This project involved the design and installation of a custom made engineered oak staircase in a naturally light oak colour. The beautiful statement staircase featured an open cut string construction which fills the hallway with space and light. The staircase was meticulously crafted using premium grade oak to achieve a seamless and elegant finish.

Recognising the complexity of cladding a large feature staircase, the customers reached out to Fin Wood for assistance. The customers had initially engaged the builders they use for their home renovations to install the wooden flooring. However, cladding the stairs proved too challenging for the builders, who acknowledged that the task required skilled craftsmanship for a seamless finish.

After assessing the staircase layout, we proposed a tailored project plan and design. Our team ensured the wood for the stairs perfectly matched the existing flooring, sourcing and colour-matching the boards in our workshop with meticulous attention to detail. The wood we selected was of premium quality—richer in tone and with fewer knots—and the hand-finished application of a bespoke Osmo Oil combination delivered a beautifully consistent colour.

We used engineered wood to achieve beautifully rounded edges on each step, ensuring both durability and elegance. Much of the preparation work, including finishing and pre-cutting, was completed in our workshop to maintain precision and quality. The final fine cutting was carefully carried out in the customer’s home to achieve a flawless fit.

Our expert craftsmanship allowed us to create steps without the need for bulky nosing profiles, resulting in a sleek and seamless appearance that resembles solid wood. The final design delivered a timeless, luxurious finish that vastly improved the design of the entrance hallway.

Wherever possible, we recommend an open-cut stringer design for staircases. Open cut string staircases are visually striking and serve as an elegant feature that complements both modern and contemporary interiors. Traditional closed-string staircases have the stringers - or side of the step - fully enclosed and conceal the staircase structure. Whereas an open cut string design removes a portion of the stringers to follow the shape of the steps. This exposes the edges of the steps, adding architectural detail and highlighting the craftsmanship of the staircase.

The open design allows natural light to flow through, creating a sense of spaciousness and airiness around the stairs. It also produces captivating shadow patterns as light filters through the gaps. Open cut stringers are undoubtedly more challenging to execute, as the design leaves little room for error, requiring precise measuring and cutting by skilled craftsmen.

There are several excellent options for spindles, each offering a unique aesthetic. For a traditional look, we recommend turned timber spindles, while glass balustrades or metal spindles are ideal for a more contemporary style. In this project, the customers chose sleek metal spindles paired with an oak handrail, creating a fresh and sophisticated blend of classic and modern design.

The two bottom steps are large and elegantly rounded, creating a striking design feature. While challenging to execute, our expertise and craftsmanship ensured a flawless and seamless result, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the staircase.
The customers were delighted with the outcome of this challenging project. We successfully delivered a stunning and robust staircase that combines beauty and durability in equal measure.