List of Popular Staircase Installation Mistakes

What is your understanding of «creating staircases» from scratch? It’s actually more than just designing and installing a complete structure. We like to call it a whole science that requires attention to detail and expertise. That’s why you’ll find plenty of inspiring projects in the V.P Stairs portfolio

If you want to build and install a staircase by yourself, you may face a number of challenges. Why is so? Such a task requires the involvement of a whole team of specialists who have a lot of experience in building such structures. By knowing the most common mistakes when building and installing a staircase, you will be able to make the process easier and faster. We are here to share with you a selection of popular mistakes.

What are the Most Common Mistakes?

It is no secret that some mistakes can lead to visual defects in the finished project. However, lack of knowledge and experience can also cause more serious problems. For example, correcting some mistakes can cost up to half of the total cost of the design. Other mistakes can reduce the functionality and safety of using the staircase. To avoid all these unpleasant moments, we recommend reading the list of 5 popular mistakes when designing and installing a staircase. Here we go!

1. Steep Slope

The first fault that often occurs when work is carried out by unqualified people is the wrong slope angle. What do we mean by this? If you make the slope angle more than it should be, users will find it very difficult to move on the stairs. Generally, slope is one of the important terms you should know before buying a staircase. 

What is the best slope for a staircase at home? Experts believe that it is best to stick to values from 30 to 37 degrees. This way the design will have a great appearance and will also be comfortable to use.

2. Non-conformity of the Construction to the General Interior

One of the common mistakes when installing a staircase is choosing a design that doesn’t fit in with the overall style of the interior. For example, a bulky wooden staircase in a minimalist space or an ultra-modern metal staircase in a classic house instantly disrupts visual perception. It creates a sense of chaos, makes the room less harmonious and visually uncomfortable.

It is important to consider not only the practicality of the design, but also its visual compatibility with the rest of the space. Professionals always focus on the architectural features of the house, the colour scheme, and the finishing materials. This is the only way to achieve a coherent and well-thought-out interior, where the staircase will not be an alien element, but an organic part of the design.

Poorly lit staircase showing lighting mistake

3. Lack of Lighting

A staircase without sufficient lighting is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Especially in the evening and at night, the risk of tripping or stumbling is multiplied. Properly designed lighting is not just a light fixture on the ceiling. It is integrated step lighting, spotlights on the walls, automatic systems for switching on when moving. All this ensures safe movement and emphasises the style of the construction.

Learn more about staircase lighting

Low-quality stair materials with visible damage

4. Selection of Unsuitable Materials

Surely, quality construction may require you to make an investment. More often than not, homeowners favour materials of dubious quality. Why is it so? The main reason is their cheap price. However, this is a decision that can have some negative consequences.

At V.P Stairs, we only work with the best and most reliable materials for building staircases. If you are still not sure what materials you want to use for the construction, our managers will help you find the best solution. We guarantee the best quality and long life of our materials.

Staircase with incorrect angle causing steep slope

5. Ignoring Regulations and Standards

Trying to save money or circumvent building regulations when installing a staircase can have serious consequences. In the UK, there are clear standards for the height and width of steps, angle of inclination, handrails and other safety features. Ignoring them can result in an injury-prone staircase and can lead to a refusal during a technical inspection.

In our article we told you more about building regulations for staircases in UK. Professional installers strictly follow the current regulations and take into account the individual characteristics of the room. This is particularly important in the case of public or commercial properties where compliance with regulations is a prerequisite. Installing a staircase without taking standards into account is not only a risk to your health, but also to your budget in the future.

Modern metal staircase in classic interior – design mismatch

Why is It Important to Work with Professionals when Installing Staircases?

Installing a staircase is more than just assembling elements. It is an engineering task that requires precise calculations and a thorough understanding of building regulations. Mistakes in this process can turn out not only costly alterations, but also a threat to the safety of the occupants. Here are some of the main reasons to contact professionals:

  • Safety and reliability. Specialists strictly comply with building codes and standards, which eliminates the risks of collapse and injury.
  • Saves time and resources. Professionals quickly find the best solutions, avoiding mistakes that are often made in self-installation.
  • Aesthetics and precision. Every detail is adjusted with jewellery precision, thanks to which the staircase looks neat and fits harmoniously into the interior.

Cooperation with qualified workers avoids many problems in the future. This is an investment in quality, safety, and the certainty that the structure will serve you for many years without any problems.

V.P Stairs – Universal Solution for Your Project

As you may have already realised, the process of building and installing a staircase can have many pitfalls. We recommend familiarising yourself with them beforehand to avoid making these mistakes. However, the best solution possible is to turn to professionals like V.P Stairs. We provide design, build, and installation of custom staircases throughout the UK. Would you like a free consultation? Contact us in any convenient way!

3 Comments

  • Alexander White

    I totally agree with you and here’s why. Two years ago I decided to save money on the purchase of a staircase, so I started to install it myself. As a result, I miscalculated and now each step is a different size. I think I need to renovate the construction…..

    • vpstairs

      We are here to help you in any situation. Get a free consultation with our experts to discuss possible solutions to your problem.

  • Daniel Martin

    Some mistakes do occur frequently, especially with amateurs. Even the trivial task of installing lighting can require knowledge and experience.

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