A few definitions

Headroom

This is the distance between each step and the ceiling. To be comfortable, it must never be less than 2 m at any point on the staircase. It also determines the length of the stairwell opening.

Stair width

It refers to the width of the steps of a staircase, i.e. the width of the passage. It varies according to the type of staircase.

Japanese-style staircase

The Japanese-style staircase is characterised by staggered steps that do not completely overlap. The use of this type of staircase, despite its steep pitch, is therefore made easier by a comfortable step depth and a very instinctive ascent.

Loft staircase

A loft staircase is chosen for its ability to fold away and disappear completely from view
Several types of loft staircase exist:

  • telescopic staircases with an accordion-style extension mechanism (generally in aluminium);
  • sliding staircases made up of several segments that slide down to the floor (in wood and aluminium);
  • folding staircases made up of segments (2 or 3) that unfold to reach the floor.

Going

This is the depth of the step nose-to-nose, measured along the walking line. It is often confused with the tread, which is the total depth of the step. The going is determined using Blondel's formula: 2H + G = 59 to 64, where H represents the step height.

Stringer

a stringer is an inclined member that supports the steps. It is classically located under the ends of the steps; when it is central, it is called a central spine.

Balanced step

The steps begin to turn in the straight flights, allowing wider winders in the turning section.

Radiating step

In the straight flight sections, they remain perpendicular to the stringers; in the turning section, they become radiating.

Stairwell opening

This is the opening created in the floor to allow the staircase to pass through. Its shape varies according to the type of staircase and the minimum headroom required for comfortable use.
A determining factor in the choice of staircase

A few standards

Step height   between 16 and 21 cm and all steps must be at the same height — the regularity of a staircase is fundamental!
Going   between 21 and 32 cm.
Headroom   190 cm minimum.
Stair width   greater than 70 cm.
Balustrade> Minimum height of 90 cm for the staircase (measured from the nosing of the step) and minimum 100 cm on a landing.
Maximum distance of 11 cm between the support on the staircase and the bottom rail.
Vertical balustrade: maximum gap of 11 cm between each vertical bar.
Horizontal balustrade:
  • maximum gap of 18 cm between horizontal rails located above a solid section of at least 45 cm;
  • avoid the ladder effect so that a child cannot climb it.
  • wrought iron balustrade: spaces between the scrolls and other shapes of the balustrade that do not allow a rectangular block of more than 25 × 11 × 11 cm to pass through.
Landing Plan for a rest landing when the flight exceeds 25 steps (in some cases, this requires offsetting the lower section of the staircase).
Size the landing to the width of the stair width and a minimum length of 1 m.
If your staircase is built between two continuous walls, the staircase must be fitted with an independent handrail.

Questions asked by our customers

When should the staircase be installed? On finished floor (if not, remember to shim)
On bare wall before finishing (fitting a staircase could damage wall finishes)
What staircase width should I allow for if I choose a handrail? You need to think in terms of total width: handrail + staircase
Pre-assembled or kit? Depending on your DIY skills, choose whether or not to opt for the pre-assembled staircase.
Pre-assembled:
+ ease of installation
+ time saving for the customer
+ Less risk of damage at the time of installation
Kit:
+ easier to transport if collected on site
- Assembling a staircase requires a good knowledge of DIY
Number of packages for the pre-assembled staircase (excluding handrail) Straight: 1
Quarter-turn: 2
Quarter-turn intermediate: 3
Double quarter-turn intermediate: 3
Taking measurements / key points Height:
WATCH OUT FOR LEVEL
It is important to take finished floor-to-floor measurements (or plan for shimming / e.g. for tiles laid after the staircase)
Watch out for uneven floors at the bottom / Make sure the starting floor is level
Width (partition and stairwell opening) :
WARNING: FINISHED STAIRWELL OPENING / PARTITION WIDTH
ensure that the customer considers the finished width (e.g.: w=80 cm, but the customer has not anticipated the installation: insulation+plasterboard)
Staircase width = allow a 1 cm clearance to facilitate installation
Which wood species? This is above all an aesthetic choice
Fir: softwood => softer => "more fragile"
Beech and oak => hardwood => "more resistant"
Is my staircase making "noise? Wood is a living material that can cause creaking
Where should I store my staircase? Store your staircase in a dry room for at least 48 hours before installation

Deliveries, returns and refunds

How does Woodup.fr calculate delivery costs?

Delivery costs are included in the order amount for any order over €600 inc. VAT on metropolitan France territory (excluding overseas departments and territories)...

The delivery deadline corresponds to the dispatch time indicated on the product page, plus the processing and transit time. It is generally between 1 week and 15 days.

Dispatch is the period during which we send the product to our delivery partner. This is not the date on which your order will be delivered.

How does Woodup.fr deliver small parcels?

At Woodup.fr, small parcels are orders packaged in boxes or on pallets. They will be delivered to your home by appointment by our carrier or one of its partners.

Our carrier will contact you when your parcel arrives in your area in order to arrange a delivery date (weekdays only).

If the recipient does not respond, the carrier will identify the best solution to carry out the delivery under the best possible conditions.

In the event of the recipient's absence at an agreed appointment with the carrier, our company may ask the recipient to pay additional delivery charges corresponding to the cost of the second delivery billed by the carrier.

Courier delivery is made to the pavement, at the property boundary or at the entrance to the premises. The carrier will not be obliged to carry a parcel up to a floor.

How does Woodup.fr deliver large parcels?

For very large and very heavy parcels, we use the freight services of our carriers, in order to minimise the handling of these parcels as much as possible.

Delivery is made by appointment, by articulated lorry not equipped with handling equipment (lorry without crane or forklift). As products delivered by freight are bulky and delivery is complex, at least two people capable of unloading will be required to assist the driver.

Delivery takes place on weekdays only and by appointment. In the event of absence at the agreed appointment, our carrier may attend a second time; re-delivery may be charged at €50 inc. VAT. Delivery is made at the property boundary or at the entrance to the premises. Please note, there is no delivery to upper floors. Your home must be accessible by a 38-tonne articulated lorry; if this is not the case, please inform the carrier when arranging the appointment.

Please note: manual unloading of the parcel, piece by piece. Average unloading time is 30 minutes.

Once delivered, I wish to cancel my Woodup.fr order — what should I do?

You are free to return any item that does not suit you under the "satisfied or refunded" guarantee. Simply send a brief message to our customer service team within 14 calendar days (including Sundays and public holidays) of delivery, stating the reason for the return.

The return costs, which will be communicated to you upon receipt of your request, are automatically deducted from the refund amount.

For information purposes, it amounts to €80 for the return of a staircase.

My Woodup.fr order arrives damaged — what should I do?

When preparing your order, we pay very close attention to packaging to avoid any damage. However, although exceptional, it is possible that your parcel may arrive damaged.

If this is the case, contact us within 3 days of delivery by sending us photos of the damaged areas. Our customer service team will then explain the options available to you.

It is essential that you carefully inspect the product at the time of delivery and that you note any reservations on the delivery note if the situation requires it.