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!

            Call Today: 330-225-2005

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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!

              Call Today: 330-225-2005

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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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                  Space Saving Features of Spiral Stairs

                  Space Saving Features of Spiral Stairs

                  Spiral Stairs can offer considerable space saving features in certain situations. At Great Lakes Stair we have over 35 years of experience in designing and building both external and internal spiral staircases. With external spiral stairs what we often see are customers who have an outside deck which leads down to the ground, or a lower deck which then leads down to the ground. In these cases, installing a straight staircase would require a lot of framing and posts, and has the tendency to become a monstrosity and distraction from the overall look of the area. Additionally, a non-spiral staircase in this situation, because of its size can block the view from the deck.

                  Alternatively, a spiral stair in this situation is concurrent with one pole from top to bottom, which leads to reducing the amount of area that the staircase requires. Thus, this creates a more pleasing appearance and really opens up the views from the deck. Additionally, utilizing a spiral stair in these types of situations is often more cost effective than building in a straight staircase to cover multiple levels. Aesthetically the spiral stairs create a level of architectural intrigue and uniqueness to your outdoor area.

                  Many of these design and space saving advantages can be applied to internal spiral stairs as well. Often, we have customers who want an open area with a stair that leads from a finished basement up to the 2nd floor. A spiral staircase would be ideal in this situation, provided it is functioning as a secondary staircase. Internal spiral stairs can’t be used as a primary staircase in most situations although there is an ongoing effort to get these building codes changed due to the cost savings per square foot of utilizing a spiral staircase.

                  Great Lakes Stair, Your Best Choice for Spiral Staircases

                  With over 34 years of expertise in the spiral staircase industry, Great Lakes Stair stands unmatched in the design, fabrication, and installation of custom spiral staircases. Our extensive experience and strong reputation enable us to ask insightful questions that customers might not have considered, ensuring the success of every project. We help our customers save time and money by leveraging our knowledge of what works best and what doesn’t, providing valuable guidance throughout their custom spiral staircase project.

                  Call today at 330-225-2005 or fill out the Free Project Review form on this page to get started.

                   

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                    Spiral Stair Makeover

                    Spiral Stair Makeover

                    At Great Lakes Stair we often hear from customers who are looking for a “spiral stair makeover”. The term makeover can be interpreted in a lot of different ways but generally speaking it refers to someone who wants to take the existing spiral stairs that they have and try to bring it up to date. This can be done a lot of different ways – it can be as simple as painting certain portions of the spiral stair all the way to taking it down to the “bones” of the framework. The latter might include putting a new handrail or spindles on the spiral stairs. If it is an all-metal spiral stair, sometimes we can enhance it by putting wood treads to give the stair more appeal. We can do as much or as little as a customer is comfortable with to do a makeover of their spiral staircase. We can install all the products mentioned here as well. A spiral stairs makeover is really taking what you have and bringing it up to a more modern look.

                    Sometimes it is worth considering abandoning some of these older spiral stairs because the makeover may end up costing more than a new spiral staircase with all of the latest aesthetic and performance improvements that is up to date with today’s codes and standards.

                    Great Lakes Stair, Your #1 Manufacturer for Spiral Staircases

                    With over 35 years of longevity and industry experience in spiral staircases, Great Lakes Stair is unparalleled in the design, fabrication, and installation of custom spiral staircases.  Because of our significant background and reputation in the spiral staircase industry, we know what types of questions to ask our customers, questions you have not even thought of to ensure a great project.

                    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 spiral staircase project. 

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

                    Call Today: 330-225-2005

                    Free Project Review!

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