Tiny House Spiral Staircases: Your Practical Stairway To Heaven

tiny house spiral staircase

NAVIGATION

When it comes to your tiny house, few features help maximize available space as efficiently as a spiral staircase. Small spiral stairways stylishly get you up into lofts and other high areas in your tiny home with plenty of added benefits!

ryans tiny house

Hi, I’m Ryan

When I built my tiny home, I thought about ladders, standard stairs, and spiral stairs to get up into my loft. Each option comes with different perks, but I’ve always loved the alluring aesthetic of spiral staircases!.

ryan mitchell simple living expert

Can I Have A Tiny House Spiral Staircase?

Can I Have A Tiny House Spiral Staircase

Yes, you can absolutely have a spiral staircase in your tiny house. Spiral staircases come with smaller footprints than standard tiny house stairs. They also occupy significantly less square footage than their straight-laced counterparts without forfeiting stability, purpose, or savvy.

Since spiral staircases occupy a smaller area in a tiny living room or kitchen, compared to other types of stairs, they’re actually a great option to consider.

Tiny Home Spiral Staircase

Types Of Tiny House Spiral Staircases

Types Of Tiny House Spiral Staircases

Spiral staircases add character and functionality to small spaces, with various designs that are compatible with different types of architecture and your preferences. In a tiny house, you actually have plenty of spiral stair designs to choose from.

“Know the difference between a regular spiral and helical staircase. Spiral staircases curve and revolve around a straight column while helical staircases don’t need a central post.”

A closed-shaft spiral staircase has a circular structure that’s continuous without a fixed intermediate landing connected to a central axis. Open spiral staircases have an open central axis with or without a railing. They are typically built around a circular well with an eye-like area in the center.

A spiral staircase with a vertical axis has its axis, or a wall, supporting the steps. The steps come out of a spiral without leaving any kind of gap in the axis’s place. This style is my favorite because it’s simple to build, and they just become a natural part of the house!

spiral staircase with a vertical axis

Benefits Of A Tiny House Spiral Staircase

Benefits Of A Tiny House Spiral Staircase

Small spiral staircases appeal to homeowners who don’t want a ladder or more traditional steps in their homes but still need to move easily from one level to the next.

tiny house with two sleeping lofts

Spiral Staircases Maximize Space In A Tiny Home

Spiral staircases build on top of themselves, so their steps don’t extend past the staircase’s width or diameter. Tuck the spiral staircase into a corner to maximize the rest of your space. You’ll even be able to store items below the rungs.

Spiral Staircases Reach Everywhere In A Tiny House

Do you have a one-story loft but high storage spaces? Building a spiral staircases in your tiny house offers flexibility to fit into tighter spaces and reach access points like high shelves.

spiral staircase in tiny house

Tiny Home Spiral Staircases Can Be Creatively Customized

Customize your spiral staircase to meet the vision you have for your space. Combine metal frames with wooden steps or mix and match with handrails and other components. The possibilities are endless.

Creative Tiny Home Spiral Staircase

Spiral Stairs Are Safe

Homeowners feel safer with spiral staircases. Ladders sometimes shake or seem unpredictable. No one wants to be scared climbing up to their loft. This is also true when climbing down, especially if you’re half asleep in the morning. The stepping space on spiral staircases is also bigger than ladders, which is perfect for pets’ paws and growing kids’ feet.

Spiral Staircases Are Versatile

Many styles, materials, and functions allow you to have fun with the option that works best in your home. Create a design that allows you to store items, get to multiple shelves or lofts, and end up with spiral stairs that take up little space.

Spiral Steps Are A Budget-Friendly Option

A ladder might be the least expensive option, but depending on the materials you use, a spiral staircase normally doesn’t break the bank. This is especially true if you choose DIY spiral staircase kits.

The cost of a standard spiral staircase starts at around $1,000 for a new build. But because tiny house spiral stairs are significantly smaller than their standard-sized counterparts, it’s possible to build your own small spiral staircase for a fraction of the price. You can also save a few bucks by installing a used tiny house spiral staircase if the specs are just right!

minimalist budget guide

Create The Perfect Spiral Staircase For Your Tiny Home

Create The Perfect Spiral Staircase For Your Tiny Home

If you’re interested in a spiral staircase, consider these ideas before you commit. Whether you’re building the staircase yourself or using a professional, trust this process. In the end, planning saves time and money and ensures a better outcome.

Tiny House Spiral Staircase Building Materials

Tiny House Spiral Staircase Building Materials

Wood is beautiful and durable, which is why it costs a bit more than metal. Metal is versatile and gives spiral staircases for tiny houses a modern look. Some combine the two, using metal as a core material but still incorporate elements of wood as well.

Calculate Your Spiral Staircase Height

Decide how tall your tiny house spiral staircase will be. For tiny houses with lofts or second stories, your staircase will need to reach the landing. Keep in mind that our handrails will go just as high, so make sure you have the right amount of room to allow it.

Know The Legal Code Requirements For Spiral Staircases

You must know the standard dimensions for height, tread, and rotation degree before you begin designing your tiny house spiral staircase. Know what the smallest legal spiral staircase dimensions are according to local codes. Contact your local building inspector for the area’s dimensional requirements and building codes.

cracking the code

Choose A Location For Your Spiral Stairs

Where do you want the spiral staircase in your tiny home to go? Typically they will be close to your loft or lofts if you have more than one. This allows the person climbing the stairs to enter the loft directly from the spiral staircase. If you’re using your spiral staircase to access high shelves, make sure the curves and angles match up just right.

Spiral Staircase in a tiny home

Design Your Spiral Stairs From The Ground Up

Let your imagination run wild! An open spiral staircase creates a lot of space and has an open feel to it, making your tiny home look bigger and even a little luxurious. With so many design options available for tiny house spiral staircases, and the ability to customize your materials, the sky is the limit here.

YOUR TURN!

  • Where is the perfect location for your spiral staircase?
  • Do you prefer wood, metal, or a combination of both?
3 Comments
  1. Hi Ryan, Thank you for this info, but I personally prefer the regular stair case but with possibly an iron Rail.
    As you send tips I am noting my preferances..
    THANK you so very much, as you walk me through a new beginning for me.
    I also have 2 favorite designs that I will need to have your opinions on.
    Hope to meet up with you, as this process comes to a close to final
    Stage
    Thank so so much for your insight, is much appreciated !!

  2. HI, Not for me..I prefer the regular staircase..
    Thank you, but no thank you

  3. I am already on your email list, thank you, I am looking at buying the Rancher Cabin from Lancaster Log Cabins (actually tiny home cabins). The loft model has a wooden loft ladder. In your Tiny Life Tiny Home Staircase post you show a half spiral ladder stair. The Black metal with wood treads really catches my attention. Where is this available? I can’t seem to find this particular style? Thank you!

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