Standard geometry
Circular staircases
Full circular helix around a central post or open well.
- Helical configuration around central axis
- Custom-built stringers and treads
- Maximum visual impact
- Site measure required
- Est. 198739 yrs
- Family-Owned
- Veteran-Owned
- 4.8★ Verified
- Lehigh Valley
Definition
What is a circular staircases stair?
A circular staircase is a full helix winding around a central post or open well, with every tread cut and fitted to a constant radius. It is the most demanding configuration we build and the highest visual impact — an architectural showpiece reserved for custom homes and estates.
Built & reviewed by Snyder Stairs · Whitehall, PA · Est. 1987 · Updated June 2026
How it compares
How does a turn-style stair save space?
The trade-off across the turning configurations is footprint versus comfort. A landing is easiest to walk; a winder is the most compact. Here is where each one sits.
| Configuration | Turns on | Footprint | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-shape | Flat square landing | Largest of the turns | Comfort, code rest point |
| Winder | Pie-shaped treads | Most compact | Tight footprints, basements |
| Switch-back | Mid-landing, 180° | Stacked / vertical | Apartments, stair towers |
| Curved | Custom-radius arc | Open sweep | Formal foyers, statement |
Circular staircases FAQs
Common questions about circular staircases.
Q: What's the difference between a circular and a curved staircase?
A circular stair is a full helix that turns around a constant central axis, often a complete or near-complete circle. A curved stair is a partial sweeping arc that doesn't close into a helix. Circular work is more complex to build because every tread shares one radius.
Q: Do you need a site measure for a circular stair?
Always. The helix geometry, headroom, and rough-opening dimensions have to be field-verified before any fabrication — there's no margin to correct a radius once the stringers are cut.
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Custom stairs and railings, built in Whitehall.
Custom stairs and railings, built by a family of Pennsylvania craftsmen for nearly forty years. We'll give you a realistic budget on the first call — not a teaser, not a pressure-close. Get in touch, or send a few photos.
Budget on the first call · (610) 443-2240 · Whitehall, PA
