Stair Formats

For a no-nonsense staircase with straight lines and a minimal footprint, a switchback stair design is an ideal choice. Also referred to as a u-shaped or scissor stair, this design features at least two flights positioned 180 degrees from each other, separated by a landing. It offers a compact and efficient layout, comparable to a tight spiral staircase but with shorter, stacked flights that are better suited to internal fit-outs than extended straight flights.

Right-angle stairs, also known as L-shaped stairs, are space-efficient and visually appealing options for offices. These stairs make effective use of the space underneath while adding a sleek, modern touch to interiors. Right-angle stairs provide a visual barrier between two floors, enhancing privacy. The central landing featured in L-shaped stairs improves safety by reducing the number of continuous treads compared to straight stairs.

The straight flight staircase is one of the simplest and most straightforward designs. However, its application is limited to configurations with a maximum of 18 treads, ensuring compliance with safety and design standards.

In the case that a staircase exceeds 18 treads, a mid-landing must be introduced to comply with NCC requirements. The mid-landing should be at least 750mm in length, which increases the overall stair length and the required slab penetration cut. To optimise space, a switchback design is often preferred in such situations.

This feature is often employed to create a broader flow zone for movement of people, or to simply make the stair feel more inviting. It is particularly effective in addressing width constraints at the top of the staircase by widening the area, creating a more accommodating and spacious appearance. This design element can be seamlessly integrated into any style of stair.

While depicted here with a straight flight, the plinth can be integrated into any stair design. It is commonly incorporated with joinery elements, raised floor areas, and, in some cases, used creatively to create casual meeting zones or similar spaces. Essentially, the plinth serves as a landing zone, allowing for a straight flight to continue from this point.

A curved staircase features a broad, sweeping arc that offers a sense of openness and elegance, often serving as a striking architectural feature. It can either stand as a bold focal point or seamlessly integrate with the building's design to enhance its overall aesthetic.

A true spiral staircase typically features a central column from which the structure radiates, while a helical staircase follows a freeform shape and usually includes a balustrade on both sides. Despite these differences, the term "spiral" is commonly used for both styles. Often chosen as a space-saving solution, both helical and spiral stairs require careful design to meet standards for compliance.

Floating stairs, typically cantilevered from an adjoining wall, create a striking, modern aesthetic by minimising visible supports. Ideal for both commercial and residential spaces, they offer functionality and style, especially when paired with glass and minimalist components.

The switchback stair, also referred to as a scissor stair, is a widely used style in commercial buildings and fitouts due to its space efficiency. This design features cantilevered steps, with no supports beneath or above the landing, relying solely on the rigidity of the structure itself. Its effectiveness also hinges on the strength and stability of the attachment points at each floor.

This design includes support structures beneath the landing, which can be configured with multiple individual posts or a single central post for added stability. The choice between these options allows for flexibility in achieving the desired aesthetic and structural strength.

This design incorporates supports that extend downward from the slab above to the landing below. This approach is typically employed to eliminate obstructions beneath the landing, maximising the usable space below.

This design is a popular variation of the switchback or scissor staircase, often featuring cantilevered or post-supported structures. Its irregularly shaped landings offer opportunities for creative expression, allowing for the inclusion of elegant curved or semi-circular landings that enhance the overall aesthetic.

Stainless steel handrails are unmatched in durability, offering greater strength than timber due to their higher tensile strength and resistance to rust and weathering. While stainless steel resists most contaminants, it can corrode from exposure to salt and acids, but protective treatments like electropolishing or MicroShield coating can improve longevity, especially for outdoor installations.

Stainless steel handrails are often finished with a mirror polish, offering a sleek, high-gloss appearance. While requiring more upkeep to prevent finger marks, they enhance the right design with striking visual appeal.

Brass handrails are typically installed with a satin polished finish when clients desire the brass to age naturally, often in coastal properties or outdoor settings. While the satin finish allows the brass to develop a unique patina over time, it is more prone to visible fingerprints and is difficult to clean. To help maintain its appearance, a microwax coating is applied after installation.

Brass handrails with an aged patina are ideal for high-quality and heritage environments, offering a colour range from honey to black-bronze. Over time, brass will naturally age and the colour will shift, though the patina finish is resistant to hand marks and only requires periodic maintenance with microwax reapplications.

Brass handrails with a mirror-polished finish are a classic choice, commonly found in older hotels, banks, and heritage buildings. They maintain their elegance over time, with handprints and marks easily removed through regular polishing. It is recommended not to lacquer the surface.

Handrails can be custom-painted to seamlessly blend with the overall design, offering a variety of colour options. The paint is applied using an electrostatic process, ensuring a smooth and flawless finish, comparable to powder coating. The gloss level can be tailored, ranging from satin to high gloss. These handrails can be crafted from either stainless steel or mild steel, providing versatility in both style and durability.

Timber handrails can be crafted from a variety of hardwoods, perfectly complementing the timbers used in the overall project. For a low-maintenance, easy-care option, an oiled finish is highly recommended.

Timber handrails with a lime wash finish are a timeless and durable choice, often paired with matching finishes like Tasmanian Oak to create a seamless feel. Their natural beauty, density, and weight make them ideal for various environments, offering both sophistication and lasting strength.

Timber handrails with a stained finish are a sought-after option for their ability to complement the natural beauty of wood while offering a sophisticated, uniform look. This choice is especially popular when the handrails are paired with flooring that has a matching or complementary stain, creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic throughout the space.

Leather handrails are a premium alternative and can be produced in a wide range of styles and colours. Leather selection should be made by the designer from a mainstream supplier prior to quotation requests.

Leather handrails are a premium alternative and can be produced in a wide range of styles and colours. Leather selection should be made by the designer from a mainstream supplier prior to quotation requests.

LED handrail lights are a modern, sleek solution that enhances staircase visibility and safety while adding style to contemporary interiors. They seamlessly integrate into handrails, providing subtle lighting without disrupting design. In office environments, customisable LED handrail lighting can complement minimalist designs and improve functionality, creating a productive and elegant space.

A popular choice for its affordability and design simplicity, this option features standoffs and buttons or patch nuts available in 38mm or 50mm diameters. Selection can be based on aesthetics or engineering requirements. Standoffs are often powder-coated to match the stair colour, ensuring a seamless and cohesive look.

This design seamlessly integrates the glass with the stringer, offering a concealed fixing solution. Its slimline profile provides a significant advantage over grout-fixed glass, as the glass can be removed if needed. The aluminum cover can be painted in situ or powder-coated/wet-sprayed off-site before installation. The final appearance gives the impression of glass being sandwiched between two plates of equal thickness.

Grouting glass into a stringer or balustrade channel is a common detail, though it is not always the most practical or time-efficient solution. However, it provides a highly secure and permanent fixing method and is sometimes structurally required. The sandwich plate design is generally a superior alternative but may not always be feasible.

In the standard sandwich plate design, the frameless glass is securely concealed within the stringer, while additional posts provide independent support for the handrail.

This balustrade offers a high-strength design with various options for post finishes and glass connections. The example features a spider-style patch fitting mounted on a stainless steel flat bar post. Alternative post options include painted mild steel, stainless steel flat bar, or tube posts.

The integrated plate balustrade, requiring a high level of expertise and on-site fabrication, often serves as both a structural element of the stair and a balustrade. Fully welded and painted in situ, it ensures a seamless and superior finish. Plate thickness typically starts at a minimum of 10mm, depending on engineering specifications.

This example features a flat bar picket with an integrated tube top rail that also serves as the handrail. The balustrade panel is mechanically secured to the top of the PFC stringer using a continuous flat bar bottom plate, incorporating a precise 10x10 shadow line detail at the intersection. This design is ideal for narrow staircases where an inboard handrail is not feasible.

The design features a flat bar picket with a fully integrated balustrade panel that aligns seamlessly with the stair. This design typically includes an inboard handrail as a separate element, while the steel picket barrier extends beyond the standard minimum height of 1000mm to approximately 1100mm or 1200mm. All mild steel components are prepared and primed off-site, with final top coats applied by hand or spray after on-site fabrication.

This example features a decorative wrought iron style square bar picket and balustrade panel, mechanically connected to the stair. This design typically places the handrail inward as a separate element, with the steel picket barrier extending above the standard minimum height of 1000mm. While this specific example matches an existing detail, most alternatives can be fabricated to suit different needs. All mild steel components would be prepped and primed off-site, with topcoats applied either by hand or spray after on-site fabrication.

This style of balustrade offers a wide range of examples and applications. Typically, a joinery-clad balustrade features a structural steel sub-frame that ensures design integrity. This sub-frame is then over-clad with a pre-fabricated joinery component, crafted off-site for precision. Our site carpenters complete the installation with a high-quality finish on-site.

A common feature in modern architecture, particularly in office settings, is the vertical blade screen and balustrade design. Typically, this barrier is constructed from hardwood timber, with Victoria Ash as the minimum grade. The fixings are concealed through rebated and dowel-plugged holes. Site finishes can vary, with options such as oiling, lime washing (as shown), or staining, depending on the desired aesthetic of the environment.

Woven mesh balustrades are a durable, low-maintenance alternative to glass. Made from stainless steel in various patterns and weights, they are installed in a full-frame surround, with frame options including galvanised mild steel, powder-coated stainless steel, and limited brass designs. Ideal for commercial spaces, they offer safety, durability, and natural light flow while maintaining an open, airy feel. Their subtle design enhances architecture without visual barriers, making them a versatile choice for staircases.

A simple yet effective design, mild or stainless steel weld mesh can be fully integrated into the balustrade frame, offering a cost-efficient solution with an industrial aesthetic.

This metal balustrade offers a versatile design with numerous customisation options. It features a perforated aluminium sheet secured within a surrounding frame. While it can be finished in any colour, dark or black finishes enhance the lightweight, transparent appearance due to their excellent light transmission. Support posts ensure structural integrity for the handrail and panels. Additionally, patterns and hole sizes can be tailored to specific requirements, with the option to incorporate custom images through purposeful punching.

Depending on the type of building and its intended use, it is often required for balustrades to be designed to withstand loads of 1.5 kN and 3.0 kN, commonly referred to as Crowd Loading. These loadings are typically found in environments such as universities, shopping centers, public spaces, and sports stadiums.

Balustrade designs may range from heavy laminated structural glass to various steel configurations, offering a range of aesthetic and functional options.

This is the most common type of glazed panel infill, featuring standard thicknesses of 12mm, 15mm, and 19mm. The glass colour depicted is typical of standard Australian float glass, and the edge treatment is the standard small arris.

For projects requiring a high-quality finish, low iron glass is an excellent choice. This type of glass offers superior clarity due to its increased purity, which is particularly evident in the distinctive blue edge colour. The image here features 12mm and 15mm low iron glass panels, with a standard 12mm panel on the left to highlight the noticeable colour difference.

*Please note that the colours of Low Iron glass may vary depending on the supplier, manufacturing plant, and country of origin. It is essential to obtain and approve samples before proceeding with the project.

**Additionally, proprietary variations of low iron glass, such as Super-Clear and Starfire, are available. As with standard low iron glass, ensure that samples are obtained and approved before project commencement.

Typically used in privacy screens and other applications requiring an opaque panel that still allows light transmission, the satin frost panel is displayed here alongside a standard clear panel for comparison. The edge treatment featured is the standard small arris.

Standard laminated glass for structural balustrades typically features a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer, which is bonded between toughened glass panels. Common configurations include 17.52mm (8+1.52PVB+8) and 21.52mm (10+1.52PVB+10) thicknesses, with other standard options being 13.52mm and 25.52mm. The edge finish of PVB can vary, so it is recommended to obtain samples for evaluation. It is important to note that PVB is not fully resistant to moisture ingress.

For applications requiring superior strength and waterproof laminates to withstand higher loadings and those without handrails, the SGP (Sentry Glass Plus) interlayer is bonded between toughened glass panels. An example of this is a 15.04mm (6+3.04PVB+6) panel made from standard toughened glass. Other common thicknesses include 19.04mm, 23.04mm, and 27.04mm. The SGP typically offers a superior laminate edge finish. While Skyglass and Vistaview are well-known branded versions of SGP panels, most glass suppliers can provide the same specification.

The exposed soffit is a common and low cost alternative but one that nevertheless requires attention to detailing. Things like the treatment of exposed welds and the placement and finishing of fire pipes are just some of the details to be considered with this option.

A common and cost effective option of neatly finishing the underside of stairs, with the ability to finish in a vast range of colours and textures.

A high quality finish option. Using a base substrate of MDF or other furniture grade board, the soffit panels are then finished in a kitchen quality 2 pac polyurethane in any flat or metallic colour.

Used in place of a timber substrate the alcopolic panel has the advantage that it is already pre-finished in a vast range of colours, textures and even metal types, or can be sprayed as required. A further advantage is that it is able to be easily twisted and manipulated if required, as in the case of this curved stair. A cost effective soffit option that can utilise any of the common brand names.

Typically used to complement either the use of FC sheet elsewhere in the project or a flooring option such as concrete look tiles or polished concrete. The FC sheet would typically be clear coated either prior to or during installation.

A higher end finish, veneer board is often incorporated to match the tread selection or other finishes. Typically clear coated, this option has a wide range of timber species and coating options that can be explored for that unique finish.

A unique and acoustically superior alternative if installed correctly, the solid timber slat lends a warmth of its own. Milled from solid hardwood, generally to match the treads, the slatted soffit offers a wide range of options to the designer from the species of timber to the size of the slat and to the finishing of the slat.

Using solid timber for both risers and treads is a popular and durable choice. Common Australian hardwoods for treads include Spotted Gum and Blackbutt, with other species available depending on mill supply. All timber is sourced from certified, sustainable mills.

A durable and stylish option featuring a distinct contrast between the riser colour and the timber front edge. Popular Australian hardwoods for treads include Spotted Gum and Blackbutt, with other species available depending on mill supply. All timber is sourced from certified, sustainable mills.

The use of engineered board for treads and risers has grown in popularity with the increased availability of this material. Constructed with a plywood substrate and a 4-6mm solid timber laminate, it effectively prevents the shrinkage issues often associated with solid timber. Primarily available in European Oak with a variety of colours and finishes, there are numerous options to suit different design preferences.

For a minimalist or industrial look, exposed plate is an excellent choice. However, painted surfaces are prone to wear and scuffing, so this should be carefully considered when incorporating a similar design detail into your new stair.

It definitely has an industrial look, with the combination of treadplate and exposed plate suited for specific applications and design themes.

A common and cost-effective alternative, standard carpet tiles are often used to maintain a cohesive design throughout a fit-out.

Typically chosen for cost-effective applications, continuous or roll vinyl offers a durable surface available in a wide range of designs and colours.

The enduring popularity of woven vinyls, such as Bolon, 2Tec2, and other leading brands, has made them a common choice for staircase installations. With a vast array of colours and variations, this material is often used to seamlessly extend flooring finishes throughout a space, creating a cohesive design.

Available as standard off-the-shelf modules or custom-made for larger projects, our one-piece formed sections can be supplied as a complete tread and riser or as just a tread with nosing. This highly durable and robust alternative offers a significant advantage over traditional methods, particularly in terms of time savings during installation.

Polished concrete treads offer a distinctive, custom-made solution, cast specifically for each project. Though they may not suit every staircase, concrete treads are exceptionally low-maintenance and virtually indestructible, providing a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

Glass treads are a rare and more expensive option that require precise design specifications for the staircase. Usually made from triple or quadruple laminated toughened glass, these treads often include a ceramic surface treatment to comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) standards.

Plate stringers can be made from standard flat bar steel sections or custom-profiled to any size or shape from plate material, offering a tailored solution to meet specific requirements. This type of stringer is typically chosen for its space-efficient design, with options available in 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, or 32mm mild steel or stainless steel plate, depending on engineering or design specifications.

This design, also a type of plate stringer, is cut from flat mild steel or stainless steel plates in thicknesses of 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, or 32mm, depending on the engineer's approval and the design requirements. It serves as an architectural statement.

An alternative design to the plate or profile cut stringer, featuring two plates that form a continuous pocket for grouting glass. The plate thickness will be specified by the project engineer.

The PFC (Parallel Flanged Channel) is a widely used and durable stringer design. It can either remain exposed or, in some cases, be plated to form a narrow hollow section for added strength.

The box stringer (also known as RHS) is a sturdy alternative commonly used in steel stairs. Available in both square and rectangular shapes, the width of the section can significantly influence the overall width of the stairs. Therefore, careful attention to detailing is essential, especially when space is limited.