Building your staircase on site is an option, but today, contractors and do-it-yourselfers can choose from a wide variety of high-quality pre-built and ready-to-assemble stairs that are both relatively affordable to buy and easy to install. This is often a better way to go, especially if you are not a master craftsmen. As you well know, stairs may be spiral, straight, circular, or any of several other shapes. And, of course, they may be wide or narrow, steep or gradual. When you build your staircase remember that as a general rule, the wider the stair and more subtle the climb, the more inviting the staircase--and the more floor space it will consume. So, let's take a look at an option that does not require a lot of floor space, and that adds architectural variety and taste to any home. Let's look at the spiral staircase.

What makes spiral stairs a good option? Well, of the many available pre-built and knock-down stair kits, spiral stairs are the most prevalent, no doubt because they're relatively economical in cost and space usage and because they can provide access away from the central "staircase core" of a house. They're ideal for reaching new attic or basement rooms and for two-story additions. Spiral stairs are also popular for secondary access to rooms.

When it comes to spiral staircases it is cheaper and easier to buy one that is already manufactured. Manufacturers make spiral stairs in steel, aluminum, hardwoods, and combinations of these materials. Although some specialize in making only hardwood or metal, many companies make both. Most have a few basic designs to choose from or the option to customize by selecting from a smorgasbord of treads, balusters, railings and other options.

Like the types of stair cases, the range of options is vast and you are sure to find something to match your taste, style and home. Most hardwood stairs come in red oak, poplar, white oak, ash, walnut, mahogany, cherry and other species. Steel and aluminum stairs come in a variety of finishes, from hot-dipped galvanized to custom color coatings. Treads may be flat or embossed steel, gratings, hardwood, rubber, or plywood or steel base for carpeting.

So, how do you know what to order? Well first take a look at your building codes and make sure that whatever spiral staircase you order fits the requirements. When ordering a spiral staircase, you usually need to choose the direction of twist (right hand railing up or left hand railing up) and you always specify the diameter. Most manufacturers offer several standard diameters: 4', 4'-4", 5', 5'-4", 6', 6'-6", and larger (for safety, stairs 4 feet in diameter and smaller are not recommended).

One key choice you must make when selecting a spiral stair is whether to buy a knocked-down kit or a complete, one-piece unit. Though kits are cheaper and considerably easier to ship, one-piece stairs tend to be more durable, are less likely to come apart or rust because they have fewer joints, are lighter in weight, and can be installed in as little as ten minutes compared to three or four hours for a kit. One-piece units also afford much broader choice in materials--particularly railings--because they're not constrained by the need for easy disassembly and shipping.