Designing your own staircase can be daunting, especially when it comes to ordering the correct number of parts. Ordering too many can put an unnecessary hole in your pocket, whilst ordering too few can lead to annoying and often costly delays. That’s why stair parts expert, Lucie Levesley, director at Jackson Woodturners has shared her tips on calculating the correct number of spindles needed for your staircase project.
How to calculate staircase spindles and spacing
Step 1: Pick your spindles
Spindles come in a variety of types and widths, with the most popular being wooden and metal spindles. Wooden spindles are usually 32mm or 41mm (in width). It is important to note the sizing of your selected spindles, alongside whether they are straight or turned, as the spacing calculation you need to use will change based on these factors.
Step 2: Take your staircase measurements
Take separate measurements for each section of your current staircase, i.e. the main stair run, the landing and any additional sections. This will make it much easier to work out the exact amounts of materials that you need, and minimise waste.
Staircases generally come in two different types, closed-string and cut-string (also known as open tread). The number of spindles you need to order will differ depending on the stair type.
Closed-string stairs require a specific calculation whereas a cut-string, open-tread staircase simply requires two spindles per step.
Spindles used on a landing balustrade are calculated using the same formula as a closed-string staircase.
For a closed-string staircase, you will need to measure:
- Measure the “length of the staircase” (mm)
- The angle or “pitch” of the stairs (degrees)
- Convert this to the “going of the flight” (mm)
- Measure the going of the landing (mm)
Cut string, open tread staircases
However, for a cut string, open tread staircase you will instead:
- Count the number of steps (stair treads)
- Measure the going of the landing
Step 3: Calculate how many spindles are needed
You can visit the Jackson Woodturners Spindle Calculator and input your staircase requirements. The calculator will do the hard work for you, generating exactly how many spindles you will need to order for your project.
