade or a rotary tool with a grinding disc to cut it to size.[12]
   • All-wood staircases may be constructed around a wooden post rather than a metal pipe.
   • If you opted for a modular spiral staircase kit, it will include a center column that’s been prefabricated to a length that matches the specifications of your home.
3. 3 Anchor the center column to the subfloor using a wood or steel plate. To make your own base plate, cut a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) sheet of wood into a 12 in (30 cm) x 12 in (30 cm) square, then drill a 7⁄16 in (1.1 cm) hole in each corner to make room for 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) wood screws or concrete anchor bolts. Drive a screw or bolt through each hole and into the subfloor to fasten the base plate and hold the center column in place.[13]
   • If you haven't already, pull up the flooring material in your work area to gain access to the subfloor.
   • Alternatively, you can purchase a premade steel base plate sized to fit your center column. These typically have slots for screws or bolts molded right into them.
   • In order to guarantee that your center column will support the weight of both the completed staircase and its future occupants, it’s important that you secure it directly to a floor joist or undamaged section of concrete subflooring.[14]
Advertisement

Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Assembling the Steps and Other Components

Download Article

1. 1 Trim a series of stair tread blanks to the necessary dimensions. Head down to your local home improvement center and purchase a set of stair tread blanks in your preferred material and finish. Make sure you have enough raw material to fashion the number of steps you calculated while planning your layout. Cut your treads using a bandsaw, remembering that they need to be at least 7.5 inches (19 cm) deep 12 inches (30 cm) inward from the narrow end.[15]
   • It’s a good idea to pick up 2-3 extra blanks in case you make a mistake while cutting your first couple treads.
   • If you plan on building an all-wood staircase, you’ll also be responsible for cutting your own stringers, balusters, handrails, and optional risers, all of which will require extensive woodworking expertise.[16]

   Tip: Creating a reusable paper template can make measuring and cutting identical stair treads much easier.

2. 2 Use premade metal treads to simplify placement and installation. Premade treads are measured and shaped in accordance with national building codes, which means they can save you considerable time and labor. You can install them as-is, or top them with wooden covers in the same shape and size for a more natural look.[17]
   • There are many companies that manufacture premade treads designed specifically for spiral staircases.
   • If you’re working with a modular staircase kit, it should come with premade treads, tread covers, and spacers.
3. 3 Arrange your treads around the center column in an overlapping pattern. Make sure that the front edge of every next tread hangs over the back edge of the previous tread by about 1 in (2.5 cm). This will provide a comfortable amount of foot room while ensuring that the stairs are safe to walk on. Position and secure each of your treads one at a time to complete the spiral formation at the upper-level landing.[18]
   • Fasten wooden treads by cutting a neck into the narrow end and screwing or bolting them to the center column. Depending on the style, you might anchor the wider ends to the outer stair stringer, as well.
   • Most premade metal treads are designed to be slid over the center column and tightened down. Some kits include alternating spacers to eliminate the guesswork involved in getting every step exactly the same distance apart.[19]
4. 4 Attached a handrail to offer added stability to your staircase. Your modular kit should come with either a pre-curved handrail or a straight length of material with directions for cutting and shaping. Crafting a helical handrail from scratch is more difficult. The quickest way to do it is to shape a length of steel or another flexible metal manually by feeding it through a roller.[20]
   • Unless you’re skilled in metalworking and have access to specialized machinery, you’ll probably find it easiest to just purchase a handrail or have one made to your precise specifications.
   • Another common option for fabricating wooden handrails is to cut short curved sections from multiple pieces of wood.[21]
5. 5 Install balusters between the treads and handrail at regular intervals. If you’re fashioning your own staircase components, you can drill holes every 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) into the outer edges of the treads themselves or adjacent stringers to fit your balusters of choice. With a modular kit, all you have to do is screw the rod-like pieces into their designated slots in the assembly. Once that's done, your spiral staircase will be complete![22]
   • Check to make sure all of your balusters are secure. A loose baluster is an accident waiting to happen!
   • Balusters are a functional touch as well as a decorative one—they enclose the sides of the staircase, which helps to prevent falls and other mishaps.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How do I decide the dimensions for the steps? Andrew Peters Architecture & Construction Specialist Andrew Peters is an Architecture and Construction Specialist and a Principal at Peters Design-Build, a full service architecture and construction firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew specializes in sustainable and holistic design and building practices. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Accredited Professional. He served as Project Manager for the international-award-winning “Refract House,” Team California’s entry in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, a project featured in over 600 online and print articles. Andrew Peters Architecture & Construction Specialist Expert Answer That depends on the local building codes for spiral staircases where you live—and keep in mind that the use of the staircase may dictate the dimensions. The codes can be super complex, so the best thing to do is to talk to your local building inspector before you build. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

• The average minimum cost of a prefabricated metal staircase is around $3,000. It may cost more or less to build a staircase yourself, depending on your chosen style and size and the specific materials used.[23] Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Building a spiral staircase from the ground up is totally doable for homeowners with construction experience, but it’s far from a weekend project. If you’re not confident in your ability to do the job on your own, consider hiring a qualified contractor. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
• A contractor or consultant can also offer valuable advice on important considerations like where to put your staircase, how big it should be, and what styles and materials might best complement the look of your home. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toBuild Stairs How toBuild Deck Stairs How toBuild Concrete Steps How toCut Stair Stringers How toMeasure Stair Stringers How to Figure Out the Dimensions of a Staircase How toInstall Wood Stairs Guide to Building a Brick Column: Footing, Courses, & Capstone How toBuild a Handrail How to Build Porch Steps for Your Deck or Porch How toBuild Bunk Bed Stairs How toClose Stairs How toFrame a Floor How toBuild a Deck Around an Above Ground Pool Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-PULbtlpU&feature=youtu.be&t=35
2. ↑ https://www.askthebuilder.com/spiral-stairs/
3. ↑ https://extremehowto.com/diy-spiral-stairs/
4. ↑ http://jself.com/stair/Stair.htm
5. ↑ http://jself.com/stair/Stair.htm
6. ↑ Andrew Peters. Architecture & Construction Specialist. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://extremehowto.com/build-a-spiral-staircase/
8. ↑ https://extremehowto.com/build-a-spiral-staircase/
9. ↑ http://jself.com/stair/Stair.htm

More References (14)

10. ↑ https://extremehowto.com/diy-spiral-stairs/
11. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/495-the-plumb-bob/
12. ↑ http://jself.com/stair/Stair.htm
13. ↑ https://extremehowto.com/build-a-spiral-staircase/
14. ↑ https://www.askthebuilder.com/spiral-stairs/
15. ↑ http://jself.com/stair/Stair.htm
16. ↑ http://jself.com/stair/Stair.htm
17. ↑ https://extremehowto.com/diy-spiral-stairs/
18. ↑ https://extremehowto.com/build-a-spiral-staircase/
19. ↑ https://www.theironshop.com/wp-content/uploads/IS_Metal_Install_Manual.pdf
20. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByaINadFdQ&feature=youtu.be&t=107
21. ↑ http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Creating_a_Spiral_Staircase_Handrail.html
22. ↑ http://jself.com/stair/Stair.htm
23. ↑ https://www.thumbtack.com/p/staircase-remodel-cost

About This Article

Co-authored by: Andrew Peters Architecture & Construction Specialist This article was co-authored by Andrew Peters. Andrew Peters is an Architecture and Construction Specialist and a Principal at Peters Design-Build, a full service architecture and construction firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew specializes in sustainable and holistic design and building practices. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Accredited Professional. He served as Project Manager for the international-award-winning “Refract House,” Team California’s entry in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, a project featured in over 600 online and print articles. This article has been viewed 296,315 times. 14 votes - 82% Co-authors: 15 Updated: January 5, 2025 Views: 296,315 Categories: Floors and Stairs Article SummaryX

The easiest way to build a spiral staircase is to get a modular spiral stairway kit that you can assemble together. If you’d prefer to make your own, sketch out a plan so that your staircase has a minimum diameter of 26 inches and treads that are at least 7.5 inches deep. When you’re ready to build, you’ll need to cut some steel pipe for your center column and then anchor it in place with a wood or steel plate. With the center column secure, decide whether you want to trim your own stair tread blanks or get premade ones. Once you have your treads, you should arrange them around the column so that the front edge of every next tread hangs over the back of the previous one by about an inch. To then add more stability, attach a premade handrail to your staircase. For more tips, including how to install balusters between the treads of your spiral staircase, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 296,315 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Philip Y.

  Oct 4, 2024

  "Yes, sometimes it is difficult to understand some points on staircase construction, but with your teachings, I..." more

Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Andrew Peters Architecture & Construction Specialist Co-authors: 15 Updated: January 5, 2025 Views: 296,315 82% of readers found this article helpful. 14 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote

Philip Y.

Oct 4, 2024

"Yes, sometimes it is difficult to understand some points on staircase construction, but with your teachings, I..." more Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizHow Much Do I Know About Space QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizCollege Grad Intelligence Test: Can You Score An A+?Take Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toBuild StairsHow toBuild Deck StairsHow toBuild Concrete StepsHow toCut Stair Stringers

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestHow toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz

Featured Articles

200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz

Watch Articles

How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

How Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Would Go On My House Crest QuizTake QuizQuick IQ TestTake QuizWhat Tattoo Matches My Personality QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Home Maintenance
• Floors and Stairs

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --624