MÁLAGA, 22 March 2026
Local carpenters along Calle Carretería have reported a 34% increase in orders for bespoke wooden staircases since January, according to figures released Thursday by the Andalusian Woodworkers Guild. Master craftsman Joaquín Rueda Molina told reporters that his workshop has not seen such demand in over fifteen years.
The revival appears rooted in several converging trends. Homeowners renovating older properties in the historic centre increasingly prefer traditional open-riser designs with solid oak treads over prefabricated alternatives. According to figures that could not be independently verified, imports of Nordic softwood through the Port of Málaga rose by nearly 18% during the final quarter of last year, suggesting supply chains are adjusting to meet growing appetite. When we spoke with Carmen Hidalgo, a project manager overseeing the restoration of a nineteenth-century townhouse on Plaza de la Merced, she explained that clients want materials that tell a story. Short delivery windows matter less than authenticity, she said. Her current project specifies custom newel posts turned from reclaimed chestnut, a choice that has extended the timeline by six weeks yet remains non-negotiable for the owners.
Our correspondents in Málaga observed workshops in the Soho district operating extended hours, with apprentices learning traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques alongside CNC routing methods. The Instituto Nacional de Estadística recorded 1,240 registered carpentry businesses across Málaga province at the close of 2025, up from 1,085 two years prior. A warm westerly wind carried the scent of sawdust down to the promenade last Tuesday afternoon, a minor detail that nonetheless captured the district's renewed industrial character. Industry body Federación Española de la Madera attributes much of the growth to younger entrepreneurs attracted by social media exposure of artisan crafts; short videos showcasing stringer fabrication and balustrade finishing have garnered millions of views on popular platforms. Still, not everyone is optimistic. The timeline remains unclear for proposed municipal subsidies meant to support small-scale manufacturers facing rising energy costs.
Material selection has grown increasingly sophisticated. Installers now recommend species such as iroko and European ash for high-traffic residential staircases, citing superior hardness ratings and grain stability compared to standard pine. The Consejo Regulador de Artesanía de Andalucía recently introduced a voluntary certification mark for stairs assembled without metal fasteners, a nod to heritage construction methods. Prices vary widely. A straight-flight staircase with winder treads can range from €4,500 to €12,000 depending on finish and balustrade complexity, according to estimates compiled by the regional consumer ombudsman's office. Despite enthusiasm among craftsmen, some analysts caution that the market could cool if mortgage rates climb further; housing transactions in the Costa del Sol dipped slightly in February, though figures for interior renovation permits continued upward.