Family-run workshop · since 1984
Made-to-measure winder stairs
Winder stairs change direction on wedge-shaped treads rather than on a flat landing. This takes up less space than stairs with a landing and works well with a small floor opening. We design and make wooden winder stairs to measure, from 3D design and CNC production to installation. You can start with a free remote design based on photos of your opening.
Made to measure
We design every staircase for your opening and interior
Free 3D design
Photos and the dimensions of the opening are all we need
CNC manufacturing
Components cut to a digital design
Installation in Poland and the EU
We deliver and install the stairs at your home
a turn on the treads
What are stairs with winder turns?
On stairs with winder turns, the flight turns 90 degrees (an L layout) or 180 degrees (a U layout) on treads that are narrow at one end and wider at the other. The tread is deep by the outside wall and narrow near the inner handrail or post. There is no landing—a flat platform halfway up the flight.
Winder stairs are different from spiral stairs. On a spiral staircase, the whole flight winds in a circle or spiral around a post. We make those too, but describe them separately on our page about spiral and curved stairs.
L, U, C, S
Winder stair layouts: L, U, C and S
We offer straight self-supporting stairs and winder layouts in L, U, C and S shapes, including angled cuts and chimney details.
- L – one 90-degree turn. This is the most common layout when the opening is in a room corner.
- U – a 180-degree turn, with the flight returning in the opposite direction. It fits a narrow, long opening.
- C and S – layouts adapted to an unusual opening. We determine the route during design.
The stairs can turn left or right. The direction depends on the floor opening, wall positions and where you want to reach the upper floor, so we establish it during design.
comparison
Winder stairs or stairs with a landing?
The choice depends on space and on who will use the stairs. A landing is a flat platform halfway up the flight where you can pause. It requires a larger floor area. Winder treads save space but are narrower at the inside edge.
| Criterion | Stairs with winder turns | Stairs with a landing |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Smaller footprint; fits a tight opening | Larger footprint; needs clear space for the landing |
| Comfort | Continuous flight; the winder tread is comfortable along the walking line but narrower by the inner handrail | A natural place to pause and move heavy items; even treads on both flights |
| Safety | The narrow part of the tread needs attention. A well-designed winder has enough depth along the walking line | The flat landing breaks the flight and can help with balance. Often chosen for homes with young children or older people |
| Appearance | Compact, light form | Visible landing and more structure |
Made-to-measure stairs with a landing
We also make stairs with a landing in L and U layouts. We design the landing together with the flights so the riser height stays even throughout. Its size depends on the opening and the available room. If you are unsure which layout to choose, send photos and measurements of the opening. We will prepare a design that lets you compare the options.
opening dimensions
What makes a winder flight comfortable?
We need several measurements before we can design a comfortable winder flight.
- Total height from the ground-floor surface to the upper-floor surface. We divide this into equal risers, so it determines the number of treads and their height.
- Ceiling thickness. This affects how the stairs meet the upper floor and how much space remains at the top.
- Opening width and length. These determine whether an L or U layout will fit and how deep the winder treads can be.
- Wall and door positions at the bottom and top of the stairs, as these determine where the flight can turn.
The more accurately you describe the opening, the better the design will fit. Please send photos from two sides: from the ground floor and from upstairs. A 3D visualisation shows how the stairs fit the room; you can also change the structure, posts, spindles and handrails.
who they suit
When are winder stairs a good choice?
People often choose winder stairs when the stairwell footprint is limited or the floor opening has an unusual shape. They work well in detached houses, split-level apartments and interior renovations where a landing will not fit. If the opening is wide and there is room for a landing, it is worth considering that layout too. We can design both versions for the same opening so you can compare them in a visualisation.
regulations and dimensions
Regulations and dimensions: what to check before designing winder stairs
For many years, stair dimensions in homes were set by the technical conditions for buildings (regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure; latest consolidated text: Journal of Laws 2022, item 1225). The rules have been changing since 21 September 2026. Before designing a house, check with your designer which requirements apply in your case. The previous rules for single-family homes and split-level apartments specified:
- Clear width of the flight and landing: at least 0.8 m (§ 68 section 1), measured between the inner edges of the handrails (§ 68 section 4).
- Riser height: no more than 0.19 m (§ 68 section 1).
- Tread depth: based on the formula 2h + s = 0.6 to 0.65 m, where h is riser height and s is tread depth (§ 69 section 4).
- Winder and spiral stairs: for fan-shaped stairs, a tread width of at least 0.25 m had to be provided no more than 0.4 m from the inner balustrade handrail or post (§ 69 section 6).
- Number of treads in a flight: the 17-tread limit did not apply to single-family homes or split-level apartments (§ 69 sections 1 and 2).
- Balustrade: at least 0.9 m high in single-family buildings, measured to the top of the handrail (§ 298 section 2).
The rules did not have a separate table for winder stairs in single-family homes; the general provisions and § 69 section 6 applied. Requirements differ for other buildings, such as multi-family housing and public buildings. We will calculate the tread dimensions for your opening in the design.
individual quote
How much do stairs with winder turns cost?
We design and price every staircase individually.
The price depends on:
- the opening dimensions and floor-to-floor height,
- the layout (L, U, C or S) and number of winder treads,
- wood species and grade. Quotes are prepared as standard for Nature-grade wood; a higher grade costs extra and must be requested before the deposit,
- the balustrade type: wooden spindles, spindles combined with metal, acid-resistant steel rods and tubes, boards or safety glass,
- the finish: lacquer, hardwax oil or stain,
- installation and transport, which depend on the project location.
We will give you the exact price once the design is ready.
self-supporting, cut-string, central beam
Winder stair construction options
- Self-supporting stairs. We make wooden self-supporting winder stairs in three colour schemes: Q1 (one colour), Q2 (two colours) and Q3 (three colours). We paint the timber structure of these stairs in your chosen colour. Find the general construction description on our self-supporting stairs page.
- Cut-string stairs. These are made from laminated timber, with treads, risers and a wall-side stringer forming a zigzag. We also make them with L- or U-shaped turns and with a landing. Details: cut-string stairs.
- Stairs on a beam. A clad beam in your chosen colour with natural wood treads: Q Belek stairs.
finish
Wood, colour and balustrade
We use native beech, oak and ash, as well as exotic merbau, mahogany and American walnut. Finishes include lacquer, stain from the colour chart, or—on single-colour Q1 stairs—brushing and hardwax oil. Find out more about wood species and grades on our page about wood species and colours.
On winder stairs, the balustrade usually follows the outer curve and the inner post. Infill options include spindles, rods, boards or glass. Find out more in our offer of balustrades for stairs with winder turns.
step by step
How to order stairs with winder turns
Free remote design
Send photos of the opening from the ground and upper floors, its width and length, the total floor-to-floor height, and the thickness of the ceiling.
Optional on-site measurement and design
This costs PLN 200–500 net, depending on the distance.
Manufacture
We glue and machine dry timber on CNC according to the digital design, then apply lacquer or stain.
Installation
We assemble and fit the stairs, finish the opening and install the balustrade.
Lead time starts at around four weeks, depending on the stair type and materials.
installation
Installation and handover
We install stairs using our own system. During installation, we trim and plane ceiling and balustrade components and measure the moisture in the wood, walls, floors and air. If walls enclose the stairs on three sides, we leave a clearance and later cover or fill it with acrylic. Before installation, ask your electrician and plumber to mark the routes of cables and pipes on the walls. The lacquer fully hardens about 14 days after installation, so wear soft footwear until then. See our detailed payment and installation information.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about winder stairs
What are stairs with winder turns?
These stairs change direction on wedge-shaped winder treads instead of on a flat landing. They most often turn 90 degrees (L) or 180 degrees (U) and take up less space than stairs with a landing.
How much does it cost to make stairs with winder turns?
We design and price each staircase with winder turns individually. The opening dimensions, layout and number of winder treads, wood species and grade, balustrade and installation location all affect the price. You will know the exact amount once your free design is ready.
What regulations apply to stairs with winder turns?
The previous technical conditions required a clear flight width of at least 0.8 m and a maximum riser height of 0.19 m in a single-family home. For winder stairs, the required tread width had to be provided no more than 0.4 m from the inner handrail or post. The regulations have changed since 21 September 2026, so confirm the requirements currently in force with your house designer.
What types of stairs are there?
The main types are straight stairs, stairs with winder turns, stairs with a landing and spiral stairs. We make straight and winder self-supporting stairs, stairs with landings, and spiral and curved stairs. The structure can also be cut-string, metal or beam-supported.
Are stairs with winder turns comfortable?
Yes, if the winder treads have enough depth along the walking line and the pitch is well chosen. Descending is more comfortable near the outer edge, where the tread is deeper. We therefore set out the treads during design using your opening measurements.
Winder stairs or stairs with a landing?
Choose winders when space is limited. Choose a landing if you can spare more floor area and want a natural place to pause. The table above compares the options; a design will show how each fits your opening.