Questions about 
stairs, 
flooring and our 
process.
What we are most often asked at the first meeting.
How does a project with Hecher work?
We begin with a consultation, on site or at our workshop in Gais. This is followed by measurements, design, manufacturing and installation. Hecher remains your point of contact after installation, too.
When should I get in touch?
For a new build, as early as possible, while structural changes can still be made. The stairwell opening and floor build-up help determine which staircase types are possible. Renovations require much less lead time.
Is there a charge for the consultation?
The first conversation and initial assessment are without obligation.
Do you work with architects?
Yes, this is standard practice on larger projects. We coordinate the detailed design with the architect and the other trades on site.
Which documents should I send with my enquiry?
Whatever you have: a floor plan or section drawing, photos of the space and, for renovations, a photo of the existing stairs. Include the floor-to-floor height and stairwell opening if known. We will ask if anything is missing.
What determines the price of a solid wood staircase?
It depends on the staircase type, timber, number of steps and turns, balustrade (wood, steel or glass) and finish. A cantilever staircase is more complex than a straight stringer staircase; cladding concrete stairs is usually the simplest option. After the consultation we give a price indication, followed by a binding quotation after measuring on site.
When should stairs be designed for a new build?
At the planning application stage, and no later than before the stairwell opening is cast. The opening, floor build-up and load-bearing walls determine which staircase types will be possible later.
Can you clad existing concrete stairs?
Yes, we regularly fit solid wood treads and risers to existing concrete stairs, with a matching balustrade if required.
What types of staircase are available?
Stringer stairs, cut-string stairs, spiral stairs, curved stairs, cantilever stairs and cladding for concrete stairs. The right design depends on the space, floor-to-floor height and supporting structure.
Can a cantilever staircase be installed anywhere?
No. The treads are anchored into the wall, which must have sufficient load-bearing capacity. This needs to be considered early in the design; it is usually not possible to resolve it afterwards.
Do you also work in historic buildings?
Yes. Renovating older buildings is part of our everyday work, and our projects include the staircase at Bruneck Castle.
How much dust does a staircase renovation create?
The treads are finished at our workshop in Gais and only need to be fitted on site. Very little sanding takes place in the house. We protect the surrounding areas and remove the waste from dismantling the old staircase.
Are glass balustrades safe for children too?
Yes. We use safety glass of a tested thickness, with balustrade heights and gaps designed to meet the applicable regulations. We discuss whether glass, wood or steel is the best choice during the consultation.
Do you fit flooring without a staircase project?
Yes. We also install wood flooring and subfloors independently of staircase projects, on both timber and concrete floors.
Which timbers do you use?
We produce our own solid wood floorboards from local larch and spruce. Depending on the project, we also use fine hardwoods. Surfaces can be sanded, brushed, oiled or lacquered.
What are the benefits of a dry subfloor?
It levels differences in height, provides thermal and impact sound insulation, and can be used immediately because there is no drying time. This is often the decisive advantage in renovation work.
Can the stairs and flooring use the same timber and finish?
Yes, that is one of the advantages of having both made by the same workshop. Timber, grading, colour and finish are planned together, with matching transitions.
Is wood flooring suitable for underfloor heating?
Generally, yes. Suitability and the required build-up depend on the timber, board width and subfloor, and are assessed individually.
Do you also make furniture?
Yes: solid wood beds, dining tables and matching benches, all made to measure in the same workshop.
How long does it take from enquiry to installation?
It depends on the staircase type and our workload. After design, manufacturing accounts for most of the lead time. A firm date is agreed with the quotation.
Do you install outside the Puster Valley?
Yes. Our own team carries out installations in the Puster Valley and beyond.
What should I prepare for installation day?
A clear area for loading and unloading, and access to the site. Hecher takes care of everything else.
What if something needs adjusting years later?
Wood moves naturally. If anything needs adjusting after a year or two, Hecher is still here to help.
How do I care for an oiled floor?
Clean it dry regularly and re-oil as needed. Individual areas can be repaired without sanding the entire floor.
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