A quarter-turn cut string staircase is one of the most characterful designs in the traditional British staircase repertoire. It combines a highly practical L-shaped layout — one of the most common and space-efficient configurations in UK residential architecture — with the decorative openness of a cut string construction that rewards closer inspection. Whether you are renovating a period property or fitting out a new build, this is a design that brings genuine quality and considered detail to the heart of your home.
A quarter-turn staircase consists of two straight flights forming an L-shape, incorporating a small landing and characterised by a 90-degree turn. The first flight rises from the ground floor to the quarter-landing; the second continues from the landing upward to the upper floor, running at a right angle to the first. This layout is particularly well-suited to hallways where the stairwell meets a corner — the turn making use of the available footprint efficiently while creating a natural pause in the ascent that adds a sense of proportion and space to the journey between floors.
The string is the structural board that runs along the side of a staircase, supporting the treads and risers. In a closed string design, this board runs as a solid, unbroken surface, concealing the edges of the treads entirely. In a cut string staircase, the face string is cut to follow the profile of the treads, with the treads fixing on top of the string. This exposes the ends of each tread along the outer face of the flight, creating a stepped, open profile that adds visual depth and allows the quality of the timber to be seen and appreciated from the side. It is a detail that has been used in fine British staircase-making for centuries, and it remains one of the most satisfying ways to give a staircase genuine character.
One of the most distinctive features of a traditional cut string staircase is the treatment of the riser brackets — the decorative shaped pieces that fill the angle between the tread and the exposed outer string beneath each step. These brackets, typically cut from solid timber into elegant scrolled or shaped profiles, are visible along the full length of the flight and contribute enormously to the overall character of the staircase. They are a small detail in isolation, but taken together they give a cut string staircase a richness and handcrafted quality that sets it apart from simpler designs.
Scale technical drawing of our Half-Turn Closed String Staircase, prepared by our design team ahead of manufacture.
The cut string format lends itself naturally to a traditional balustrade with individually positioned turned timber balusters. Because the tread ends are exposed, each baluster can be housed directly into the tread at its own specific position — rather than being fixed to the top of a closed string — giving the balustrade a more open, detailed appearance. The staircase shown here features elegantly turned timber spindles set at regular intervals along the flight, rising to a continuous hardwood handrail with a rounded profile. It is a combination that has a timeless, well-proportioned quality that suits both period and contemporary settings.
The landing at the heart of a quarter-turn staircase is more than a structural necessity. It provides a natural resting point between flights, makes the staircase more comfortable and safe to use, and creates an opportunity for considered architectural detail — a window at landing height, for instance, can bring light deep into the centre of the house, while the soffit beneath the landing is a natural location for concealed storage or cabinetry. In a bespoke staircase, the proportions of the landing are calculated specifically around the dimensions of your space, ensuring that it feels generous rather than merely functional.
The quarter-turn cut string staircase works well across a broad range of architectural contexts. In a traditional property — a Victorian terrace, an Edwardian semi, or a period cottage — the cut string detailing and turned balustrade sit naturally alongside existing period features. In a more contemporary setting, the same structural format can be expressed with cleaner lines and a more restrained balustrade style. Because every staircase we build is entirely bespoke, the proportions, materials, and finishing details are all chosen around your home and your individual taste.
We work with homeowners, architects, and developers across the UK to design and build bespoke quarter-turn cut string staircases made entirely to your specification. From the initial site survey and design consultation through to manufacture and installation, our team handles every stage of the process in-house. Get in touch to discuss your project and discover what we can create for your home.
Every staircase we make can be completed with a bespoke continuous handrail — individually shaped to follow the exact geometry of the stair without a single break, comfortable in the hand and fully compliant with Part K of the Building Regulations. We also design and manufacture continuous handrails for existing staircases, so you are welcome to browse our completed handrail projects for inspiration.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your half-turn closed string staircase.
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