What to Know When Choosing a Custom Spiral Staircase Manufacturer

What to Know When Choosing a Custom Spiral Staircase Manufacturer

When you decide to put a spiral staircase in your home or business, you aren’t just buying a set of steps; you’re looking for a conversation starter. You want something that stops neighbors in their tracks and fits your space perfectly. But finding the right folks to build it? That’s where the rubber meets the road.

There are plenty of options out there, but if you want the job done right, here is what you need to look for in a custom manufacturer.

  1. Look for Roots, Not Just a Website

In this day and age, anyone can put up a flashy website and call themselves a business. But when you’re dealing with a complex project like a custom spiral stair, experience is everything. You want a team that’s been around the block a few times—folks who have seen what works, what doesn’t, and how to steer you in the right direction.

At Great Lakes Stair, we’re not some fly-by-night operation. We are a bricks-and-mortar company with a 40,000-square-foot facility staffed by master artisans. We’ve been in the same spot, with the same phone number, for over 35 years. That kind of longevity matters because it means we’ll be here to stand behind our work.

  1. “Can You Build What I Want?”

A true custom manufacturer shouldn’t try to fit your square peg into a round hole. The most common question we get is, “Can you actually build what I want?”. And a good manufacturer should almost always answer, “Yes!”.

Whether you are dreaming of an all-wood masterpiece, a sleek stainless steel design, or a mix of glass and metal, the only limit should be your imagination. We’ve tackled everything from basic, functional stairs to “infinite custom” projects—we’ve even made spindles out of tree branches for a customer! If you have wood from your own property you want to use, we can do that, too. Don’t settle for a catalog item when you can have a one-of-a-kind creation.

  1. Good Advice Over Quick Sales

A trustworthy manufacturer will tell you the truth, even if it’s not what you expect to hear. For example, while we love spiral staircases, we’re the first to tell you they aren’t right for every situation. They shouldn’t be your main fire escape, and good luck trying to move a couch up one!

You need a partner who will guide you through safety criteria and design choices, ensuring the stair is safe for everyone, including seniors, children, and pets. We ask the questions you might not even think of to make sure the final result is exactly what you dreamed of.

  1. Talk to a Real Person

Midwestern service means treating people like neighbors, not ticket numbers. When you call your manufacturer, you shouldn’t have to wade through an automated system or fill out endless forms just to get a quote.

We pride ourselves on answering the phone. You’ll talk to a real person who is ready to listen to your vision rather than just talking at you. We believe in doing business the old-fashioned way: honest communication and a handshake mentality (even over the phone).

Ready to Build Something Extraordinary?

If you’re looking for a team that combines over 35 years of expertise with genuine artistry, give us a holler. We’d love to help you turn that vision into reality.

Call Great Lakes Stair today at 330-225-2005 or fill out our Free Project Review form to get started.

 

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    Plain Talk on Modern Stairs: What They Are and Why You Might Want Them

    Plain Talk on Modern Stairs: What They Are and Why You Might Want Them

    What exactly is a “modern” staircase?

    Now, that’s a tricky question to answer straight out. To tell you the truth, defining a “modern stair” can be a bit tough because what looks modern to one person might not look that way to the next. But here at Great Lakes Stair, we’ve got over 35 years of history under our belts, so we’ve got a pretty good handle on what separates the modern style from the traditional.

    In our experience, a modern staircase isn’t about fussing over every little nook and cranny. It’s about a design that’s clean, symmetrical, and just flows right.

    Seeing the Whole Picture

    Think of it like this: with a traditional colonial staircase, your eye gets caught up in the details—the intricate carvings and those specific little pieces of wood. But with a modern stair, you’re looking at the whole thing as one big, flowing element. Everything blends together nicely without a tremendous amount of exacting detail cluttering up the view.

    You’ll notice that instead of those complicated, obtuse shapes you see on traditional stairs, modern ones stick to simple shapes—rounds, rectangles, and cylinders. And more often than not, you’ll see folks choosing paint-grade woods and bold colors rather than traditional wood stains.

    A Rose by Any Other Name…

    We’ve worked with plenty of customers on these projects, and we hear all sorts of names for this style. Whether you call them “Contemporary,” “Simplistic,” “Clean-lined,” or even “Avant-Garde,” it usually boils down to the same thing.

    One thing to keep in mind, though: “Modern” describes a specific type of build, not just whatever happens to be trendy this week. We often hear people say, “I see stairs doing this lately,” but that’s just a passing style, not necessarily the modern type of stair.

    Openness and Honest Pricing

    Another big difference is the view. A traditional staircase is usually something you just look at from the top. But a modern stair? It’s often finished on all sides. You might have open rises or glass sides that let you see right through the staircase, letting it flow openly with the rest of your house.

    And here’s a bit of good news for your wallet: because modern stairs skip the fancy, ornate architectural details, the labor can sometimes be a little less expensive than the traditional stuff. Simple fabrication methods can save you a buck or two, though using high-end glass can balance that out.

    Why Folks Choose Great Lakes Stair

    What sets us apart is pretty simple: we’ve been at this a long time—over 35 years!. We aren’t guessing at how to build these things; we’ve designed and installed a huge variety of modern stairs over the years.

    We can use that history to help you get exactly what you’re envisioning. Odds are, we’ve already built something similar to what you have in mind, and we can show you photos and details to help guide you in the right direction.

    Ready to Chat?

    If you’ve got an idea for a modern staircase, we’d love to hear about it. Give us a holler at 330-225-2005 or fill out our Free Project Review Form. We look forward to speaking with you!.

     

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      What to Look for in a Curved Staircase Manufacturer

      What to Look for in a Curved Staircase Manufacturer

      A custom curved staircase is more than a functional part of your home; it’s a “turning sculpture” and the focal point of its design. It’s an investment in striking elegance and a statement of “Old World Craftmanship”.

      Choosing the right partner to build this centerpiece is the most important decision you’ll make. With over 36 years of experience, we at Great Lakes Stair believe a truly exceptional manufacturer stands out in several key areas.

      1. Verifiable Experience and True Craftsmanship

      A curved staircase is an architectural marvel. It requires master craftsmen, not just a builder.

      • What to look for: Look for decades of proven experience specifically with curved stairs. Ask to see a portfolio. Do they talk about “craftsmanship”?
      • Why it matters: At Great Lakes Stair, our 36 years in the business means we’ve mastered the art. We don’t just assemble parts; we create hand-crafted projects built to last a lifetime.

      2. A Collaborative and Thorough Design Process

      Your manufacturer should be a partner, not just a vendor. They should be able to turn your ideas into a functional reality.

      • What to look for: A team that asks the right questions—ones you might not even think of. They should collaborate with you, share photos, and carefully evaluate your space.
      • Why it matters: A manufacturer who just takes an order can’t account for the unique details of your home. We collaborate on specifications to ensure the final product is everything you dreamed of.

      3. A Focus on Custom, High-Quality Solutions

      The difference between a “kit” stair and a custom stair is vast.

      • What to look for: Ask what kind of products they make. Do they specialize in high-end, custom work?
      • Why it matters: You should avoid any company focused on “base or entry level products”. At Great Lakes Stair, all our curved staircase solutions range from semi-custom to all-custom designs. This focus guarantees a higher standard of quality.

      4. Deep Knowledge of Safety, Code, and Design

      A beautiful stair is useless if it’s unsafe or uncomfortable to walk on.

      • What to look for: Ask the manufacturer to explain the feel of their stairs. A true expert, like the specialists at Great Lakes Stair, will talk about the “natural cadence”—the perfect flow and consistency that makes the stair comfortable to use, even without looking at your feet.
      • Why it matters: This expertise ensures your stair is not only beautiful but also safer and easier to use than stairs with abrupt turns. An expert will also guarantee the design meets all applicable building codes and can often be more space-efficient than straight stairs with platforms.

      5. A Complete, End-to-End Service

      The most beautiful staircase in the world can be ruined by poor packaging or installation.

      • What to look for: Does the company have a proven process for shipping? Do they offer installation?
      • Why it matters: We’ve perfected our process. We carefully package, number, and label all parts—from the main stair carriage to the hand railings and spindles. We brace everything for damage-free transit, whether it’s going 5 miles or 5,000. We also offer optional expert installation for a complete, worry-free solution.

      The Great Lakes Stair Difference

      When you’re ready to add a sweeping, glamorous curved staircase to your home, don’t settle for just any builder. Choose a master craftsman.

      The specialists at The Great Lakes Stair & Millwork Company will ensure you get the correct design for your needs and budget. Give us a call at 330-225-2005 to start the conversation.

       

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        The Elegance of a Custom Curved Staircase

        The Heart of the Home: The Elegance of a Custom Curved Staircase

        Imagine the first thing your guests see when they walk into your home.

        Their eyes are immediately drawn to a breathtaking, sweeping staircase—a graceful flow of “Old World Craftmanship” that serves as the room’s undeniable centerpiece. That is the striking elegance a custom curved staircase from Great Lakes Stair brings to your home or business.

        For over 36 years, our master craftsmen have been building more than just stairs; we’ve been creating “turning sculptures” that are as functional as they are beautiful. A curved staircase does more than connect two floors; it adds a touch of glamour and fluency, creating an open, welcoming feeling that sets the tone for your entire space. It becomes the focal point for conversations and the timeless backdrop for family photos and milestone memories.

        More Than Beauty: The Surprising Benefits of Curved Stairs

        While their beauty is what first captures your attention, curved staircases are also masters of design and function.

        • Remarkably Safe and Comfortable: Don’t let the elegant design fool you; these stairs are incredibly user-friendly. A true curved staircase is built with a natural “cadence”—a perfect flow and consistency in the steps. This symmetrical design makes climbing or descending feel natural and comfortable, so much so that you never have to look at your feet. It’s a stark contrast to the abrupt, 90-degree turns on straight stairs that demand your full attention.
        • Space-Saving Design: It’s a common misconception that a curved staircase takes up more room. In reality, a well-designed curved stair often uses less space than a straight staircase that requires a large platform or landing.
        • Code-Compliant: Their blend of efficiency, ease of use, and stunning aesthetics makes them an ideal choice, and they are designed to meet all residential and commercial building codes.

        Why Choose Great Lakes Stair for Your Curved Staircase?

        A curved staircase is an investment in a lifetime of quality, and that requires a partner with unparalleled experience.

        With over 36 years in the business, we know exactly what questions to ask. We don’t just build stairs; we collaborate with you. We listen to your ideas, evaluate your space, and share photos to help turn your vision into a hand-crafted reality.

        We do not produce entry-level products. Every project we undertake is a semi-custom or fully custom-designed masterpiece, built to last a lifetime.

        From our workshop to your home, we’ve perfected our process. We carefully package every component—from the main stair carriage to the hand-numbered railings and spindles—bracing it for a damage-free transit, whether it’s traveling 5 miles or 5,000.

        Let’s Build Your Showpiece

        When you are considering a curved staircase, give us a call at 330-225-2005. The specialists at The Great Lakes Stair & Millwork Company will ensure you get the perfect design for your needs and budget, with optional expert installation available. Let’s build the staircase that will define your home for generations.

         

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          Floating Stairs

          Floating Stairs

          At Great Lakes Stair we often get requests from customers regarding floating staircases. So, what is a floating staircase? A floating staircase is like a free-standing staircase, or a self-supporting staircase. It is typically a stairway that attaches to the bottom floor and attaches to the top to the upper floor but is open underneath so that you can see through or walk underneath the stairs.

          Floating stairs can be completely open (no walls) or incorporate a wall and one side of the stair “floats” or free stands or is self-supporting. Floating stairs really designate a staircase that will be open underneath the stair. Customers like to put accent items such as plants, a grand piano, fountains, art niches, or anything else that would make a visual statement under the staircase.

          A floating stair can open up a space by eliminating a wall and give the stairway a more grand appeal.

          Floating staircases can be done in many stair styles such as circular, curved, straight, or spiral.

          Floating, free-standing, open, and self-supporting are all terms that refer to what we call a floating staircase. At Great Lakes Stair they have become a specialty of ours; many staircase manufacturers shy away from floating stairs as they can be difficult to figure out. After 35 years of designing and building stairs, the team at Great Lakes Stair has mastered this type of staircase and can collaborate with our customers on the perfect floating staircase for their home. We handle covering all building code requirements and guide our customers so they understand what areas need to be enhanced to support the floating staircase.

          Even if you are considering a stair renovation of an existing staircase that is not floating, Great Lakes Stair can offer an option for a floating staircase by carefully considering your space and possibly eliminating a wall.

          Why Choose Great Lakes Stair?

          With over 35 years in the business, we’re unparalleled in the designing, building and installing of custom floating staircases. We ask the right questions, ones you might not even think of – to make sure your floating staircase is everything you expected, and more.

          Our experience saves our customers both time and money. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and show to help you make the best choices for your project.

          Ready to get started? Give us a call at 330-225-2005 or fill out the Free Project Review form from our website. Let’s build something extraordinary together.

          Call Today: 330-225-2005

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            The Elegance of Free-Standing Stairs

            The Elegance of Free-Standing Stairs

            At Great Lakes Stair, we frequently collaborate with clients looking to make a powerful visual statement in their homes, and one of our specialties is the free-standing staircase.

            So, what defines a free-standing staircase?

            Understanding Free-Standing Design

            A free-standing staircase is, true to its name, a self-supporting structure. Unlike traditional designs enclosed by walls, a free-standing stair is characteristically open underneath. It securely attaches to the floor at the bottom and to the upper level at the top, but the space beneath it remains clear, allowing you to see or walk underneath.

            This style can be achieved in different ways. Some designs are completely open, while others may incorporate a structural wall on one side, leaving the other side of the stair to appear “floating” or self-supported.

            While you may hear terms like “floating,” “open,” or “self-supporting,” they all refer to this same impressive concept that we call a free-standing staircase.

            Benefits of an Open Staircase

            Choosing a free-standing design can fundamentally change the feel of a room.

            • A Grand Appeal: By eliminating a solid wall, a free-standing stair can make a space feel significantly larger and more open.
            • A Design Focal Point: The open space underneath is perfect for accent items. Customers often place a grand piano, fountains, plants, or art niches beneath the stairs, transforming the area into a dramatic focal point.
            • Versatile Styles: This concept is not limited to one look. It can be applied to many stair styles, including straight, curved, circular, or spiral staircases.

            Why Choose Great Lakes Stair for Your Project?

            Many staircase manufacturers shy away from free-standing stairs because they can be complex and difficult to engineer correctly. At Great Lakes Stair, we embrace the challenge; this type of staircase has become one of our specialties.

            • Experience: After 35 years of designing and building custom stairs, our team has mastered the unique requirements of free-standing designs.
            • Expert Guidance: We handle all the details, covering building code requirements and guiding you on what structural enhancements are needed to support the staircase safely.
            • Time and Money Savings: Our experience saves you both. We know what works and what doesn’t, helping you make the best choices for your project.
            • The Right Questions: We ask the questions you might not even think of, ensuring your finished staircase is everything you expected and more.
            • Renovation Possibilities: Even if you have an existing, closed-in staircase, we can often offer a free-standing option. By carefully considering your space, we may be able to create an open design, possibly by eliminating an existing wall.

            Ready to Get Started?

            Let’s build something extraordinary together. If you’re ready to discuss your project, give us a call at 330-225-2005 or fill out the Free Project Review form on our website.

             

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              Self-supporting Stairs

              Straight Talk on Self-Supporting Stairs

              Here at Great Lakes Stair, folks often ask us about a special kind of staircase—one that really opens up a room. You might’ve heard it called “floating” or “open,” but what it really comes down to is a good, solid self-supporting staircase. We’ve been building ’em for over 35 years, and we’re happy to share what makes them special.

              So, What Is a Self-Supporting Stair, Anyway?

              Well, it’s pretty much what it sounds like. It’s a stairway that stands on its own, without needing a bunch of walls boxed in underneath it.

              It hooks in securely at the bottom floor and fastens right up to the top floor. But that whole space underneath? It’s wide open. You can see right through or even walk under it.

              Sometimes the staircase is completely open on both sides. Other times, it might use a wall for one side, while the other side just… well, supports itself.

              Why Folks Love ‘Em

              The main reason people get so excited about these stairs is how they change a room.

              • Opens Things Right Up: Getting rid of that solid wall underneath just makes a space feel bigger, brighter, and a whole lot grander.
              • A Real Showpiece: That new open space is the perfect spot for things that matter to you. We’ve seen folks put a grand piano, a nice water feature, or just some lovely house plants under their stairs.
              • Any Style You Like: You’re not limited to one look. We can build self-supporting stairs that are straight, curved, spiral, or circular.

              Building It Right Takes Know-How

              Now, we’ll be straight with you: building a self-supporting staircase isn’t a job for beginners. They can be tricky to figure out, which is why a lot of other manufacturers might shy away from them.

              But for us, they’ve become a specialty.

              After 35 years of designing and building stairs, our team has pretty much mastered the art. We know what works, what doesn’t, and that experience saves our customers a heap of time and money.

              We’re not just builders; we’re partners. We’ll ask the right questions—even the ones you might not think of—to make sure the job’s done right the first time. We handle all the tricky building code requirements and explain in plain English what needs to be done to your home to properly support the new structure.

              Even if you’re renovating an old, boxed-in staircase, give us a call. We can take a look and see if we can open things up for you, maybe by taking out a wall you don’t need.

              Let’s Get Started

              We take a lot of pride in our work and would be honored to build something extraordinary with you.

              If you’re ready to chat, give us a ring at 330-225-2005 or fill out the Free Project Review form on our website.

               

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                Advanced Technologies in Visualizing New Stair Projects

                Advanced Technologies in Visualizing New Stair Projects

                At Great Lakes Stair we have developed (over our 35+ years of building stairs) a unique process to help our customers visualize how their new stair project will look and fit in their space. We take the initial information from the customer lead and follow up and request any blueprints or construction drawings they may have, or if it is not a new construction job, we’ll ask for photos of the existing staircase.

                If it is a new staircase construction, once we get their plans, we can begin to understand what the customer is looking to achieve, and we can begin collaborating with additional photos that represent style, colors, and materials. Once the project starts to take shape, we can begin working on a floor plan view of the stair. We review the floor plan with the customer to ensure it makes sense, and that they understand the overall size of the staircase, and that it fits in the space.

                When we know the size and style of the staircase, we can go into a 3D visualization of the stair. Similar to how kitchen cabinet companies have software to show customers how new cabinets will look in their kitchen, at Great Lakes Stair we have the same capabilities with new staircases. This helps customers really get a sense of how the stair will look and function in their home (or business).

                After we confirm with the customer that the project design make sense and it is what they are looking for, we make a full-scale pattern that we ship to the customer so they can literally lay it on the floor and know how that stair will fit in their space. Our process gives customers an element of comfort that they have chosen the right staircase manufacturer, because our process has been refined over many years. A lot of other companies have tried to copy our process as Great Lakes Stair was the industry leader in utilizing advanced technologies to help customers visualize their staircase projects.

                Our visualization process results in a very informed customer and helps avoid any surprises coming up once the staircase construction begins. We don’t expect customers to be experts in custom staircase design and construction, that’s why we provide this program and help educate customers so they can make the best decisions possible.

                Why Choose Great Lakes Stair?

                With over 35 years in the business, we’re unmatched in designing, building, and installing custom staircases. We ask the right questions—ones you might not even think of—to make sure your staircase is everything you dreamed of and more.

                Ready to start a conversation? Call 330-225-2005 or contact us to discuss your production stair project!

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                  Custom Stair Manufacturers: Should You Use Someone Local or Remote

                  Custom Stair Manufacturers: Should You Use Someone Local or Remote

                  When it comes to what stair manufacturer you should select, a local company vs. a national company, it really all comes down to one thing: competency. Anyone can say they are stair builders. At Great Lakes Stair, we have designed, built and installed custom staircases all over the world. Often what we find in taking over many stair projects that have gone awry is that the local companies just don’t have the experience to competently build a custom staircase. They may be good carpenters, but there is so much more that goes into a successful custom stair project. With over 35 years of experience as a stair manufacturer, Great Lakes Stair knows what questions to ask customers, and how to educate customers to avoid common mistakes that can really cause a bad experience on a stair project.

                  Do your research. Ask to see the portfolio of the stair projects the company you are considering has personally done. Make sure the company you choose is a bricks and mortar company, with a physical address that doesn’t just advertise their cell phone number. At Great Lakes Stair, we have been in the same building for over 35 years; we have had the same phone number for over 35 years; we have had some of the same employees for over 35 years! This can only lend credibility to us that we are doing something right.

                  Great Lakes Stair is a custom stair fabrication facility, and we only do custom stairs. We know stairs, it is our specialty!

                  Great Lakes Stair, Your Best Choice for Custom Built Staircases

                  With over 35 years of longevity and experience in the design and installation of custom-built staircases, Great Lakes Stair is unmatched in our knowledge and expertise when designing, manufacturing, and installing custom built stairs. Because of our significant background in the industry, we know what types of questions to ask our customers, questions or concerns that they have not even thought of to ensure a great project outcome. We can save our customers time and money because in our 35+ years, we’ve seen what works best, and what doesn’t, and can help educate and guide our customers on their custom staircase project.  

                  For more information, check out our web page “Why Choose Us” for more insights on what to look for when choosing a custom staircase builder.

                  Take advantage of our experience for your next custom-built staircase project. Call us today at 330-225-2005 or fill out the Free Project Review inquiry form on this page.

                  Ready to start a conversation? Call 330-225-2005 or contact us to discuss your production stair project!

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                    Finding The Right Stair Manufacturer For Your Project

                    Finding The Right Stair Manufacturer For Your Project

                    When you are considering a custom stair project for your home or business, there are a lot of options available. What makes Great Lakes Stair different and the best choice for your project?

                    We are a bricks and mortar company who have had the same physical address, same phone number, and same email and website addresses for over 35 years. Our employee retention has been very high for the last 20 years. We are very good at what we do. When you combine our experience and longevity in the industry, what we bring to your project far exceeds a carpenter who comes to your house and tries to fabricate something in place, or an internet-only company who is just a middleman selling prefabricated staircases.  

                    When you work with Great Lakes Stair you are buying our 35-year education in design, fabrication, and installation of custom stairs. We have seen so many projects we can guide our customers on what will work best for their situation and help avoid making the mistakes we have already made in our long history. We can show you different ways of doing things that someone who doesn’t specialize in designing and installing custom stairs doesn’t know about.

                    We try to educate our customers in laymen terms, so it is easy to understand the options available. Due to our long history we can help explain the options with photo examples from our extensive project photo galleries so you can see how our approach will work in your home. This helps our customers visualize how the finished product will work and look in their space. Additionally, we can provide 3D CAD drawings where they can see the staircase and view it from different angles.

                    Whether you are 3 miles away, or 3,000 miles away, our process is the same. We engage with our customers throughout the process. If you visit us at our facility, or we have a virtual meeting, our approach is consistent.

                    Why Choose Great Lakes Stair?

                    With over 35 years in the business, we’re unmatched in designing, building, and installing custom staircases. We ask the right questions—ones you might not even think of—to make sure your staircase is everything you dreamed of and more.

                    Our experience saves our customers both time and money. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how to help you make the best choices for your project.

                    Ready to get started? Give us a call at 330-225-2005 or fill out the Free Project Review form on our site. Let’s build something extraordinary together.

                    Call Today: 330-225-2005

                    Free Project Review!

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