Project Portfolio: Bespoke London Lightwell Access Staircase

Project Overview

• Client: Sarah, Residential Property

• Location: Central London

• System: Custom Kite-Winder Metal Access Staircase

• Finish: Hot-Dip Galvanized & Black Powdercoat

• Features: Non-slip checkerplate treads, minimalist balustrading

Maximizing Space in Narrow London Lightwells

For Sarah's London home, the challenge was the footprint. Standard straight flights often project too far into the limited lightwell space. Our solution utilized kite-winder treads, allowing the staircase to "turn" within its own width while maintaining full building regulation compliance for tread depth and rise.

• Weather-Resistant Dual Finish: External London staircases face high pollution and moisture. We utilized a dual-coating process: first, a hot-dip galvanizing bath for total rust protection, followed by a architectural-grade black powdercoat for a sleek, "London Railing" aesthetic.

• Safety First: The non-slip checkerplate (durbar) treads provide essential grip for the UK's damp climate, while the minimalist handrail offers a secure hold without blocking valuable light from entering the basement windows.

• Structural Peace of Mind: Like all Dio-Met installations, this staircase is fully UKCA certified. In the high-stakes London property market, having certified structural work is vital for insurance and future property surveys.

See Similar London Projects:

• Curved Metal Staircase: Central London Basement Access – See how we handled a curved masonry wall with a bespoke radius stringer.

Technical Expert Insight: Foundation and Fixing in Historic Masonry

When installing a steel staircase into a London lightwell, the biggest technical hurdle is often the structural integrity of the existing retaining walls. Many of these walls are century-old brickwork not designed for modern point loads. At Dio-Met, we utilize custom-engineered wall-spacer brackets and chemical resin anchors to distribute the load across multiple brick courses. This prevents the "prying" effect that can crack old mortar. Furthermore, unlike generic kit stairs, we survey the exact floor-to-floor height to ensure the final tread is perfectly flush with your threshold—a critical detail for waterproofing and preventing trip hazards in tight spaces.

Why Choose Dio-Met for Your London Project?

• 30+ Years of Pedigree: Established in 1991, we have designed and installed hundreds of staircases across London and the UK.

• Supply Only or Full Install: We can deliver this as a "bolt-together" kit for your local builder, or our Sheffield teams can handle the full installation.

• Bespoke, Not Modular: Every London lightwell is different. We don't sell "one size fits all" stairs; we manufacture to your specific millimetre requirements.

Explore More from Dio-Met

Upgrade Your Property Access:

• External Steel Stairs: Browse our range of straight and winding outdoor access solutions.

• Spiral Staircases: The ultimate space-saver for tight London gardens and interiors.

• Walk-on Glass Floors: Bring natural light into your new basement living space.

• See All Projects: Click here to browse our latest London and UK-wide case studies.

• Request a Quote: Call 0114 243 9009 or email sales@diometonline.co.uk.