Custom Oak Spiral Staircase and Grand Foyer in Newtown Square, PA
Discover how Sunny Ridge Construction designed and built a stunning grand foyer entrance tailored to one client's custom vision in Pennsylvania.
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Custom Oak Spiral Staircase and Grand Foyer in Newtown Square, PA
For a renovation in Newtown Square, PA, Sunny Ridge Construction built a custom oak spiral staircase to anchor the home's grand foyer. The curved stair sweeps from the entry to the second floor and ties the foyer, upper level, and great room into one continuous space.
The Material Challenge
The homeowner had a clear, specific vision: a spiral staircase that would read as an architectural centerpiece, not just a way upstairs. Delivering that meant custom millwork built to an exact design rather than stock parts, and it introduced a real scheduling problem: key components were on manufacturer backorder, so the timeline had to flex. Rather than compromise the design to hit the original schedule, the team and the homeowner agreed the result was worth the wait.
What We Built: It Spiraled
Crafted from oak, the staircase pairs durability with a warm, classic finish that complements the rest of the home's interior. The curved design sweeps from the foyer up to the second floor, where it opens into a 5-foot hallway that flows into the great room, so anyone entering is drawn upward along the curve of the stairs. The finished stair features custom millwork detail, turned balusters, and a hand-finished rail. All in all, approximately 16 steps climbing 7.5 inches at a time over a 10-foot vertical span come together to create one spiral staircase that will be part of this Newtown Square home for decades to come.
Keeping the Home Livable During the Delay
Because work on the staircase paused while materials were on backorder, the foyer was closed off for safety. The home's layout included a second staircase on the opposite side of the residence, so the family kept full access to both floors throughout, and the timeline could flex without disrupting daily life.
The Result: A Luxury Spiral Staircase
Once materials arrived, installation brought the design together: a curved oak staircase that works as both a design statement and a functional connector between floors, giving the entire foyer a sense of craftsmanship and intention.
Project at a Glance: Spiral Staircase in Newtown Square, PA
- Location: Newtown Square, PA
- Project: renovation, custom oak spiral staircase and grand foyer
- Material and finish: oak with a warm, classic finish, turned balusters, and a hand-finished rail
- Layout: curved stair from foyer to second floor, opening to a 5-foot hallway into the great room
- Notable: key components were on manufacturer backorder, and a second staircase kept the home fully usable during the delay
- Specifications: approximately 16 steps climbing 7.5 inches at a time over a 10-foot vertical span
Optional Upgrades to Consider for a Feature Staircase
A feature staircase like this can be taken further with integrated step or rail lighting, a statement chandelier or pendant centered in the foyer, a custom runner for comfort and sound, and coordinated trim or wainscoting to carry the millwork through the entry. These are worth weighing against the look the homeowner wants rather than adding by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom staircase take to build?
It varies with the design and material lead times. On this project, manufacturer backorders extended the schedule, and we chose to protect the design rather than rush it.
What wood is best for a custom staircase?
Oak is a popular choice for its durability and warm, classic grain, which is what the homeowner chose here; the right species depends on the look and budget you want.
What happens to access during a staircase build?
It depends on the home. Here, a second staircase let the family use both floors throughout; when there is only one stair, we plan the sequence to keep the home safe and usable.
What are turned balusters?
They are the vertical spindles that support the railing, shaped on a lathe for a decorative profile, and part of what gives this stair its custom, crafted look.
Can a staircase really change how a foyer feels?
Yes. Positioned as a centerpiece, a curved stair draws the eye upward and connects the entry, upper level, and main living space into one continuous experience, as it does here.
What areas do you serve?
Sunny Ridge Construction is based in Narvon, PA and works with homeowners across the region, including Newtown Square and the surrounding area.
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