BARI, 16 March 2026

A sharp rise in custom wooden staircase installations is reshaping the renovation market across Bari, with local craftsmen reporting order backlogs stretching into late summer. Speaking on Via Sparano last Thursday, master carpenter Donato Ruggiero confirmed his workshop has seen a 40 percent increase in commissions since January. The trend reflects broader demand for artisan joinery in Puglia's capital.

Residential renovations in Bari's historic centre have driven much of this growth, according to data released last week by the Puglia Artisan Trades Federation. Homeowners are increasingly choosing solid hardwood treads and custom balustrades over prefabricated alternatives, a shift that workshop owners attribute to renewed interest in durability and aesthetic warmth. Our correspondents in Bari observed queues forming outside established carpentry studios near the Fiera del Levante grounds, where families waited to consult with joiners about bespoke designs. The preference for locally sourced oak and chestnut has also risen, though supply constraints from Apennine mills have introduced modest delays. One supplier on Corso Vittorio Emanuele mentioned that timber prices fluctuate weekly now. According to figures that could not be independently verified, the average cost of a full staircase installation in the city has climbed by roughly 18 percent over the past year, a figure some contractors dispute.

When we spoke with Francesca Cataldo, owner of Cataldo Legnami on Via Putignani, she explained that clients today arrive with detailed references from design magazines and social media. They want open-riser staircases, cantilevered steps, and handrails finished with natural oils rather than lacquer. Such specificity, she noted, requires longer consultation periods and more precise milling. The timeline remains unclear for several large residential projects currently underway in the Poggiofranco district, where developers have commissioned sweeping helical staircases for lobby areas. Bari's mild coastal humidity also influences wood selection; joiners often recommend kiln-dried timber to prevent warping. A small café across the street from Cataldo's workshop has become an informal meeting spot for architects and woodworkers exchanging sketches over espresso. Industry observers believe this collaborative culture distinguishes Bari's craft scene from larger northern cities.

Regulatory pressures have added complexity to the market. The Italian National Standards Institute updated building codes in January, tightening specifications for riser height and tread depth in multi-family dwellings. Compliance requires certified calculations, which has increased demand for structural engineers familiar with wooden construction. Some smaller workshops lack the capacity to meet these documentation requirements and have partnered with local engineering firms. Despite these hurdles, the Bari chapter of the National Woodworking Association forecasts continued expansion through 2027, citing strong permit applications for residential conversions. Imported beech from Slovenia has partially offset domestic supply shortages, though purists argue it lacks the grain character of Italian-grown timber. A handful of younger artisans are experimenting with reclaimed wood salvaged from demolished farmhouses in the Murgia countryside, adding a sustainable angle to their offerings.