How Temporary Basement Stairs Were Built in Wandsworth: When Joiner Xpert Takes on Unusual Challenges
At Joiner Xpert, we love standard commissions – those beautiful, functional kitchens in Croydon, elegant glass doors in South London, or perfectly laid floors. But we feel true passion when we encounter unusual carpentry challenges. It's precisely these kinds of projects, like the one in Wandsworth, that allow us to showcase the full extent of our skills and flexibility. This time, it was about... solid temporary basement stairs.
When the Underworld is to Become a Living Space: An Unusual Need in Wandsworth
Imagine the situation: a client in Wandsworth is planning an ambitious project. Their basement is to cease being a mere storage space and become beautiful, fully functional living areas – perhaps a home cinema, an additional lounge, or a home office. The construction work was expected to last many months, and the existing makeshift access was unsafe and hindered the transport of materials. What was needed were temporary basement stairs that would be not only safe and sturdy but also... feasible within a very small opening.
The Challenge of a Small Opening and Big Expectations
"Sir, it's really tight in there!" – I remember the client's words during the first visit. Indeed, the basement opening was exceptionally small. Standard, straight stairs with a safe incline were out of the question. What's more, the stairs had to be durable enough to serve for over six months of intensive work, while still allowing the free transport of heavy construction materials. The safety of workers and compliance with health and safety inspections were top priorities.
At Joiner Xpert, we accepted the challenge. We knew we needed a solution that would maximize space while guaranteeing stability. Our answer? Stairs made from solid 1.5-inch thick timber, turning 180 degrees with a strategically placed landing halfway up!
Carpentry Engineering in Action: Safety and Functionality
Building these stairs was a true lesson in precision and strength. We used thick planks, ensuring maximum stability for each tread. The key to safety was anchoring the structure to the walls and using a large quantity of nails and screws, which bonded the whole structure into an almost monolithic unit.
The landing halfway up proved to be a stroke of genius! Not only did it facilitate "turning around" in the tight opening, but it also provided a convenient space to temporarily place heavy tools or materials before descending further.
An anecdote: I remember when, after completing the installation, the client's health and safety inspector came to the site. I watched him approach the stairs with a skeptical look, tapping them, checking their stability. Then he looked at me with a slight smile and said: "I've seen many temporary solutions, but these... these will probably stay permanently!" It was the best confirmation of our quality!
The Result: Peace of Mind, Safety, and Work Continuity
Thanks to our temporary stairs, the investor and the basement conversion contractors gained something invaluable: safe and uninterrupted access to the work area. For over half a year, materials were freely transported, and teams could safely move between levels. The health and safety inspection had no objections, which is proof of the robustness and thoughtfulness of our solution.
This project in Wandsworth is a perfect example that at Joiner Xpert, we don't shy away from challenges. While our specialty is kitchens, doors, and flooring, we also gladly take on unusual carpentry commissions. If you have an idea for something non-standard – whether you need solid temporary stairs, are looking for unusual basement solutions, or have other custom carpentry projects in London – give us a call! We'd be happy to bring your vision to life.
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