Everything you need to know before ordering your staircase — from compliance requirements to component terminology and timber selection.
Compliance
Understand the UK building regulations for domestic and commercial staircases — rise, going, pitch, headroom and handrail requirements all explained.
Glossary
New to staircases? Our illustrated guide explains every component part — from strings and treads to newel posts and spindles — in plain language.
Planning
Before ordering, accurate measurements are critical. Our team will guide you through measuring your stairwell — total rise, total going, headroom, and width.
Materials
Softwood or hardwood? Painted or stained? We explain the differences between pine, oak, and engineered timbers so you can choose with confidence.
Key Regulation Figures at a Glance
Contact us with your project details, rough dimensions, and any design preferences. We welcome drawings, photos, and sketches.
We provide a detailed, no-obligation quotation based on your specification, timber choice, and balustrade style.
Once you proceed, we confirm your exact measurements. Our team will advise on what to measure and how to measure it correctly.
Your staircase is precision-manufactured in our Hertfordshire workshop using CNC machinery and traditional joinery skills.
We deliver your flat-pack staircase ready for your joiner or builder to assemble on site. Nationwide deliveries available.
Can’t find the answer you need? Our team is always happy to help.
Ask a QuestionNo — DAB Stairs is a supply-only manufacturer. We produce your staircase to your exact specification and deliver it ready to be assembled by your joiner or builder. This keeps our prices competitive and ensures you get the best from both a specialist manufacturer and your trusted tradesperson.
Our typical lead time is 2–3 weeks from confirmation of order and receipt of your measurements. Complex bespoke designs, curved staircases, or particularly large orders may take a little longer — our team will advise you at the time of quoting.
Yes — all new staircases in England and Wales must comply with Approved Document K of the Building Regulations. This covers the maximum rise, minimum going, maximum pitch angle, headroom clearance, and handrail heights. Our Building Regulations guide explains the key requirements in full.
A closed string staircase has a solid side panel (the string) that conceals the ends of the treads and risers. An open string — sometimes called a cut string — has the string cut away so the ends of the treads are visible, giving a more contemporary, lighter appearance.
Absolutely. While we serve Hertfordshire, Essex, and London most regularly, we make regular joinery deliveries nationwide. Please contact us to discuss your location and delivery requirements.
To provide an accurate quote we typically need: the total rise (floor to floor height), total going (horizontal length of the staircase), staircase width, number of risers, and details of any balustrade or handrail style. Photos of your existing staircase or architect drawings are also extremely helpful.
Send us your measurements and design ideas — we'll come back to you with a detailed, no-obligation quotation, usually within 24 hours.