Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise Considerations for Spiral Staircases

What are the factors affecting this decision?

What feels natural:

The direction of a spiral staircase is very important for many reasons. About 75% of spiral staircases ascend anti-clockwise (right hand on handrail as you go up), perhaps because most people are right handed and this would be more subconsciously natural. There is some evidence that in the southern hemisphere this is the opposite, but no clear reason why. It could it be the rotation of the earth or way bath water swirls down the plughole depending on which hemisphere you are in. What feels natural in one, may not in another. Architects should ask clients which way feels more natural to them and explore the reasoning, they may have a left handed Australian living in London and be surprised.

The position of the spiral staircase in the property:

The start and finish positions of a spiral stair are critical, and the direction of travel can be used to achieve the optimum results. You never want to enter or exit a stair to face a wall, there should always be a logical flow to the use of a stair. Most spiral staircases rotate between three quarters and one full revolution, so careful thought should be given to the direction.

Another important consideration is headroom, the factor that gets forgotten more than any other when designing a staircase. To comply with Building Regulations, and to avoid banging your head, you should have a minimum of 2000mm clear above the pitch line (that’s the front edge of the steps). You also need good headroom when you walk under or around the stair, something that is often forgotten. Here is where 3D modelling comes into its own to help you visualise your stair in the setting of the building. Your 3D model can show both clockwise and anti-clockwise options in the same space. The choice of one or the other may solve your headroom or entrance and exit dilemas.

Design and look:

Choosing clockwise or anti-clockwise maybe a design or style choice. Outside of the practical use of the stair, it is also a statement in someone’s home, and they may wish to show off the beautiful, curved design in one way more than the other. If stunning treads or handrails have been included, it may be that these are seen more by having the stair run a certain direction.

At Spiral we can model your stairs in both directions’ dependant on your project. Give us a call with your requirements and we can develop the best spiral staircase for you.