The Counting House — Pontefract
Oak Staircases & Landings
Two large rear staircases and landings in solid oak, set out and fitted to become a major feature at the back of one of Pontefract's oldest buildings.
A major oak feature
The rear staircases were the largest single element of Heritage Joiners' work at The Counting House. They had to carry daily use, feel secure underfoot, and still look right within a restored historic building.
Solid oak gave the staircases the strength, grain and presence the space needed. The aim was not a lightweight modern insert, but stair joinery with the substance and proportion to sit comfortably inside old walls and settled fabric.
Setting out in an old building
Nothing at The Counting House offered a clean, regular starting point. Levels, openings and junctions all had to be read carefully before the oak could be made and fitted.
The oak newels, frame and landing were set out and assembled on site, keeping the staircase strong and safe while making the finished lines feel natural against a building that had moved and settled over time.
Oak with metal tread detail
Non-slip metal treads were fitted into the stair design, giving safe footing without robbing the staircases of their oak character. The detail had to be robust, neat and visually balanced.
Done well, the metal sits as a practical working detail rather than an afterthought. The oak still leads the eye: grain, weight, landing lines and hand-finished edges all doing their part.
Made to belong
The oak was cut and jointed with proper bench-hand joinery — mortice-and-tenon newels worked to take the weight and the years, not just screwed together on site.
Their success is in the balance between new work and old surroundings. The staircases are clearly made for modern use, but their oak, proportion and finish allow them to feel as though the building was waiting for them.
Planning an oak staircase?
For oak stairs, landings or fitted joinery in an older property, send the key dimensions and a few site photos. Rob will advise on the next practical step.