Standard geometry
Flared staircases
Bottom treads flared outward into a sweep — formal entry feel.
- Bottom 2–3 treads flare wider
- Often paired with curved volute
- Used in formal entry foyers
- Custom shop work on the flared treads
- Est. 198739 yrs
- Family-Owned
- Veteran-Owned
- 4.8★ Verified
- Lehigh Valley
Definition
What is a flared staircases stair?
A flared staircase widens its bottom two or three treads outward into a graceful sweep while the run above stays straight. Often paired with a curved volute handrail termination, the flare gives a formal entry feel without the cost of a fully curved stair.
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 |
Flared staircases FAQs
Common questions about flared staircases.
Q: Is a flared stair cheaper than a fully curved staircase?
Usually yes. Only the bottom two or three treads are custom-cut into the flare while the rest of the run stays straight, so you get a formal sweeping entrance for a fraction of the radius shop work a full curved stair requires.
Q: Can a flared bottom be added to a contemporary stair?
It can, and a single flared bottom step is how we add a soft entry gesture to an otherwise clean modern run — keeping the straight run intact while the bottom step opens outward.
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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.
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