Special spiral staircases aren’t only for well-kept interiors but also for modern outdoor spaces

4 September 2024

A well-designed high quality exterior spiral staircase primarily retains all the advantages of any spiral staircase or helical stair solution, which are first and foremost advantages in terms of space. The optimization of the sizes, the reduction of the horizontal footprint are the peculiar characteristics of internal spiral stairs and outdoor spiral stairs, evident and measurable even to the inexperienced eye.

In the second order the spiraliform structural configuration of the stair solution is always fascinating, with refined aesthetics.The sinuous lines combined with different materials are versatile, easily integrated into a wide range of contexts and styles. We know, however, that the  outdoor stairs assume some functionalities more than indoor spiral staircases in particular, and I would add for obvious reasons, in reference to exposure to atmospheric agents, weatherproof finish and so on.

External spiral staircases: the main features

Whatever the anatomical structure, the design options of the staircase for outdoor space you are considering to install, among the thousand possible variants, the certainty to refer to is the special attention to materials. Clearly this also applies to every exterior spiral staircase, without exception. 

The key to the success of a design of exterior stairs of unmatched quality is that the structure is designed to be resistant to the maximum, heavy duty, unalterable despite the aggression of the elements, so water, ice, extreme temperatures and so on. And an outdoor staircase must request low maintenance. 

What is really fundamental in a staircase for outdoor use, outdoor spiral stair, floating stair or open fire escape stair, even more so if it is not covered, is the possibility of rainwater flow and the non-slip tread, that is important for the safe use.

An exterior spiral staircase, therefore, must also have as priority requirements those relating to safety, then those related to the management of atmospheric agents – and low maintenance needs as already mentioned. 

Last but not least, the outdoor spiral stair must be pleasant, at least aesthetically inserted, especially when we are discussing about an outdoor living space: in fact an outdoor space – garden, a terrace, a patio – deserves to be managed with care, also thanks to high quality design options, regarding the right division of spaces and the exterior stair too.  

If you are thinking about building your perfect stair, a custom spiral staircase, a custom color finish long lasting spiral staircase (but industrial spiral stairs and spiral staircase kits are alternatives to consider if they fit your budget) about steps, it is also possible to use for example natural stone or even suitably treated wood treads; often, however, especially with regard to the choice of modern exterior spiral staircase, a metal spiral stair option seems to be the favorite for various reasons.

Outdoor and metal spiral staircase

Metals such as iron, steel and cast iron are able to maximize the curvilinear shapes that are the most attractive prerogative of the spiral/helical staircase. The choice of metal as material for outdoor use, suitably treated also with ad hoc painting and custom color, can be associated with the right compromise between advantages in terms of design and function.

Durability, strength, as we said, to the elements, reliability of the metal creates a perfect combination with the need for aesthetic value. Moreover, the design of the spiral-shaped lines of galvanized spiral stairs is magnificently suited to the interaction with natural light and its changes. 

An iron exterior spiral staircase, a forged iron spiral stair or a steel spiral stair with custom color finish (and probably easy installation) can be a valuable and modern installation.                 

Example of external spiral staircase : Etika in the city of Paris

We now deal with the installation of the external spiral staircase on the terrace – from which you can enjoy the full view of the Eiffel Tower – on the eighth floor of a historic building, located in Place d’Iéna in the city of Paris. The spiral staircase, actually an helical-spiral staircase, is the model Etika by Officine Sandrini, chosen to connect vertically terrace one and two, with access to the Jacuzzi.

More precisely, this model of Etika, a spiral staircase perfectly inserted in a contrasting profile between modernity and history has a diameter of 160 cm for an overall height of 300 cm. The metal structure, support column and treads, naturally subjected to painting and galvanizing, suitable to be subjected to atmospheric agents, required a railing with helical horizontal plates ad hoc. The Etika indoor spiral stairs and spiral stairs for outdoor use have a strong stylistic personality and at the same time manage to integrate perfectly into the prestigious context for which it was designed and built.

External spiral staircase: example of Etika in the city of Turin

Another example of an external spiral staircase: another Etika that in a different context, conveys a different aesthetic. As with all elements for external use, including spiral staircases for outdoor use, the management of atmospheric elements must be provided for; so also this metal Etika received a suitable painting for this purpose.

The inclusion of this exterior spiral staircase is impeccable, perfect both at the structural level but also of pure aesthetics outside a post-industrial building in the city of Turin; Etika serves as an external vertical connection between the top floor and the terrace.

Also in this case it is evident how outdoor spiral staircases can be the best choice, especially in terms of space saving, and aesthetically an excellent business card integrated into the facade of a building.

Discover every possibility of exterior spiral staircase by Officine Sandrini

If you are looking for the distinctive element to give a unique design touch to your spaces, outdoor spaces, some special exterior spiral staircase could be perfect for you: with their irresistible warmth and irrefutable functionality, these installations represent the essence of modern elegance.

Discover exclusive models among Officine Sandrini exterior spiral staircase installations: fill in the following form to receive our new brochure free of charge. Become the protagonist of an amazing and inspiring space, tailored and uncompromising!