Jim,

I completed my stairs and they came out great! Here's a bunch of pics from my project. I used all construction grade lumber. The treads are 2-1/2" thick laminated "butcher-block" style. The balusters are 2-1/4" square and the handrail is 3-1/2" wide. The beefy dimensions works well visually with the post and beam interior of this house I'm building for my wife and me. I'm not a professional builder, this is my first construction project. The silver center pole matches the beam hangers quite nicely.

Thanks for the plans!

Hi Jim,

My half-spiral stair project is coming along (photo attached).

I'm enjoying the project but learning to work it slowly and carefully. So far your instructions have worked flawlessly!

I completed the stairs in 2009, and 5 years on they are still solid as a rock and looking great! I used cypress wood, bought from a lumber dealer on line. It was recommended as a good outside wood. So far I am happy with it. Check out how I 'pre-bent' the handrail by suspending it form the deck and just putting some weight on the other end. I meant to include a picture of my helpers and my dog.

Many thanks,

Dave Koppenaal

I really like the beaded corner router bit Dave used on the balusters. Jim

I'm coming along just fine. A lot of head scratching here. Yes, I will send you the complete set of pictures, possibly on a disc, It was a very challenging and fun project. I finished just in time for the rehearsal party (which everyone went crazy over the stairs). The finished product is perfect, all the way to the handrail. The comments from people - the width of the stairs was nice. Everyone seemed to be impressed about the railing. Overall, it is a great addition off our deck and will be used tremendously.

Thank you for the plans, I'm glad I stumbled onto your website!!

Pete

Hi Jim!

I purchased your plans in July 2009. I can't believe it has taken me this long to actually install the staircase! It is made out of African sapelli mahogany and I can't wait to do the final install. I remodeled my kitchen and made all the cabinets. I never thought it would take this long. I have cabinet pieces all over our house waiting for the installation. My husband is a patient man! The staircase is 66" diameter and 105.75" tall.

I have made a plywood template for the landing (13th step). I think it is going to work out just great. The landing will be screwed into the beam and I am debating whether or not to put extra support under the beam as well. The step to the upstairs floor is the same height as the other steps and it is a good spot to get off the staircase.

Thanks for your wonderful plans.

I foung the double thick handail especially attractive. Jim

Plans were very helpful, thanks.

Hints, read plans twice, maybe three times before starting. This is a 12 step staircase, including the landing, an 8.58 inch rise with a 30 inch tread radius. I had to keep rise and twist tight to avoid door way and work with hallway, about a 240 degree sweep. ....that was a really fun project. Our whole family really enjoys the stairs and I do appreciate that you took the time to put the plans on the web.

Built and finished off site then installed in one long day, including railing on loft. This is a remote cabin on a lake.

I was surprised how long the stairs took, 120 hours. But all the balusters are laminated with two pieces of Oak to help reduce any bending or warping - hard to see in the photos though.

Ryan.

It was a whirlwind trip. We were able to use the local high school CNC and sanders. Students and staff and were able to whip it out and set it up in 4 days. We put the handrail in the garage with heaters overnight and it was dry by morning.

Here are a few pictures. We still need to put the veneer on, touch up some sanding, stain and finish. That will have to wait for another day. It worked. Amazing!

Note that this spiral leads into a straight stair, and their use of turned balusters along the way.