FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

general Information

How many pieces will our new spiral be?

Each spiral is one piece. No assembly is required. The only exception is if you need a spiral that spans 2 or 3 floors. We usually make those in sections.

How much does a spiral stairway weigh?

A base (entry level) model 5-foot-3-inch-diameter spiral that is 9’ high or 108” weighs about 500 pounds.

What is the cost of a custom spiral?

It depends on the height, diameter and design additions. A one-story, 9’ high, 5’3” diameter spiral costs $6,000 to $7,000 including tax and delivery (but not install) within an hour radius. Different diameters and upgrades of handrail, pickets and color affect cost. We are happy to provide a quote based on your specific needs and desires.

What size spiral should I purchase?

Most of our spiral are 5’0, 5’3, 5’9 and 6’3 diameters. The finished opening is 3” added to the diameter for hand room which is 5’3, 5’6, 6’ and 6’6. The smaller diameter spiral is less costly than the next size up. If there is going to be a lot of traffic on the spiral or the home or deck is larger, that may direct us towards a larger diameter.

I have budget concerns. Can you help me?

We will work with you to value engineer the project to meet your budget as much as possible. We often quote a job based on the design presented but are also very good at working the design back into the proposed budget. Our goal is to meet your needs and desires as far as possible. It is not uncommon for a design to have details which are labor intensive, and we are willing to offer suggestions on how to modify the design details to meet a budget.

Do your spirals conform to building codes?

Spirals 5-foot-0-inches in diameter and larger conform to BOCA Code, UBC, Code, IRC 2003, IPC 2006, IBC 2006 and IFC 2006 building codes. Standard opening between steps and pickets are less than 4 inches. Between the steps are a riser bar that eliminates the 4 inch gap.

We also make spirals for commercial applications. Sometimes there are different requirements for these spirals.

Can a spiral survive outside in winter?

Yes, our outdoor spirals are primed and painted with oil-based paints. If you see a spot, please take care of it sooner than later. Adopt an attitude that "a stitch in time saves nine.”

Can I put a spiral off my deck?

Yes, many of our spirals are off decks. See our website for many examples. Many of the spirals we have built are installed on lake properties, where a spiral is suited because it is easy to see through and takes less space on a narrow lake property. The time and cost to make a wood staircase is usually more than to purchase and install a metal spiral.

What is the difference between a Wells Spiral Stair and a kitted spiral?

There is a big difference between the two types of spirals. Our spirals are one piece and require no assembly. The spiral is very solid to walk on and requires no maintenance. A kitted spiral requires assembly of nearly 300 pieces. The fasteners on a kitted spiral need to be checked annually for tightness.

Ordering

How do I get a quote?

At a minimum, we need the diameter and height measurements and the general location to deliver to. We can do a quick quote.

If available, please provide plans, site measurements, photos of the site, design photos or drawings, project location and schedule for completion. The more information you can provide up front will help streamline the proposal process.

What do I need to do first?

Measure the floor-to-floor height as well as the available finished diameter. Think about the on-off positions that you want. To visualize the space your spiral will take up, think of the spiral as a giant roll of paper towels in your space; it might help to put blue tape, soup cans or rocks as placeholders —at the “corners” on both floors where the spiral will be installed to help you imagine the volume it will fill.

To be to code, how big should the floor opening be for a spiral?

The minimum finished opening for a 5’0 diameter spiral is 5-foot-3 inches or 63” which is the minimum diameter of a spiral for most building codes—5 feet—plus 3 inches clearance for fingers between the handrail and walls.

Can I order any color paint for my spiral?

Yes, you can order any color. We use Benjamin Moore DTM (direct to metal) primer and top coat; we will need to know your sheen preference (Matte, Gloss, or Semi-Gloss) at time of ordering. We also feature other finishes including patina and metallic glazes.

We can also send your spiral out for powder coating to a local powder coater.

Note that we paint any one color using HVLP. This is our most inexpensive route. Powder coating, metallic paint, two-part epoxy, etc., are upcharges.

What is the surface of the steps and landing?

The treads and landing are 12-gauge steel. You may order diamond plate or smooth treads. Diamond plate has raised bumps and is anti-skid. Most customers order diamond plate for spirals that are outdoors or for an industrial indoor design. Smooth steps would be required if they are to be covered with Trex, wood or carpet.

What if I want a different design spiral than shown on your website?

Every spiral from Wells Spiral Stairs is custom-made. Show us what you want, and we will show you what we can do. Instagram and Pinterest are great places to find pictures for inspiration.

How long does it take?

For many clients, the schedule is as important as quality and cost. The schedule depends on the complexity of the project and our current workload. We provide an estimate for completion when the proposal is submitted, and we work hard to accommodate your deadlines.

Many builders and contractors send in a down payment when a new project starts. We buy materials, make parts and follow up with them every few weeks in order to be able to deliver when needed.

How do I order a railing or gate?

Properly fitting railings and gates require precise measurements. Locally, we are happy to come out and measure for you. Outside of the area, we are happy to work with you or your contractor to assist.

Do you ever have sales?

Our off-season is in the winter. Placing an order during this time frame may decrease your overall cost, depending on our workload. We also work with contractors or builders that place larger volume orders.

Is that the best you can do?

Wells Spiral Stairs is not competing with the low bidder. We offer expertly crafted work in a professional manner at a great value. We have saved our clients heartache, time and money because of our expertise and experience. This value is difficult to appreciate when one is only considering the bottom line but often results in monetary savings. There are no hidden costs and we stick to our price. We do not cut corners, but we do what is best for the job because we are craftsmen first and take pride in our work. We are happy to provide you with references from highly regarded professional designers, builders and clients.

Accessory Products

What if I want railings or gate to match my spiral? Can you do this?

Yes, we make lots of matching railings and gates. Deck railings done in metal are very striking.

What is the difference between your railings and railings I might see at a local big box store?

Our wrought iron railings are custom. The materials and weldments are much more heavy duty.

Can I have carpet or wood on my steps?

Yes, we can punch small holes in the vertical surface in preparation for carpet. We can punch holes in the horizontal surface in preparation for wood steps. Next, you or your contractor would add the wood steps or carpeting.

How does an exterior spiral attach to cement?

Typically in 2 ways: a 12” footing or sono tube can be dug and poured below frost line. The 7 ½ diameter spiral base attaches to that. Note that the footing needs to be placed correctly for the spiral location and diameter! Or, if there is already a pad there that will not move, the spiral can be attached to the pad.

Can my outside spiral be attached to a cement stepping stone?

Yes, if the cement does not move. The homeowner or contractor normally takes a post hole digger to dig to below frost line and fills the hole with cement. The spiral stands on the cement base and secures to that.

Can you make a spiral that goes from the basement to the first floor and then continues up to the second floor?

Yes, we make two spirals. The upper one telescopes into the lower and then locks. We have made them 52 feet high with 5 spirals.

What else do you do, besides spirals?

We make railings for steps, balconies, walkways, ramps and gates for walkways and driveways. We are also doing many projects from the Fixer Upper TV show, and recently, kitchen hoods. Please see our gallery for projects that we have made. We are open to special projects also.

What is the most unusual spiral you have made?

We made a miniature spiral for a cat to get up onto the client’s deck. Wish we had a picture of this spiral!

Why do you use a corner landing on top of your spirals?

Many building codes require a spiral to have an exterior landing before alighting onto the top story. This “extra step” that is even with the second floor reduces height between steps and makes a more comfortable stair to walk on.

Shipping/Installation

Do you deliver?

Yes, we often deliver within a few hundred miles of Genoa City including Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chicago and Rockford, Illinois. When over that distance we may use interstate trucking. Simply call for a quote.

Can we pick up our new spiral?

Yes, a 5-foot-3-inch-diameter spiral that is less than 10-feet tall will fit horizontally in a pickup with an 8-foot bed. A larger spiral can be put on a trailer. We will load and tie down.

How much is shipping if we live far away?

The shipping costs are based on distance. If you are shipping more than one, shipping costs decrease greatly. We need the diameter and height, as well as the ZIP code of the destination and we will get the cost for you. We ship coast to coast in the United States.

How do I get a spiral into my house?

A 5-foot-3-inch-diameter spiral can enter a house thru a 36-inch-wide door by corkscrewing the spiral through the opening. Sliding doors are also an option. Please send a drawing or picture of your project and we will work with you. In some cases, we recommend a two-piece spiral for tight locations.

Do you install the spiral?

No, typically we work with you or your contractor to explain installation. Installation of a spiral takes about 45 minutes. If you are ready to unload and install when we deliver, we are often able to guide you through the install process. Our record is 17 minutes.

What tools do I need to install my spiral?

You will need an electric drill, a socket wrench and a 4’ level. Many people use hammer drills into concrete.

Fasteners are also required. For the top area of the landing, there are seven 3/8ths holes. For a deck installation, we suggest 2” lag bolts. For the base which has two 3/8th holes, we suggest 5/16” sleeve anchor bolts. Ultimately, fasteners are up to you and your application.