Installation Guide for staircases

1 August 2025
Installer fitting wooden stair tread onto black metal staircase structure during interior staircase assembly.

If you want to read the guide in languages other than English, you can find the available languages below.

DOLLE illustration remeber to read mounting guideDOLLE illustration remeber to read mounting guide
Read before mounting

Carefully read this installation guide and the product-specific guide that comes with your purchased railing system. The guide is always provided with detailed instructions. 

DOLLE illustration for local safety standardsDOLLE illustration for local safety standards
Skilled personnel

Ensure installation is performed by skilled personnel.

DOLLE illustration for local safety standardsDOLLE illustration for local safety standards
Protective Equipment

Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.

DOLLE illustration for local safety standardsDOLLE illustration for local safety standards
Safe Work

Keep installation and maintenance areas free from hazards such as tools, cables, and debris.

DOLLE illustration for local safety standardsDOLLE illustration for local safety standards
Local safety standards

Please consult local building regulations to ensure compliance. Most DOLLE stairs are secondary staircases designed for indoor private use. If you are installing a staircase outdoors, ensure that all materials and fixings are suitable for exterior environments and comply with local standards.

DOLLE illustration for Warranty Use original spare partsDOLLE illustration for Warranty Use original spare parts
Warranty

Covers manufacturing defects but void if installed incorrectly or modified. Use original spare parts. Follow the guide for safety.

Installation and Maintenance Guide for DOLLE Stairs

DOLLE Stairs are generally designed as secondary access solutions for private households with only a few exceptions. Proper installation and regular maintenance ensure the stairs remain safe and functional. This guide provides instructions for measurements, installation and guidelines for maintenance. At DOLLE we have these types of space saving stair:

Straight flight

Straight flight is compact and efficient, can use paddle treads to improve comfort and save space.

Quarter turn

Quarter turn or L-shape is good for space-saving while maintaining comfort.

Half turn

Half turn or U-shape provides a compact layout while keeping an easy-going step.

Spiral

Spiral or round staircase is taking up very little room on ground floor and provides great safety.

Wall brackets

Quarter-turn and half-turn stairs must always be mounted against a wall. Also, the modular stair as well as spiral staircases must be mounted using the wall brackets that follow the products. For straight flight stairs, the wall bracket is optional.

General Information

Risks and Prevention

Potential Risks During Installation and Use:

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Incorrect product selection
Ensure the staircase matches the intended location (indoor/outdoor, available space).

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Falls from height
Use scaffolding, secure ladders, and fall protection.

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Improper fixing
Improper fixing – Supplied screws may not be suitable for all wall or floor types. The installer must ensure appropriate fixings are used — if unsure, consult a qualified professional.

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Overloading
Never exceed the staircase’s weight capacity.

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Slippery surfaces
Keep treads clean and dry.

Staircase Load Capacity & Certification

Measure for the Stair

Accurate measurements are essential before you mount the staircase. You will need them for planning and building the stair. See the DOLLE DIMENSIONS (dimensional drawings for each staircase) to ensure a proper installation.

Important Measurements


M Upper Floor Opening Length
Minimum required length of the stair opening.

N Upper Floor Opening Width
Minimum required width of the stair opening.

H Floor-to-Floor Height
Distance from the finished ground floor to the finished first floor.

R Total Going Length
The horizontal distance the staircase covers.

R1 Total Going Width
The total width of the staircase including railings.

Z Deck Thickness
Measured vertically from the underside of the upper floor deck to the top of the finished floor.

S Rise height
Vertical rise between the treads.

D Diameter
Is the straight-line distance across a circle that passes through its centre.

Most of the Spiral staircase can be adapted to both a round and a square ceiling opening. Subtract 10 cm from your round ceiling opening to get the right diameter of the possible spiral staircase.

S Rise Height
The rise height refers to the vertical distance between each step.

For modular staircases, the top tread typically ends one step below the first-floor level. This means the total floor height must be divided by the number of treads plus one. For spiral staircases, the top tread is a landing at the same level as the first floor, so the floor height is divided by the total number of treads (including the landing).

Please consider window and door locations with stop inside or outside as well as radiator locations to prevent assembly issues. For wall niches note the entry and exit points.

Also note that the floor where the staircase will be fixed may not be level — always measure the height from the exact point where the staircase lands up to the point where it ends on the first floor.

Ceiling Opening


Please check the DOLLE DIMENSIONS for the selected staircase. Floor opening size is defined based on:

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right 2 cm space to wall
Tolerance for uneven surfaces.

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right 5 cm space for hand
Can be slightly less.

S 19 cm rise height

Z 25 cm deck thickness

E 200 cm headspace

Installation Guide

Pre-Installation Preparation

Site Inspection

 

  • Ensure the mounting surface is structurally sound.

  • Ensure that no electrical, plumbing, or other technical installations are present in the installation area.

 

Product specific assembly guide 

All DOLLE stairs are supplied with a product-specific assembly guide. For modular staircases, several railing options are available. Please ensure you identify the correct assembly guide for the railing model you have purchased. Multiple railing instructions may be included in the package — remove the irrelevant ones before starting to avoid confusion. Always read the full installation manual before beginning the assembly.

 

 

Check the Kit Components

  •  Verify that all parts and fasteners are included and undamaged.

 

Assembly and Installation

Assemble the Staircase

 

  • Follow the specific product’s assembly instructions.

  • Use correct fasteners and ensure all parts are securely attached.

 

Secure the Staircase to the Structure

 

  • Use appropriate fasteners based on the building material (wood, concrete, steel).

  • Ensure proper alignment and level positioning.

Safety Instructions

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always wear suitable protective gear when assembling a staircase:

  • Safety glasses – protect eyes from dust and splinters

  • Protective gloves – ensure grip and avoid cuts

  • Non-slip, safety footwear – prevent slipping and protect toes

  • Hearing protection – recommended if using loud power tools

 

2. Fixing and Load-Bearing Safety

Ensure the staircase is:

  • Mounted on a stable, level surface

  • Secured using correct fixings for the wall/floor material (e.g. wood, concrete)

  • Properly aligned — loose or unsuitable fasteners can cause accidents

  • Not overloaded — always respect the staircase’s weight capacity

 

3. Child and Site Safety

  • Keep children and unauthorized individuals away during assembly

  • Make sure tools and materials are not left unattended

Remove packaging and debris regularly to avoid tripping hazards

 

 

 

Physical Ability Requirement –

Important Safety Notice

Installing a staircase involves working at height (typically 2–3 meters) and using ladders and tools. These tasks are best carried out by individuals with good vision, balance, and physical mobility to ensure safe and proper installation. If you have a visual impairment, reduced mobility, or other physical limitations, we recommend having the product installed by a qualified professional to help ensure safety and quality. Following this guidance helps prevent accidents or injuries during installation.

Enhancing Safety with Additional Features

Riser Bars
DOLLE Staircase offer riser bars as child protection to reduce the space between treads to prevent children from getting stuck or falling.

 

Side 2 Banister
Our modular staircase offers a 2nd side banister to improve safety. 

 

Landing Banister
DOLLE offers landing banisters for repos and upper-floor landing by the staircase, providing essential fall protection and enhancing overall safety. These banisters ensure a stable handhold.

Tools List


heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Measuring tape

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Spirit level

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right High-quality drill with bits suitable for the material

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Screwdriver or power driver

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Hammer and rubber mallet

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Appropriate screws and wall plugs

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right Hacksaw/metal saw

heroicons/outline/arrow-sm-right In case of installing stainless steel products use the correct tools to avoid contamination

Refer to the product-specific installation guide for required tools for each railing.

Maintenance tips for staircases

To keep your DOLLE staircase in the best condition, we have gathered some maintenance recommendations.

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