Whether you're renovating a family home or fitting out a commercial property, high-quality timber spindles bring both character and structural integrity to your staircase.
At Stairway Joinery, we design, produce, and install bespoke staircase spindles that suit any interior style. From conversions to completely new fittings, our expert joiners are here to help.
Here we are going to focus on craftsmanship, because it's at the heart of every spindle we make.
Our handcrafted stair spindles are produced by our in-house team, using a careful mix of hardwoods and softwoods selected for their grain, strength, and finish. Whether you favour timeless oak or something more contemporary, we tailor every detail.
Traditional homes often benefit from turned or chamfered wooden spindles, bringing warmth and heritage charm. In contrast, modern interiors may call for cleaner, minimalist shapes; the good news is that we offer both.
Everything is cut, shaped, and finished with precision. No factory-line shortcuts; just custom-made quality from a team with over 40 years of experience.
Now that you know what goes into our spindle-making process, let’s explore the practical reasons why timber remains the top choice.
To see how versatile timber spindles can be, take a look at our gallery. It features real-life projects across Dorset and beyond, showcasing a wide range of styles, finishes, and fittings.
Get inspired by what’s possible and imagine how your staircase could look.
When it comes to staircase spindles, timber stands out for good reason. It’s more than a design choice; it’s a decision rooted in performance, longevity, and style.
Here are just a few reasons to choose timber spindles:
To learn more about how we ensure each spindle is made to last, keep reading about our bespoke design process tailored to your project needs.
Every staircase has a story, and whether you’re working on a Victorian terrace or a sleek commercial lobby, your wooden spindles should fit seamlessly into that space. That’s where we come in.
Our bespoke process begins with a design consultation, where we’ll discuss your vision, assess your existing staircase (if applicable), and explore how to best match or enhance the surrounding interior.
For homeowners, this could mean replicating existing details during a renovation. Whereas, for commercial clients, we might be creating sleek, safe, and style-consistent features for offices, hotels, or retail settings.
We manage everything from initial ideas through to stair spindle installation, ensuring precision and compliance with UK building regulations. The result is a completely bespoke staircase feature that doesn’t just meet expectations, it exceeds them.
If you're considering staircase spindles as part of an upgrade, now’s the time to talk to our team. With over 40 years of experience and a dedicated in-house workshop, we produce staircase components with unmatched care and attention.
Book a site survey and staircase design consultation today by calling 01202 622826 or using our contact form. Let’s bring your vision to life, one spindle at a time.
UK building regulations require timber spindles to prevent a 100mm sphere passing through any gaps. They must also support horizontal loads and meet specific height requirements for handrails. We ensure every installation complies fully with current regulations, giving you complete peace of mind.
The 100mm rule states that gaps between spindles must be narrow enough to prevent a 100mm sphere (roughly the size of a child's head) from passing through. This safety regulation applies to all UK staircases and balustrades, protecting young children from potential accidents.
Consider your interior style first, whether traditional or contemporary. Think about the type of wood (hardwood offers durability, softwood provides affordability), dimensions that suit your staircase structure, and finish options like stained or painted. Our team will guide you through these choices during our design consultation to ensure perfect results.
Oak remains the most popular choice for its strength, grain appeal, and longevity. However, pine offers excellent value for painted finishes, while ash and walnut provide distinctive contemporary looks. We select timber based on your style preferences, budget, and durability requirements for lasting quality.
The difference is diameter – 41mm spindles offer a more substantial, traditional appearance and greater structural presence, ideal for period properties or statement staircases. Conversely, 32mm spindles provide a slimmer, more contemporary profile that suits modern interiors. Both meet UK safety standards when correctly spaced.
Spindles must be spaced so that a 100mm sphere cannot pass between them, typically resulting in gaps of around 99mm or less. The exact spacing depends on your spindle diameter and balustrade design. We calculate precise measurements during installation to ensure safety compliance and visual balance.
Timber spindles come in various profiles including turned (traditional rounded designs with decorative details), chamfered (angled edges for classic appeal), square (clean-lined and contemporary), and fluted (grooved for added texture). We produce all styles in-house, tailoring designs to match your interior perfectly and can talk through these options.
Measure the vertical height between your base rail and handrail, then subtract any newel cap heights if applicable. For diameter, consider what suits your design; standard sizes are 32mm, 41mm, or 45mm. During our site survey, we take precise measurements to guarantee perfect fitting every time.
