Temporary Construction Stairs: Bridging the Gap While Your Permanent Staircase Is Built

When you replace a staircase or add a new one, there’s a practical problem to solve: how do you move safely between floors while the new stair is being measured, produced, and installed? Temporary construction stairs offer a safe, efficient way to maintain access—and with the right planning, you can keep your project moving without compromising safety or schedule.

This guide explains what temporary construction stairs are, how Houtentrappenwinkel supports you during this phase, what to expect in terms of availability and timing, and the key steps to plan a smooth handover from temporary access to your finished wooden staircase.

What are temporary construction stairs?

Temporary construction stairs are short-term access solutions used during building or renovation. They provide safer, more stable movement between levels than ladders or makeshift platforms and help keep worksites organised. In general:

• They are designed for temporary use during construction phases.
• They enable trades and homeowners to move materials and tools more safely than with ladders.
• They are typically paired with basic safety measures like guard rails around floor openings.

While there are many formats in the market, the right choice depends on your site conditions, floor opening, and schedule.

Does Houtentrappenwinkel arrange temporary construction stairs?

Yes—on request. Temporary construction staircases are not part of our standard product range. However, we can review your project-specific needs and coordinate a temporary access solution through our network of contractors or installation partners, subject to your project’s scope, timing, and location. If you need temporary access, raise this requirement as early as possible so available options can be explored and scheduled.

When are temporary construction stairs most useful?

Temporary access is particularly valuable when your project involves:

• Replacing an existing staircase. During removal and installation, you’ll want safe, continuous access. See our pages on Bestaande trap vervangen and Kosten trap vervangen for planning insights.
• Creating or enlarging a stair opening. We can adjust the size of the existing opening—or cut a new one—when required. If a structural calculation is needed, we can arrange it. Note: cutting a new opening in a wooden floor is significantly cheaper than in concrete; this often influences the overall approach and schedule.
• Attic conversions and access upgrades. If you’re moving from a foldable attic stair to a permanent wooden stair, site access may be disrupted while the new opening and stair are prepared.

How to plan the timeline—from measurement to installation

A clear plan reduces or eliminates the period you need temporary construction stairs.

1) Confirm measurements and design

• Our Professional Measurement Service (Inmeetservice) is available within roughly a 75-kilometre radius of Utrecht and Dordrecht (NL) and Turnhout (BE). The service costs €169 and includes an on-site visit to measure the stair opening, floor height, and surrounding space, plus advice on comfort, usability, materials, finishes, and design options.
• After ordering, you will receive detailed construction drawings (and realistic 3D models when applicable) for formal approval. We only start manufacturing after you approve the drawings.

2) Understand production and installation windows

• In-stock staircase kits can be delivered within one working week; self-pickup is also possible.
• Custom-made staircases typically have an approximate two-week production period.
• If we handle on-site installation, plan for approximately 2–3 working weeks lead time for scheduling.
• Check the "De actuele levertijd vindt u hier" link on our home page for current lead times.
• A Spoedservice (rush production) category exists, but it is currently unavailable. When reinstated, it will carry a €249 surcharge per staircase and shorten the standard lead time (exact time savings depend on design and capacity). Contact us to confirm current availability.

3) Plan delivery and site logistics

• Staircase kits are shipped as multiple, protected components. We confirm the number of packages, dimensions, and total weight in advance so you can plan handling.
• Standard delivery is to ground level only. The transport service does not provide lift-gate equipment or unloading assistance, so arrange sufficient manpower or machinery on site.
• You’ll receive a delivery date about a week in advance, a reminder the day before, and a final notice on dispatch day. Real-time live tracking isn’t provided.

Safety during the temporary phase

Construction sites change day by day. Keep the temporary approach as safe and simple as possible:

• Guard the opening: Order guard rails for the floor opening (see Hekwerken op verdiepingsvloer) to reduce fall risk near the stairwell.
• Improve footing: Add anti-slip rubber strips to permanent treads once installed; these are also a useful reminder to maintain good traction standards during the build.
• Handrails and balustrades: Handrails are not included in a basic kit. You can add outside-stringer handrails separately—short from €36.75, long from €71.25, or two handrails for €97.50. Matching balustrades are available.
• Fire-safety considerations: Our staircases are produced in line with applicable regulations, but they are not supplied with a specific fire-resistance rating unless explicitly included in your project specification. For escape routes or special occupancies, raise requirements at the outset.

Coordinating temporary construction stairs through us: how it works

1. Raise the need early. Mention temporary access when you request a quote, use the Trapconfigurator, or book the Inmeetservice.
2. Share project details. Provide timing, location, floor heights, opening constraints, and site access notes. If the project is in Belgium, we can share your information with local installation partners only with your explicit consent.
3. Feasibility and scheduling. We assess your request and, where appropriate, coordinate a solution via our contractors or installation partners. Availability depends on project scope, timing, and location.
4. Align with permanent stair milestones. Synchronise temporary access with drawing approval, production, and installation windows to shorten the overlap period.
5. Prepare the site. If your project includes enlarging or creating a stair opening (and any required structural calculation), plan those works so the temporary and permanent solutions hand off smoothly.

Related services that simplify the transition

• Inmeet- & Montageservice: Combine precise measurement with professional installation for a streamlined experience.
• Trapconfigurator: Specify dimensions, wood species, and style elements to receive a tailored quotation.
• Accessories: From anti-slip rubber and stair lighting to stair paint (Trappenverf) and handrail brackets, you can finish your staircase safely and beautifully.
• Replacement projects: We can dismantle and remove your old staircase as part of a full replacement.
• Wood choices and finishes: Choose from multiple species and finishing options. We can also advise on combining hardwood treads with pine stringers for a smart balance of durability and cost.
• Delivery and pickup: We deliver nationwide in the Netherlands and Belgium, or you can arrange self-pickup at our Woerden location. For destinations outside NL/BE, you may appoint an external transport partner to collect from our site.

Quick answers (for fast planning)

• Do you supply or rent temporary construction stairs? Not as a standard product. On request, we may coordinate a temporary access solution via our contractor network, subject to scope, timing, and location. Raise the need early.
• How soon can I get a staircase kit? In-stock kits can be delivered within one working week; pickup is also possible. Custom staircases typically take about two weeks to produce after drawing approval.
• Can you create or enlarge my stair opening? Yes. We can adjust the existing opening or cut a new one. If a structural calculation is required, we can arrange it.
• Is it cheaper to cut an opening in wood or concrete? Creating a stair opening in a wooden floor is significantly cheaper than in concrete.
• Are handrails included with kits? No. Handrails are optional add-ons: short from €36.75, long from €71.25, or two for €97.50 (prices include VAT).
• Where is your measurement service available? Within roughly 75 km of Utrecht and Dordrecht (NL) and Turnhout (BE). The service fee is €169.
• What about delivery logistics? Delivery is to ground level only; unloading assistance isn’t included. We confirm package sizes and weights in advance so you can arrange help.

Practical takeaways

• Ask early: If you’ll need temporary construction stairs, mention this during your first enquiry so options can be explored.
• Book measurement: Use the Inmeetservice (where available) to secure accurate dimensions and early design advice.
• Approve fast: Review and approve drawings promptly to keep production on schedule and shorten any temporary access period.
• Secure openings: Order guard rails (Hekwerken op verdiepingsvloer) and plan site safety from day one.
• Plan handling: Arrange manpower or equipment for ground-level delivery; use our package dimensions to prepare.
• Coordinate trades: Align opening works, any structural calculation, and installation with delivery dates for a smooth handover.
• Finish smart: Consider anti-slip strips, balustrades, handrails, and stair lighting early so everything arrives together.

Conclusion

Temporary construction stairs keep your project safe and productive while your permanent staircase is being built. Although not part of our standard catalogue, we can coordinate a temporary access solution through trusted partners when requested—provided we discuss it early and align it with your measurement, drawings, production, and installation plan.

Ready to plan safe access and a flawless handover to your new wooden staircase? Contact us at +31 348 43 41 89 or info@houtentrappenwinkel.nl. You can also start with the Trapconfigurator, book the Inmeetservice, and check Levertijd & verzendkosten to set your schedule with confidence.