Bespoke Curved Staircases and Wreathed Handrails

Curved staircases demand a different level of design and joinery from a conventional straight flight.

G S Haydon manufactures bespoke curved, elliptical and wreathed timber staircases for individual homes, renovations and architectural projects. Each staircase is designed around the space and manufactured in our South Molton workshop, where complex components can be assembled and checked before installation.

We can produce anything from a staircase with a gently flowing handrail to a fully curved flight with shaped strings, treads and balustrading.

What Makes a Curved Staircase Different?

In a true curved staircase, the geometry of the flight changes continuously rather than turning at a conventional landing or through a series of standard winders.

Depending on the design, this can involve:

• Curved inner and outer strings
• Shaped and tapered treads
• Elliptical or sweeping layouts
• Curved balustrades
• Bespoke newel posts
• Continuous timber handrails
• Traditional or contemporary detailing

The relationship between all of these components has to be considered together, which is why accurate setting out and workshop assembly are particularly important.

For staircases that change direction using tapered steps rather than a continuous curve, see our bespoke winder staircases.

Wreathed Handrails

A wreathed handrail follows a three-dimensional curve as the staircase changes direction or height.

Unlike a simple straight or mitred handrail, the timber must flow smoothly through both the horizontal and vertical change in direction. Producing this accurately requires careful geometry, pattern work and skilled hand finishing.

We can manufacture wreathed handrails as part of a complete curved staircase or for suitable winder staircases where a continuous flowing handrail is required.

These details can turn an otherwise conventional staircase into a much more distinctive piece of joinery.

Elliptical and Feature Staircases

Some projects call for more than a simple curved section.

We can manufacture elliptical staircases and other individually designed flights where the staircase becomes a central architectural feature of the interior.

The finished appearance can range from traditional Oak joinery with substantial handrails and newel posts to cleaner contemporary designs incorporating simpler balustrades or glass.

The available space, floor opening, headroom and structural arrangement all influence what can realistically be achieved, so these projects benefit from early discussion during the design stage.

Our main bespoke staircase page shows the wider range of staircase styles we manufacture.

Timber and Finish

Curved staircases can be produced from Oak and other suitable joinery timbers depending on the design and desired appearance.

Oak is particularly effective where the strings, treads, handrails and balustrades will remain visible as natural timber.

Painted components can also be combined with Oak or other feature timbers. This can concentrate the higher-value material on the handrail, treads and other areas where it has the greatest visual impact.

The most suitable timber will also depend on the complexity of the curved components and how they need to be formed and joined.

Built and Assembled in Our Workshop

One of the advantages of our South Molton workshop is the space available to manufacture and assemble complex staircase components before they reach site.

For curved work, this is especially valuable. Strings, treads, handrails and balustrades can be checked together so that the geometry and joints are resolved before installation.

G S Haydon has been producing bespoke joinery in North Devon since 1926, combining workshop machinery with the hand skills still required for complex curved work.

Completed staircases can be supplied for installation by an experienced contractor or fitted by our own team for suitable projects.

Planning a Curved Staircase?

Curved staircases are highly individual, so architectural drawings, floor plans, photographs and basic dimensions are particularly useful at the start of a project.

If you already have a concept from an architect or designer, we can also work with that information to establish how the staircase could be manufactured in timber.

Contact G S Haydon or call 01769 572134 to discuss your project.