Loft conversion staircases are an often overlooked part of the attic conversion process. As long as you can get from A to B, or from the first floor to the second floor as the case may be, then you don’t need to give them a second thought, right? Wrong. Loft conversion staircase solutions, and especially space saving loft conversion staircase solutions, are a vital aspect that absolutely needs to be given due consideration in order to get the most out of your new living space.
If space is tight, then you really will need to think carefully about the type of staircase you consider for your loft conversion. You’ll need to ensure that your staircase doesn’t take over, but equally, you shouldn’t think of it as just a means to an end.
If you do have little room to manoeuvre when it comes to your attic room's stairs, don’t despair; there are plenty of loft stairs for small spaces available, and we can always find space saving loft conversion staircase solutions just for you!
1. Choose bespoke loft conversion staircase solutions
If you only have a small amount of space to play with, then a bespoke staircase may be a good option for you. Many loft conversions can use pre-made staircases, but where there isn’t enough room for this, tailored options specifically designed as loft stairs for small spaces can work really well.
Bespoke staircases can be customised to the exact pitch, height, depth and number of treads as required. They are a more expensive option than a pre-made staircase as they’ll need to be created from scratch by a skilled joiner and/or specialist manufacturer, but this does mean that they will precisely fit the space you have available.
The other more important upside of a bespoke staircase is that no space is wasted. By having your loft staircase custom made for your new attic room, there will be no unnecessary waste of space and as much of your new attic room as possible will therefore be habitable, usable space.
Not only will bespoke loft extension stairs fit the space available perfectly, but they can give you a stunning focal point within an otherwise dead space, as they can be customised to your exact requirements and taste.
2. Paddle stairs as space saving loft conversion staircase solutions
In some instances where space is really tight, paddle stairs can be used. Paddle stairs, or alternate treads as they’re sometimes called, are an option to consider if you only have a limited area to work with. Part of the tread is cut away on alternate left and right sides of the staircase to create a greater incline, saving space in the process.
To comply with Building Regulations, paddle steps can only be used to serve a single room (with or without an ensuite bathroom) to help limit the amount of traffic on the narrow staircase. Furthermore, they cannot be the only staircase in your home. You will also need to bear in mind that paddle stairs can be quite difficult to navigate and steep to climb, so you may feel they might not be a suitable option if you are intending on using your new loft conversion for small children to inhabit, or those with limited mobility.
However, when it comes to loft stairs for small spaces, the greater incline of paddle stairs does mean that they are an excellent option where space is limited, and if you only have a small amount of usable space within your new loft room, you may wish to make the most of it through the use of paddle stairs.
3. Spiral loft extension stairs
Spiral staircases are another option to consider. For the most part, spiral staircases have a smaller overall footprint than a traditional staircase, due to their shape being that of a column. This means that less of your useable space within the loft is taken up having to house the stairs.
Furthermore, not only are spiral staircases a great option when it comes to space saving loft conversion staircase solutions, they also look stylish and can sometimes be a more cost-effective option than a traditional staircase. If you want a focal point up to your new loft, or have a particularly contemporary style to your home, then a spiral staircase could be a great solution for your new loft conversion.
You will, however, need to talk to your loft conversion specialist about the idea of a spiral staircase, as they are not necessarily all space saving. Depending on the type and size of the staircase, some have a larger footprint than traditional staircases, so it’s worth checking whether this is a suitable option for you or not.
Loft conversion staircase solutions from Bespoke Lofts
If you’re ready to convert your loft, but are put off by the thought of where to site your stairs, or how much space they’ll take up, get in touch with Bespoke Lofts. We have the expertise to devise tailored space saving loft conversion staircase solutions to suit your property perfectly. Get in touch and talk to us about the various options available to you.