T h e A r t o f A s c e n t

G Grouped Baluster • G Rail • G Newel

 w w w.d e s i g n e d s t a i r s .c o m

Confidence Begins With Experience Designed Stairs is Chicagoland’s #1 choice for stairs,
and there are many reasons why! Since the very beginning of our forty-year history, Designed
Stairs has placed a strong emphasis on Comprehensive Stair Design and Fabrication Efficiency.
Our strong commitment to product and process improvement has driven our development of the
finest stair products available and brought us to the forefront of the stair building industry.

Experience You Can Trust

To date, Designed Stairs has successfully completed over 150,000 stair projects! We operate
a 120,000 square-foot facility, provide custom stair products across the United States, and
export to Japan, Europe, and South America! We have grown to produce three times as
many custom stair projects per year as our closest competitor!

State of The Art Facility

All of our stair products are designed and built in our “state of the art” facility. Our 120,000
sq. ft. complex is home to our Production Mill, Fabrication, Assembly, Metal Shop, Finish
Shop, and offices.

The Standard In Stair Design

The level of design accuracy and aesthetic continuity offered by Designed Stairs is matchless in
the world of stair building. While many details of stair design are left to job-site afterthoughts
by other stair companies, our extensive standardization and pre-engineering of joinery,
intersections, style, and structure set our finished products apart. Our strength is drawn
from our wealth of career-based stair professionals that are dedicated to understanding,
developing, and improving staircase construction. We understand that solid, timeless design
doesn’t happen by accident, it is the result of dedication, attention to detail, and hard work.
We are confident that when you see our work, you will also see why Designed Stairs sets
“The Standard In Stair Design.”
 Product Lines

Basic Premium
Well Built And Dependable... More For your Money...
The Builder’s Choice “Basic” Series includes The Builder’s Choice “Premium” Series is
our rail system built over “wall cap” and our best overall value! Furniture-quality
either carpet grade or hardwood milled craftsmanship features open stringers and
staircases. These designs offer a remarkable balusters that terminate into open-ended
combination of strength and beauty stair treads. These designs have become the
that works well in conservative plans or “Standard In Stair Design” for custom homes!
production applications.

The Foundations Of Creativity... If You Can Imagine It, We Can Build It...
The Architect’s Choice Series extends your style Designed Stairs specializes in unique and
options to create accent and nuance beyond the artistic designs that produce awe-inspiring first
ordinary. Choose from a wide variety of elements impressions! The Artisans at Designed Stairs
and personal styling touches to design a stair that have the skill and experience to create one
is truly unique. of a kind components, period reproductions,
antique restorations, and specialties limited
only by your imagination!
 Designed Stairs The Very Definition of Quality
w w w.d e s i g n e d s t a i r s .c o m

Exacting Standards...
by Design
Each component of your staircase

has been designed and engineered

by Designed Stairs to meet strict

quality levels, maintain the highest

4
level of durability, and provide the

maximum amount of aesthetic appeal.

The Finest Quality Material...
by Design We control the entire manufacturing

Designed Stairs uses the finest process from the purchase of the best

hardwoods available; we are material, all the way through to final

passionate about understanding the assembly or installation.

characteristics and qualities of every

species that we use. We maintain

close relationships with our suppliers

and make sure that our material is

being harvested through the practice

Come And Visit Us!
of sustainable and renewable
Before finalizing your stair plans,
forestation methods. Our Mill and
we recommend a visit to our 5,000
Fabrication departments carefully
square-foot showroom, where you will
monitor the material for defects
find seven full-size staircases in fully
throughout the manufacturing
decorated foyers! Hundreds of style
process, ensuring that only the finest
combinations and over 250 feet of
materials become finished product.
balcony rail on display combine to

help you visualize the look that you

are after.
Job-Site Safety... Less Time On Site... Highest Skilled Installation...
by Design by Design by Design
A critical aspect of running your We understand that getting your sub- Our Installation Team has an average

project is safety at the site. Designed contractors on and off the site quickly experience level of over 10 years

Stairs has developed safer installation and efficiently is one of the keys to with the company; they participate

practices to protect our installers and your success. Due to our advanced in ongoing training throughout each
5
help create a safer work environment shop fabrication techniques, year, and they are routinely reviewed

for others at your site as well. Designed Stairs is able to consistently for accuracy, ability, efficiency, and

maintain shorter installation times safety. Before we leave your job site,

than our competition. This means each installer reviews the entire job

that an install that takes others five and completes our 22-Point Quality

days usually takes us two; a complex Check List.

installation that takes them three

weeks usually takes us one!

 The Entry Experience Create The Space That Says Welcome Home See our web site for hundreds
w w w.d e s i g n e d s t a i r s .c o m

1 Rebecca Baluster • G Rail 2 Michelle Baluster • R Rail 3 V Baluster • G Rail • R Newel 4 U Baluster • E Rail

7 W Baluster • G Rail • G Newel 8 32/33 Baluster • T Rail • T Newel 9 11 Baluster • M Rail • M Newel 10 V9O Baluster • V Rail

13 H5 Baluster • R Rail • E Newel 14 H5 Custom Baluster • G Rail • P Newel 15 T Baluster • T Rail • T Newel 16 P3 Baluster • G Rail • O
 more photos!
Budgeting Your
Stair Project
One of the most important

aspects of any construction

project is the ability to accurately

predict costs before you start

building. Designed Stairs pays

very close attention to every

aspect of stair construction,

including design trends and

cost analysis. For example,

the average cost of a staircase

for homes in the United States

is 1.5% of the selling price of

5 G9 Baluster • S Rail • C Newel 6 E Baluster • E Rail • E Newel
the finished house. In some

production homes this cost

could be slightly lower, and

in many high-end homes the

percentage increases to 2 to

2.5% or even more, as more

7
expensive materials are utilized.

Establishing a stair budget for

your project will help direct your

style and design options.

Accurate Quotations
We understand that a price
• V5 Newel 11 V Baluster • G Rail • F Newel 12 21/22 Baluster • T Rail • F Newel quotation has to be accurate

and understandable. Stair

quotes can be very complicated

and confusing, with all of the

different terminology, parts, and,

sometimes, various areas of the

house involved. We regularly

review our quote format to make

sure it is as simple, accurate, and

easy to understand as possible.

If you have any questions after

receiving your quote, your

Account Coordinator will be

O Newel 17 71 Baluster • E Rail • H Newel 18 51/53 Baluster • T Rail • T Newel happy to review it with you.
 Designed Stairs’ curved stair construction features the ultimate combination of vintage hand
craftsmanship and modern technology. Our commitment to excellence in this field has produced
w w w.d e s i g n e d s t a i r s .c o m unique features and a quality level that simply are not available anywhere else. Our curved
fabrication techniques have been forged throughout years of refinement and the successful
completion of thousands of curved projects. Our highly trained curved specialists are dedicated

8 19 W Baluster • G Rail • G Newel 20 W Baluster • G Rail • G Newel 21 84/85/86 Baluster • R Rail • R Ne

23 Tuscany Baluster • G Rail 24 11/12 Baluster • E Rail • F Newel 25 12/13 Baluster • T Rail • T Newel
 to ensuring that every aspect of your curved stair project is completely successful, from the initial
planning stages right through to the finish sanding. Every component of your curved stair has
been meticulously designed to be of the highest quality in the industry. You can trust Designed
Stairs to provide a product that will provide generations of strength and beauty.

Meticulous Fabrication...
by Design
When it comes to constructing

your staircase, Designed Stairs

has been the industry leader in

developing joinery techniques. We

have engineered and standardized

every aspect of your staircase’s

assembly, including all rail,

newel, and stringer intersections.

This level of pre-planned detail

allows Designed Stairs to offer

the industry’s highest level of shop

ewel 22 LS1 Baluster • G Rail • LS13 Newel 9
fabrication prior to installation,

resulting in a consistently higher

level of finished quality. Because

we manufacture our own parts,

quality control is in our hands

throughout the entire process.

26 13/41/42 Baluster • G Rail • ENA5 Newel

 w w w.d e s i g n e d s t a i r s .c o m

< This design features two

180 degree curved staircases
sharing the same stairwell
and joining three floors of
the home. Our client had
envisioned a staircase with a
“floating wall” and “continuous
rail” from the basement all
the way up to the 2nd floor.
Designed Stairs integrated
a “half wall” design into the
structure of the staircases
and our artisans handcrafted
the complex wall cap and
continuous rail transitions in
Personalized Services For You... order to fulfill the homeowners
by Design request to have the rail
system uninterrupted by posts.
Throughout the entire process of working
Designed Stairs was able to
with Designed Stairs, you will be met with produce a complicated stair
design that projects clean lines
professionalism, integrity, and respect. We
and simplicity.
listen to your needs, and take action to meet
10
those needs. Throughout the entire process

of quoting, style selection, and scheduling,

we handle each and every issue as if we

are “in our customer’s shoes”.

Your stair project will start with obtaining

meticulous site dimensions, which determine

the final design and layout possibilities. Our

experienced Stair Professionals then select

the best overall design for your structure

based upon your building codes, structural

integrity, utilization of available space, and

overall design aesthetics.

Before a single component of your stair

is fabricated, every principle of design is

considered within the framework of your

specific application. Our expertise with

custom stair design allows us to visualize

each and every joint, intersection, miter,

and connection to make sure that your

design results in the ultimate combination of

strength and beauty.

The Masterworks Collection by Designed Stairs embodies a classification of “one of a kind” stair
designs that truly qualify as works of art. From antique restorations to handcrafted artistry and
modern steel fabrications, Designed Stairs artisans have the ability to create the most detailed
staircases imaginable.

This staircase features marble >

treads, glass balusters, stacked
half circle starting treads,
descending stringer drums,
and custom floor borders, all
of which required accurate
communication between various
trades. Our clients had very
specific design requirements
that would carry between the
first and the second floor. They
also wanted a result that would
radiate with elegance. They
were very pleased with the
results!

11

< “The Smart Home” at The Museum

of Science and Industry features interior
staircases that were built by Designed
Stairs. These stairs feature a custom
welded steel design with 4” thick
Ash treads and a stainless steel cable
balustrade assembly. Designed Stairs
began the process with the specifications
of the architects and worked closely with
them to develop a finished stair design that
projected their desired design features,
maximized the space requirements, and
allowed for fabrication efficiency.

Our clients wanted to build a house with >

a “floating” staircase that seemed to defy
gravity. Designed Stairs produced this
breathtaking 180 degree freestanding
staircase that required us to engineer an
internal steel support system. The two
curved staircases and multiple horizontal
rail systems are all fabricated from
American Cherry. We consider this job to
be one of the stair industry’s finest hours.
 The Architects Choice Series offers style options that create extraordinary design nuance. Selections
w w w.d e s i g n e d s t a i r s .c o m

Newels

12
from this expansive grouping of detailed components will personalize your staircase.

Wood Balusters

13

Pin-top Balusters and Metal Balusters fit under most Rails in this guide. Reference MBS (Maximum Baluster Size) to determine if Square-top Balusters will fit under
Rail. • Bases of Balusters are square, unless noted by [*] which indicates round or octagon. • Fluting and unique turning designs, including Octagon,
Twist, and Rope, may be added to many of our Newels and Balusters to create a custom look. Contact your Customer Service Representative for details.

Panel Balustrade
Metal Balusters Metal Balusters are 1/2”, except [*] denotes 9/16” and [**] denotes 5/8”.
All Rails will accommodate Metal Balusters; we recommend the smaller profiles.

Rails

14

Unique Turning Features

Large
Twist Rope Rope
 Endless Possibilities: Style Selections
During the style selection phase of your project, our web site,

www.designedstairs.com, could be the key to finding that perfect look!

Hundreds of photos are available at your finger tips, along with explanations

Starting Applications of terminology, material samples, and much more. If you still don’t see
Square Tread with exactly what you are looking for, just ask your Account Coordinator.
Standard Newel
(standard)
www.designedstairs.com

Open Type Stairs

(Treads extend beyond the stringer, risers are mitered to the stringer)
Builders Choice (Open End Stringer) Trim Package (Open)

Quarter Circle Tread

with Standard Newel
(upgrade)

Closed Type Stairs

(Treads and risers are boxed between stringers)
Builders Choice (Contemporary Stringer) Trim Package (Contemporary)
15
Half Circle Tread
with Turnout
(upgrade)

Architects Choice (Castlewood Stringer) Trim Package (Castlewood)

Half Circle Tread

with Volute
(upgrade)

Decorative Stringer Trim

Open End Stringer (Stringer Bracket) Closed Stringer Trim
Bowing Tread and
Riser
(upgrade)
Bowing Tread And Riser are
available for any of the above
Starting Applications
 The Builders Choice is the most cost-effective custom stair product available. Stocked styles for quick
w w w.d e s i g n e d s t a i r s .c o m

Balusters

16

TOP VIEW
Newels

Standard Application Upgraded Application

with Rail Cap
lead-times, and a wide variety of options to choose from.

17

The Builder’s Choice Material Price Range Guide

“Basic” Series provides
“rail over wall cap” Standard
design and carpet- • All Solid Red Oak
grade or hardwood
staircases. A remarkable Alternate
combination of strength • Balusters for paint, all
and beauty that works else Red Oak
well in conservative
• Balusters, Risers, and
plans or production
Stringers for paint, all
applications. Red designates our standard style.
else Red Oak

Upgrades
• American Cherry, all Rails
The Builder’s Choice • Balusters for paint, all
“Premium” Series is our else American Cherry T M
best overall value! It • Balusters, Risers, and W 2-1/4" X H 2-7/16" W 2-3/4" x H 1-13/16"
provides furniture-quality Stringers for paint, all
MBS 1-1/4" MBS 1-3/4"
staircases that feature open else American Cherry
stringers and balusters that GG
terminate into open-ended
TT • Maple, all MM RR
stair treads.
WW2-1/4"
2-1/4"X X • Balusters for paint,
H H2-7/16"
2-7/16" W W2-3/4"
2-3/4"
xH all
x H1-13/16"
1-13/16" WW
2-5/8"
2-5/8"
x xH H
2-3/16"
2-3/16" WW
2-5/8"
2-5/8"
x xH H
2-5/8"
2-5/8" W
MBS
MBS1-1/4"
1-1/4" MBS
MBS1-3/4"
1-3/4" MBS
MBS1-1/4"
1-1/4" MBS
MBS 1-3/4"
1-3/4"
else Maple
All of the components • Balusters, Risers, and
WALL WALL
offered in the Builder’s Stringers for paint, all P P RAIL RAIL

TT MM
Choice Series are stocked R else
R Maple GG
W 2-1/4"
W 2-1/4"
X H X2-7/16" by Designed
H 2-7/16" W 2-3/4"
W 2-3/4" Stairs
x H x1-13/16" for
H 1-13/16" W 2-5/8"
W 2-5/8" H 2-3/16" W 2-5/8"
x H x2-3/16" W 2-5/8"
x H x2-5/8"
H 2-5/8" W 1-3/4"
W 1-3/4"
x H x4"H 4" W 2-1/4"
W 2-1/4"
x H 1-7/16"
x H 1-7/16"
MBS MBS
1-1/4"1-1/4" constantMBSavailability.
MBS
1-3/4"1-3/4" MBS MBS
1-1/4"1-1/4" MBS MBS
1-3/4"1-3/4" MBS MBS
1-1/4"1-1/4"
 Designed Stairs offers

extensive style and

design options for the

most discerning

home buyer.

Designed Stairs Inc.

877.4.STAIRS

877.478.2477

Fax: 815.786.6500

www.designedstairs.com

© 2008 Designed Stairs Inc.