How long does a complex stair renovation take?
For a straight closed staircase the timeline is fairly predictable — that situation is covered in the general article about how long a stair renovation takes. As soon as a staircase deviates from that straight shape, the story changes. Quarter-turn staircases, spiral staircases, landings and full bespoke work require more preparation and more fitting, and therefore more time. This article addresses those more complex situations.
Why a complex staircase takes more time
A straight staircase consists of identical treads that repeat. A complex staircase does not. Corner treads, tapering treads and connections to a landing are almost never identical. Each tread is measured separately and finished to size. That precision determines the end result — and the time it takes pays off in a sleek, seamless connection.
Quarter-turn and double quarter-turn staircases
A quarter-turn staircase has corner treads where the staircase changes direction. Those corner treads taper and require individual bespoke work. For a quarter-turn staircase, count on one to two working days. For a double quarter-turn, with two turning points, this increases as the number of deviating treads grows.
Spiral staircases and organic shapes
A spiral staircase has no straight tread at all — every tread turns. This is the most labour-intensive stair shape and requires the most preparation. The timeline depends strongly on the diameter and the number of treads, but is structurally higher than for a straight or quarter-turn staircase.
Landings and intermediate levels
A staircase with a landing or intermediate platform means extra surfaces that must connect seamlessly to the treads. The landing is finished as a separate surface, which adds fitting and drying time to the schedule.
Signature — full bespoke finish
With Omnistair Signature, the complete stair finish is built up on site: treads, stringers and adjoining elements in one continuous whole. This craftsmanship-based system requires several days. Here the timeline is not a delay but a characteristic of the result — a finish without visible seams, fully tailored to the staircase.
What influences the duration of complex staircases?
Several factors determine the timeline. The number of deviating treads weighs in: the more corner or turning treads, the more bespoke work. Removal of the existing stair finish plays a role, depending on material and condition. Levelling or repair of the substrate is a condition for a sleek result, as a flat base is essential. Connections to landing, floor or railing each require attention. And accessibility matters: in stairwells in apartment complexes or commercial buildings, phased work may be needed.
Is a complex staircase immediately walkable after installation?
With overlay treads of recycled natural stone composite (EverStep and EverStep Solid) the tread is immediately walkable after installation — also on a quarter-turn or spiral staircase. With Signature, the drying time of the built-up layers determines when the staircase can be used; your Omnistair partner indicates this in advance.
Have your staircase assessed
No two complex staircases are alike. A reliable estimate of the timeline therefore starts with an on-site assessment. Via omnistair.com you can request an on-site assessment, during which the planned execution time is also discussed.
Frequently asked questions
Usually one to two working days, depending on the number of corner treads and the chosen finish.
Yes. A spiral staircase has only turning treads and therefore requires the most preparation and fitting.
Signature is built up entirely on site and requires several days. The exact duration depends on the staircase and is discussed in advance.
With EverStep and EverStep Solid: yes, the overlay tread is immediately walkable. With Signature, the drying time determines when the staircase can be used.
Because almost every tread is measured separately and finished to size. That precision determines the sleek connection of the end result.