Space Saving (Paddle Stairs) Guide

Paddle staircases also known as “space saver stairs”, “loft stairs” or “alternating tread stairs” are manufactured using alternating paddle treads.

They get their name from their unusually shaped treads which resemble a paddle, they’re often referred to as space saving stairs due to the fact they take up a lot less space than a conventional staircase.

What are they used for?

Space saver stairs should only be used in scenarios where it’s not possible to use a normal staircase they should also only serve a single room in a loft.

Space savers can be manufactured the same as any other staircase we manufacture, this means you can have them in a variety of open riser options as well as exposed back.

We can also supply space savers with spindles or glass balustrade the same as any other staircase we manufacture.

Part K of the building regulations, for England and Wales say’s the following:

• Meet the conditions of the diagram as shown
• Have handrail up both sides of the staircase
• Have slip resistent surfaces
• Minimum headroom 2000mm measured to the pitch line.
• Only in a loft conversion
• Only where there’s not enough space for a normal staircase.
• Only when the stair is for access to one habitable room and/or a WC (although this must not be the only WC in the dwelling)

The going (aka tread length) is measured from the front of the matching treads, as shown in the diagram.

With space saver stairs however we recommend checking with your building inspector before ordering that they’re happy for you to use one.