Staircases FAQs
Can my old staircase be renovated?
If your existing staircase is structurally sound, there’s no reason you can’t benefit from a staircase renovation. When you choose Neville Johnson, your stairs can be completely transformed into an entirely new aesthetic within just 48 hours. We’ll replace the treads, newel posts, balustrade and banister with hardwood components and materials, meaning you can enjoy new stairs without any building work or planning permission required.
What is included in a Neville Johnson staircase refurbishment?
An expert designer will visit your home to discuss the aesthetic you’re looking for. We’ll consider the style of your home to ensure your new staircase is a cohesive addition. Our meticulous installation team will replace your newel posts, handrails, base rails and balustrade, meaning a completely new look can be achieved.
Does a new staircase add value?
It’s said potential buyers make up their mind within 30 seconds of entering a home. The hallway is typically the first impression, which means a staircase renovation has huge potential to add value to a property. As a significant part of your interior, the stairs and banister can create a real impact when designed and installed to the highest standard. At Neville Johnson, we’re proud to be market leaders in staircase renovations. Our designers are experts in creating the best staircase possible for your unique home.
Can the entire staircase be renovated?
An entire staircase can be renovated, as long as it’s structurally sound. This is a much easier option than replacing your staircase, which requires building work and sometimes planning permission. Lots can be achieved with a straightforward renovation. When you choose Neville Johnson, our installation team can transform your staircase in less than 2 days, from the first cut to the final polish.
Can I get Neville Johnson services in my location?
Neville Johnson offers a UK-wide service. We have expert design and installation teams located all over the United Kingdom, so there’s always an option close to you. To find your nearest designer simply request a consultation and a member of the team will be in touch to arrange a time and date that suits you.
Do I need planning permission to refurbish a staircase?
There’s no planning permission needed for a staircase refurbishment, as long as your staircase is structurally safe to begin with. At Neville Johnson, you can renovate your staircase with all new materials in less than 48 hours. No mess, no fuss and no building work.
How long does it take to renovate a staircase?
We’re proud to promote that Neville Johnson staircase renovations are usually completed within 48 hours. Our designers and client services team will always advise how to best prepare for our installation teams arriving, to ensure your renovation goes smoothly and swiftly.
Do you offer a design consultation service?
At Neville Johnson we offer a free, no obligation design consultation service. Our team of expert designers are located all around the UK, so we can arrange for someone to visit your home at a date and time that suits you.
What materials are your stairs made from?
When designing your staircase, our experts will talk you through our selection of available materials and finishes to find something that suits your home and requirements. From durable hardwoods to laser cut glass and steel, all our staircases and banisters are made with the highest quality materials. We’re proud to offer a 10-year guarantee with all our staircase renovations.
What are the options for updating my staircase and banister?
Updating your staircase and banister will have a transformational effect on your hallway. Our designers will take you through the many different options you have. For example if you’re looking to brighten up your entryway, glass panels paired with an oak banister will let natural light flood your space, while still offering design contrast.
How will you fit my glass staircase?
At Neville Johnson, we can renovate your staircase with all new materials in less than 48 hours. No mess, no fuss and no building work, and as long as your staircase is structurally safe, there’s no need for any planning permission. We employ the finest surveyors and installation teams who meticulously measure your staircase to ensure a seamless fit. Our designers and client services team will always advise how to best prepare for our installation teams arriving to ensure your renovation goes smoothly and swiftly.
What are the benefits of having a glass staircase at home?
Glass is the ideal material to give your staircase and hallway the perfect lift. From laser cut glass that effortlessly graces any space, to stunning glass spindles for the very latest look, our designers can work with you to create glass stairs that truly are an architectural delight.
What is a glass balustrade?
Balustrades support staircases and provide safety. While various materials can be used to design a balustrade, glass balustrades have become extremely popular in recent years because of their countless benefits. Glass balustrades make a striking choice in modern architecture and interior design as they can help to create the illusion of space in a building, allowing light to shine through. In addition, they are easy to keep clean and exceptionally durable.
Why should I consider a glass balustrade?
The versatility of glass means that it goes with almost any complementing material and your options for design are just about endless. If your hallway is narrower than you would like, or lacks natural light, then glass balustrades can create an open plan aesthetic with ease. With a little creative imagination from our leading design experts, a new glass stair design can breathe life into any space.
What are the best glass railing designs?
You might opt for a whole glass balustrade or choose a look that’s a little more subtle. There are a variety of different options available when it comes to glass stair railings, and our designers are always on hand to help you decide. You can keep it simple with the clean lines of large glass panels, or add understated detailing with elegant glass spindles. Alternatively, you could experiment with metals by opting for a steel and glass staircase or create a more angular piece of architecture with a framed glass balustrade.
What are the things to consider when choosing a glass staircase?
Considering how imposing stairs can be, it’s essential to create as much light and space as possible, particularly in a part of the home where every inch counts. When transforming stairs with a glass staircase, it’s important to determine where the natural light is coming from. This could be a large feature window at the top of the stairs, a roof light or an open plan room at the foot of the stairs. Opening up the area using glass paneling enables the light to flood through, creating the illusion of more space around landings and hallways.
What colours and finishes are available for my railing and glass stairs?
Our designers will take you through the many different options you can choose from. For example if you’re looking to brighten up your entryway, a glass and oak balustrade will let natural light flood your space, while still offering a design contrast. At Neville Johnson, we create bespoke glass staircases in a wide range of colours and finishes. Request a free visit from one of our design consultants to discover how glass staircase paneling can fit seamlessly into your home interiors.
What are the material options for my glass balustrade?
When designing your glass stairs, our experts will talk you through our selection of available materials and finishes to find something that suits your home and requirements. From durable hardwoods to laser cut glass and steel, all our staircases and balustrades are made with the highest quality materials. We’re proud to offer a 10-year guarantee with all our staircase renovations.
What type of glass is used for staircases?
The best type of glass for staircases is toughened glass, which we use in all of our staircase designs. Choose from clear, etched, bronze or grey to create a unique staircase built specific to your requirements and taste.
How will you fit my timber staircase?
At Neville Johnson, we can renovate your staircase in as little as 48 hours. As long as your existing staircase is structurally safe and sound you don’t need planning permission, enabling us to move quickly. All our timber staircases are tailor-made for your home, so to ensure a perfect fit every time, we employ the finest surveyors and installation teams to meticulously measure your staircase.
What are the benefits of a wooden staircase?
A bespoke timber staircase can elevate the aesthetic appeal of your hall and landing. Choosing the right material to match your taste means adding atmosphere and personality that will last many years. There’s no disputing the luxury finish of wooden stairs. Plus, these classic materials are durable and easy to maintain. Pick a traditional or modern hardwood staircase design and enjoy flexibility with your décor. Wood complements all colour schemes, which means your walls and soft furnishings can change with the seasons, while your tailor-made wooden staircase serves as a timeless focal point. Hardwood staircases are an excellent investment that can add value to your home if you decide to sell it in the future.
How do you renovate wooden stairs?
At Neville Johnson, we’re experts in renovating wooden stairs. We use your existing staircase structure as a base, keeping the same configuration but elevating the aesthetic with bespoke materials and finishes. Our experienced designers will visit to help you plan your perfect staircase style. Our expert craftspeople then build your new wooden staircase to your home’s exact measurements. They’ll incorporate elements of wood, glass or steel to your specifications and leave you with a show-stopping bespoke timber staircase that we know you’ll love.
What types of wood does Neville Johnson use for staircase renovations?
At Neville Johnson we use a variety of durable hardwoods including oak, sapele and walnut for our bespoke timber staircase renovations. Oak is strong and dense and is one of the most durable hardwoods used in furniture making. Sapele is hard and heavy with a unique finish, making it a perfect choice for show-stopping wooden stairs. Maple has a fine uniform texture and is one of the most solid hardwoods. Beech contains stunning warm undertones and has a fine, even texture. Walnut is a striking dark hardwood known for its unique colour. Our designers carry samples of all our timber finishes, so you can see how each option fits against your home’s interior.
Can you combine other materials with wooden staircases?
Yes, you can combine other materials with wood stairs. Various high-quality materials can be combined with timber stairs to create beautiful staircases that suit every home. Contemporary glass panels let light flood the space but keep your colour palette neutral. Glass and wood stairs are a stunning, fluid choice that works well in minimal homes. Or you can inject drama with striking risers in our unique finishes. Brushed steel and dark wood combined together create a wonderful ambient atmosphere, while lighter woods are perfect for modern family homes. If you’d prefer an all-wood staircase, select two complementary hardwoods to combine shades and textures.
What is hardwood?
Hardwoods are solid, natural materials sourced from deciduous trees. These trees grow slowly, resulting in denser wood that develops over decades. Hardwood, like oak and walnut, is naturally more durable than softwood, like pine and larch. That’s why we choose the highest-quality hardwood to build our bespoke wooden stairs. Thanks to their luxurious quality and finish, we work exclusively with oak, sapele, walnut and tulip for staircase renovations. Each is unique in its colour and texture, so you can find a shade that complements the rest of your home interior, from existing furniture and flooring to textiles and soft furnishings.
What timber is suitable for staircase hard components?
Oak, sapele, walnut and tulip are among the most favoured hardwoods used in carpentry, furniture making and wooden staircases. These beautiful woods showcase various natural finishes and textures, which means there’s a perfect option to suit every interior style. At Neville Johnson, we choose each of our hardwoods carefully due to the unique characteristics they boast, so you can find the perfect option to suit your home. Whatever timber you choose, we only use the highest quality, durable hardwoods to craft your bespoke timber staircase.
How do you modernise oak staircases?
There are many ways to modernise oak staircases, letting you enjoy the timeless appeal and durability of oak with a modern twist that suits your taste. Traditional oak timber staircases can be updated by replacing old spindles, newel posts and handrails with contemporary alternatives. At Neville Johnson, when it comes to modernising your existing oak staircase you can work with our expert designers to decide what’s best for your space. There’s the potential to introduce modern materials, like glass panels for a minimal and airy finish or brushed steel for an industrial injection. We work alongside you to help you make the best design decisions to create a stunning staircase in your home.