curved stairways
By Mary Schmutzler
"Once a builder has one of our curved stairways in place, he’ll see how simple it is. Oftentimes, builders will tell us that our preassembled curved stairways are much faster and easier to install than a straight staircase built on site."
Tom Stilp, who owns and operates Arcways, Inc., Neenah, Wisconsin, in partnership with his sister, Sharon Stilp-Kressin, believes that staircases manufactured by Arcways can simplify home construction. He wants builders to know that Arcways’ curved and spiral stairways increase the value of a home significantly, and that Arcways provides the necessary design and installation support.
"In the past, some builders hesitated to use curved stairways because they weren’t sure how to install one," Stilp explains. "However, we do shop drawings to ensure accuracy, and frequently field measure on behalf of the builders. We deliver the staircase directly to the site, with one of our field technicians, who assists with setting the stair carriage."
Builders’ reluctance to use curved stairways can end up short-changing the customer, Stilp says. "There are builders who aren’t using the product, but should be, because they’re building homes of over $300,000. They assume a curved staircase will cost the homeowner an additional $10,000, but that’s not accurate," he continues. "In fact the cost for the upgrade from a typical L-shaped stairway is only about $3,500 or $4,000, which the homeowner will recoup in resale. Read some real estate ads – if the home has a curved staircase, it’s one of the first selling points that’s mentioned."
Stilp says that architects and builders throughout the country are using curved stairways as signature trademarks. The foyers with curved stairways automatically spell "quality" to the consumer, he says.
Stairways built in the Neenah factory of Arcways reflect the latest design trends and consumer demands of the market, Stilp says. "We’re seeing more use of metal balusters on wood curved or spiral stairways. The metal balusters can be hammer-forged, or with designs ranging from a simple twist all the way to calligraphy. Gothic, Mediterranean, Southwestern and contemporary decors all are enhanced by a staircase with metal balusters and a wood railing.
Tour the Arcways facility with a national TV host
