UK Stairs — Terms and Conditions
Version: 20 August 2025
These terms apply to all quotations, orders, deliveries, and installations by UK Stairs, unless agreed in writing.
1. Definitions
We/Us: UK Stairs. You/Client: the contracting customer. Goods: staircases, balustrades, handrails, and related items supplied by us. Site: the location for delivery and/or installation.
2. Quotations and Pricing
2.1 Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date shown. Prices exclude VAT unless stated.
2.2 Prices are based on the information provided at the quotation. Changes to drawings, site conditions, or specifications may change the price and programme.
2.3 Retentions are not permitted. Any discounts apply only as stated on the quotation.
3. Scope of Works
3.1 We supply and, where stated, install the Goods described in our quotation and the approved drawings.
3.2 Unless expressly included, the following are excluded: structural design/calculations, scaffolding/towers/hoists, cranes/lifting equipment, power supplies, making good, decoration, flooring, lighting, electrics, plumbing, and builder’s works.
3.3 Structural design and approvals remain the Client’s responsibility. We can recommend engineers on request.
4. Surveys and Measurements
4.1 A competent Client representative must attend surveys to confirm requirements and constraints.
4.2 Provide a clear datum on each floor and safe, unobstructed access for measuring.
4.3 If a booked survey is cancelled with short notice or the Site is not ready, we may charge a revisit fee and associated time.
5. Drawings, Approvals, and Compliance
5.1 We will manufacture according to our latest approved and dated drawings. Check all dimensions, levels, and interfaces before approval.
5.2 You are responsible for Planning and Building Regulations approvals. We will follow relevant British Standards and Building Regulations for the intended use where applicable. 5.3 Glass and timber are subject to recognised industry tolerances. Natural colour and grain variation will occur.
6. Payment Terms
6.1 Payment stages: • 10% deposit on order (design slot booked). On receipt of this payment, these Terms and Conditions are deemed accepted. • 40% on drawing approval, before fabrication. • 50% upon delivery to the Site, or seven days before the booked installation date, whichever is earlier.
6.2 Goods remain our property until paid in full. We may suspend work or withhold delivery for non‑payment.
6.3 Late payments may accrue interest at 4% above the Bank of England base rate, calculated daily. We may charge storage and re‑delivery if the Site is not ready.
7. Delivery, Access, and Storage
7.1 Provide suitable parking close to the Site for a large van and clear access from the vehicle to the work area.
7.2 Risk in the Goods passes to you on delivery to Site or on collection. Title passes only when paid in full.
7.3 If delivery or installation is prevented or delayed by Site conditions or third parties, we may charge for wasted time and additional visits.
8. Installation Conditions
8.1 The work area must be clear and safe. Keep children, pets, and non‑essential persons away from the working zone.
8.2 Provide power, lighting, welfare, and safe working platforms. Scaffolding, edge protection, and lifting gear are provided by others unless stated.
8.3 If flooring is to remain, protect it. We are not responsible for marks or damage where floors and finishes are left exposed during heavy works.
8.4 Identify in writing any hidden services (cables, pipes) near the work. We are not responsible for services not disclosed to us.
8.5 Our tools may be used outside to reduce dust; please make space available if possible. 8.6 Do not use the staircase as general access until we confirm it is safe to do so.
9. Timber, Humidity, and Wet Trades
9.1 Deliver timber only once wet trades are complete and the building is heated and ventilated.
9.2 Keep relative humidity stable (target 40–60%). Warping, shrinkage, or movement caused by damp or rapid drying is not our liability.
9.3 We will not accept returns for timber stored by others or exposed to poor conditions before fitting.
10. Tolerances and Quality Standards
10.1 General – We manufacture and install to the tolerances below and recognised industry standards. A variation within these ranges is not a defect.
10.2 Glass – Dimensional: ± half the glass thickness, up to a maximum of ±6 mm. – Holes/notches: hole centres ±2 mm; notches/edge cut‑outs ±3 mm. – Squareness/bow: panel squareness ±2 mm per metre; minor roller wave/anisotropy and small seeds/bubbles within industry standards are acceptable. – Viewing: assess from the room side at right angles in natural daylight, at ~2 m (or ~3 m for toughened/laminated/coated). The 50 mm perimeter band is excluded from the normal vision area. – Edge gaps: nominal shadow gaps to floors/handrails/stringers 2–4 mm; up to 6 mm acceptable with seals/packers. – Alignment: step between adjacent panel faces ≤2 mm; top‑edge offset between neighbouring panels ≤2 mm.
10.3 Timber – Environment: deliver only after wet trades are complete and the building is heated and ventilated. Keep relative humidity 40–60%. Movement caused by damp or rapid drying is not our liability. – Moisture: target timber moisture content on delivery 8–12%. – Dimensions: handrail overall length ±5 mm; section size ±1 mm; tread width ±2 mm; riser height and going to match approved drawings with variation between steps within a flight ≤5 mm; nosing projection variation ≤2 mm. – Joints/finish: visible mitres and joints ≤1 mm after finishing. Natural variation in colour, grain, medullary rays, knots and filler use is expected; stain matching across components/batches is approximate.
10.4 Metalwork and Installation – Fabrication: hole centres ±2 mm; overall length up to 2 m ±3 mm, over 2 m ±5 mm. – Plumb/level/straightness: posts plumb within 3 mm per metre; handrail straightness deviation ≤3 mm over 3 m; finished glass line deviation ≤3 mm over 3 m. – Balustrade set‑out: baluster centres ±3 mm; fixing cover caps flush within ±0.5 mm; packers not visible at ~1 m viewing distance.
11. Protection and Care of Materials
11.1 We protect Goods in transit. Once delivered or fixed on the Site, protection is by others.
11.2 Inspect delivered items on arrival and store them flat, dry, and protected from heat and moisture. Do not place direct heaters on or near timber or laminated components.
12. Client Inspection and Acceptance
12.1 You must inspect the Goods on delivery and again at installation completion.
12.2 Report any visible defects or shortfalls in writing within 48 hours of delivery or completion, with photos where possible. We will arrange an inspection and agree next steps.
12.3 We will agree on a snag list at practical completion. We will address reasonable snags within a fair timeframe. Minor cosmetic items that do not affect safe use do not prevent practical completion.
12.4 Signing our Delivery Note and/or Handover Checklist, continued use of the staircase, or allowing follow‑on trades to work on or around the Goods counts as acceptance of the Goods in their delivered condition, unless you notified an issue within the period above.
12.5 After practical completion, you are responsible for ongoing protection and maintenance. Damage by others is excluded.
13. Variations, Delays, and Cancellations
Variations, Delays, and Cancellations
13.1 Variations must be agreed in writing and may affect price and programme.
13.2 If Site conditions, third‑party delays, or design changes prevent progress, we may demobilise and recover costs for time lost and return visits.
13.3 Cancellations must be in writing. Charges will apply for work, design, and materials committed up to the cancellation date. Deposits are non‑refundable once design or procurement has begun.
14. Title and Risk
14.1 Title remains with us until we receive cleared funds for all sums due on the contract.
14.2 We may recover Goods not paid for in full. You grant us access to do so where lawful.
15. Warranty
15.1 Periods and scope – We warrant our workmanship for 12 months from practical completion. – Timber components are covered for hidden manufacturing defects for 12 months. Surface wear layers and finishes are not structural elements. – Glass components are covered only for manufacturing defects as defined by recognised glass standards and the viewing rules in 15.2. We may refer any glass defect claim to the manufacturer; their decision will be final for manufacturing faults.
15.2 Glass warranty (inspection and limits) – Viewing conditions: assess from the room side at right angles in natural daylight, dry glass, no direct sun. Stand ~2 m away (or ~3 m for toughened/laminated/coated). The 50 mm perimeter band is outside the normal vision area. – What is acceptable: minor seeds, bubbles, light scratches, and anisotropy/roller‑wave typical of toughening; slight lamination lines/haze; small edge chips within industry tolerances; dimensional variations within the tolerances in Section 10. – What is not covered: impact damage, edge damage, breakage from strikes or building movement, thermal shock from heat sources, contamination from cement/chemicals, misuse, or using abrasive cleaners/pads.
15.3 Timber warranty (what is and isn’t a defect) – Natural variation in colour, grain, figure (incl. medullary rays), knots and the use of filler are normal and not defects. – Colour change from sunlight/UV and ageing is expected. Wood will move with humidity; cupping, shrinkage, or checking caused by damp or rapid drying is excluded. – Dimensions and movement within the tolerances in Section 10 are acceptable.
15.4 General warranty exclusions – Fair wear and tear; cosmetic marking from use; damage by third parties or other trades; failure to follow our Care and Maintenance (Section 16); unsuitable storage or Site conditions; corrosion or staining from coastal, pool, or chemical environments; building movement, uneven substrates, or hidden services. – Misuse, overloading, or using the staircase as general access before we confirm it is safe. Adhesives/tapes/solvents left on finishes. Pet claws, grit/abrasives, or stiletto heels indenting timber. – Any item not paid for in full or altered without our written approval.
15.5 Making a claim – Report visible issues within 48 hours per Section 12. For warranty issues arising later, notify us in writing within the warranty period with photos and a description. Keep the area accessible. We must be allowed to inspect in situ. – Our remedy is at our option: repair, replacement of the affected component, or a fair credit. We are not liable for consequential loss. This clause does not limit liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or for fraud.
16. Care and Maintenance
16.1 Timber care – Keep the building heated and ventilated; target 40–60% relative humidity. Avoid sudden changes. – Clean with a soft brush or microfibre. For marks, use a barely damp cloth with a pH‑neutral cleaner. No steam mops or soaking. – Wipe spills promptly. Use mats at entrances and felt pads under furniture. Avoid dragging items and avoid stiletto heels on timber treads. – Re‑oil or refresh finishes as required by use and traffic (guide: every 6–12 months for oiled finishes). Follow the product datasheet.
16.2 Glass cleaning – Use clean water and a small amount of pH‑neutral detergent. Apply with a soft cloth or squeegee. Do not use abrasive pads, blades on edges, acidic/alkaline cleaners, or harsh solvents. – Remove paint/plaster/cement splashes promptly with non‑abrasive methods. Avoid tapes with aggressive adhesives on glass edges and timber finishes. – Periodically check and tighten accessible fixings where safe to do so. Do not lean heavy items on balustrades or load the handrail beyond normal use.
17. Liability Liability
17.1 We do not accept liability for indirect or consequential loss. Our total liability is capped at the contract price paid for the Goods giving rise to the claim.
17.2 Nothing limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or for fraud.
18. Insurance
18.1 We hold public liability and employer’s liability insurance suitable for our activities. Evidence is available on request.
19. Force Majeure
19.1 We are not liable for failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, strikes, supply issues, or actions of third parties. We will resume work as soon as reasonably possible.
20. Privacy
20.1 We will handle personal data in line with applicable UK data protection laws and our privacy notice.
21. Conflicts and Order of Precedence
21.1 If there is a conflict between these terms and any terms proposed by you or by others, these UK Stairs terms take priority unless we agree otherwise in writing.
21.2 Where documents conflict, the order of precedence is: (a) special terms in our quotation or order confirmation; (b) approved drawings and specifications; (c) these Terms and Conditions; (d) any other project correspondence.
22. Governing Law
22.1 This contract is governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.
23. Design Loads
23.1 Unless stated in our quotation, we design these minimum loads:
·Stair treads and landings: 1.5 kN/m² uniformly distributed load.
· Balustrades/handrails: 0.36 kN/m line load at the top edge.
All values are in kilonewtons (kN).
23.2 You must tell us in writing if your project needs higher loads (e.g. public or assembly use, external areas). Changes after drawing approval may require redesign, extra cost, and revised dates.
23.3 Our design covers the Goods we supply only. The supporting structure (floors, walls, substrates) and the choice of fixings must safely resist the loads above. Your contractor must check site conditions and select suitable fixings.
23.4 You are responsible for confirming the required load class with your Building Control body or structural engineer.
23.5 Stated capacities assume correct installation, normal use, and routine maintenance. They do not cover impact, misuse, or attachments by others.
23.6 On request, we can provide design notes or calculations for our supplied items. This is a chargeable extra.
23.7 On-site load testing and third-party certification are excluded unless expressly included in the order.
