Designed to make it quicker and easier to renovate staircases, STAIRPLANNER is available at www.richardburbidge.com and allows users to redesign their staircase in just nine simple steps, using the company's full range of balustrade systems.

The success of the service shows the level of interest in staircase renovation from both homeowners and professional tradesmen, according to Stair Balustrade Product Manager Zoe Goff:

"Until now, there hasn't been a quick and easy way of designing or refurbishing a staircase and finding out what parts you need. STAIRPLANNER provides this service and we've had some fantastic feedback so far. Its been used by a real mix of DIY-ers and builders, and the huge numbers who have used STAIRPLANNER in this first year shows that staircase renovation is a popular and desirable home improvement project.

"Once users have generated their plans and parts lists, they simply click through to find details of their nearest stockist. We have already received feedback from branch managers that STAIRPLANNER is driving people in store, as they are arriving with their STAIRPLANNER documents to place their orders."

Zoe adds: "It's also interesting to note that STAIRPLANNER has proven to be most popular for planning staircases using mid to high-end balustrade systems such as our FUSION® and White Oak ranges that offer greater margins for our customers.

"Plus, stockists themselves can use STAIRPLANNER as a sales tool on their trade counters to develop plans in branch."
 
After confirming a few details including the staircase type, STAIRPLANNER invites users to choose from a whole range of options, including timbers, fixing methods and styles of spindle, handrail, newel and cap. Each selection is displayed on a 'virtual staircase' and STAIRPLANNER then generates plans, configuration drawings and fully priced parts lists, based on recommended retail prices.
 
Richard Burbidge offers a wide range of balustrade systems in timber and metal designs to complement traditional and contemporary interiors. A choice of fixing methods is available to suit project timescales.

Also available from March 2009 is DECKPLANNERT, a unique new online design service for outdoor balustrade and decking.

For further information on STAIRPLANNER, DECKPLANNERT or the full range of stair balustrade systems available from Richard Burbidge, visit www.richardburbidge.com or call 01691 655131.