Common St. Louis Home Types with Narrow Stairs

Shotgun Houses(1890-1920):Narrow staircases(28-30"wide),steep incline,tight turns at landing
Flounder Houses(1900-1930):Offset staircases,narrow hallways,tight 90-degree turns
Second Empire Victorians(1880-1900):Spiral servant staircases,narrow back stairs(24-28"wide)
Four-Family Flats(1910-1925):Shared staircases,multiple flights,tight hallway turns

Common Measurements:

• Staircase width:28-32"(modern homes:36-42")
• Ceiling height at landing:6-7 feet(modern:8-9 feet)
• Turn radius:90-degree tight turns(modern:gradual curves)

✓ How to Measure Your Staircase

Step 1:Measure Staircase Width
Measure narrowest point(usually at turn/landing).Most St. Louis historic homes:28-32"wide.

Step 2:Measure Ceiling Height at Landing
Measure from landing floor to ceiling.Most St. Louis historic homes:6-7 feet.

Step 3:Measure Turn Radius
Measure space at 90-degree turn.Most St. Louis historic homes:tight 90-degree turns.

Step 4:Measure Furniture Dimensions
Measure furniture length,width,height.Compare to staircase measurements.

Rule of Thumb:If furniture diagonal is less than staircase width+ceiling height,it will fit(with pivot method).

How We Angle Furniture Through Narrow Stairs

What Is the Pivot Point Method?A professional furniture moving technique where we angle furniture vertically,pivot at landing,and navigate tight turns.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Angle Vertically:Tilt furniture vertically(90 degrees)at bottom of stairs
2. Carry Upstairs:Carry furniture up stairs in vertical position
3. Pivot at Landing:At landing,pivot furniture horizontally to navigate turn
4. Continue Upstairs:Angle vertically again,continue to top
5. Horizontal Entry:At top,pivot horizontally to enter room

What Furniture Works with Pivot Method:Sofas,sectionals,dressers,mattresses,bed frames(anything under 32"diagonal)

✓ We Take Apart Furniture,Move It,Reassemble Upstairs

What We Disassemble:

• Sectionals:Separate into individual pieces(each piece under 28"wide)
• Bed Frames:Remove headboard,footboard,rails(carry separately)
• Dressers:Remove drawers,mirror,top(lighten weight,reduce size)
• Armoires:Remove doors,shelves,top(disassemble completely)
• Dining Tables:Remove legs,leaf extensions(flat pieces easier to carry)

Reassembly Upstairs:We reassemble all furniture in your room.You don't touch a screwdriver.

Disassembly Fee:$50-$100(depending on complexity).Included with furniture purchase.

Crane/Hoist for Furniture That Won't Fit Stairs

When Hoisting Is Necessary:

• Furniture diagonal exceeds staircase width+ceiling height
• Spiral staircases(impossible to pivot)
• Extremely tight turns(less than 24"radius)
• Furniture too heavy to carry upstairs(500+ lbs)

How Hoisting Works:

1. We remove window or use balcony access
2. We use crane or pulley system to hoist furniture
3. We guide furniture through window into room
4. We reassemble and place furniture

Hoisting Fee:$199-$399(depending on height,weight,access).Includes crane rental,labor,insurance.

Common in St. Louis:Second Empire Victorians(spiral servant stairs),Four-Family Flats(tight shared stairs)

63118(Tower Grove,Soulard)

Common Home Types:Shotgun houses,Flounder houses,Victorian homes
Staircase Challenges:28-30"wide,tight 90-degree turns,steep incline
Our Experience:500+ deliveries to Tower Grove/Soulard narrow staircases

63104(Lafayette Square,McKinley Heights)

Common Home Types:Second Empire Victorians,Four-Family Flats
Staircase Challenges:Spiral servant stairs,shared staircases,tight hallways
Our Experience:300+ deliveries to Lafayette Square narrow staircases

63116(The Hill,Lindenwood Park)

Common Home Types:Craftsman bungalows,Four-Family Flats
Staircase Challenges:Narrow back stairs,tight turns,low ceilings
Our Experience:200+ deliveries to The Hill narrow staircases

When Hoisting Is the Only Option

Furniture That Won't Fit Stairs(Even with Pivot Method):

• King mattresses(76"wide)in staircases under 30"wide
• Large sectionals(over 40"diagonal)in staircases under 32"wide
• Armoires(over 80"tall)with ceiling height under 7 feet
• Pianos,safes,heavy appliances(500+ lbs)

Honest Assessment:If furniture diagonal exceeds staircase width+ceiling height by more than 10",hoisting is necessary.We'll tell you upfront(no wasted time).