Create a 3D Spiral Staircase Using Tinkercad
Design and build a 3D spiral staircase in Tinkercad, learning measurement, rotation, and step spacing while preparing a model for viewing or 3D printing.
Step-by-step guide to create a 3D spiral staircase using Tinkercad
Step 1
Sign in to Tinkercad and click "Create new design" to open a fresh workplane.
Step 2
Click "Edit Grid" and set the units to millimeters so your measurements are easy and precise.
Step 3
Decide how many steps you want and the spacing: pick a number of steps (try 12) a step height (try 3 mm) and a rotation per step (try 30°) and write these values down.
Step 4
Drag a Cylinder onto the workplane to be the center pole and set its diameter to 8 mm and its height to (number of steps × step height) plus 5 mm.
Step 5
Drag a Box onto the workplane to be one stair tread and set its width to 40 mm its depth to 16 mm and its height to your chosen step height.
Step 6
Move the box so its inner short edge sits next to the center pole at a small gap (about 2–4 mm) so the steps will spiral around the pole.
Step 7
Select the step and press Duplicate (Ctrl+D) to make a copy of the step.
Step 8
Rotate the duplicated step by your chosen rotation per step (for example enter 30°) using the rotation handles so it turns around the pole.
Step 9
Raise the duplicated step up by the chosen step height using the Z arrow or the ruler number box.
Step 10
Press Duplicate (Ctrl+D) repeatedly to repeat the rotate-and-raise transform until you reach your planned number of steps.
Step 11
Select all the steps and the center pole then click Group to join them into a single model and use the ruler to check the total height and even spacing.
Step 12
Export your model as an STL if you want to 3D print or leave it saved in Tinkercad for viewing and then share your finished spiral staircase on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I can't find the Cylinder shape or need a different center pole, what can I use instead?
If you can't find the Cylinder, drag a Box onto the workplane and set its width and depth to 8 mm and its height to (number of steps × step height) plus 5 mm to act as the center pole.
My duplicated steps aren't lining up or the spiral looks uneven—what should I check?
Make sure the original Box step's inner short edge is positioned 2–4 mm from the pole, then use the rotation input (enter your rotation per step, e.g., 30°) and the Z number box to raise each Ctrl+D duplicate by the exact step height so every rotate-and-raise is consistent.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages or skill levels?
For younger kids use fewer steps (try 6), a larger step height (around 5 mm), and skip precise angle entries, while older kids can use more steps (e.g., 24), smaller heights (2–3 mm), add a handrail with thin Boxes or Cylinders, and export the STL to 3D print.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the spiral staircase project?
Personalize by coloring individual treads in Tinkercad, adding a handrail made from a thin Cylinder and balusters (small Cylinders or Boxes) around the outer edge, hollowing the pole, or engraving text on steps before exporting the STL.
Watch videos on how to create a 3D spiral staircase using Tinkercad
TinkerCAD: How to make a spiral staircase
4 Videos
TinkerCAD: How to make a spiral staircase
how to make SPIRAL staircase | Built IT | Miniature
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[1DAY_1CAD] STAIRS (Tinkercad : Know-how / Style / Education)
How to Use Tinkercad for 3D Printing (Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide)
Facts about 3D modeling and printing for kids
🌀 A spiral staircase follows a helix shape — the same kind of twist you see in springs and DNA.
🖨️ Consumer 3D printers can print details as fine as about 0.1 mm, so small staircase features can show up nicely.
🔁 In CAD, spiral stairs are made by repeating and rotating a step — a great way to practice measurement, rotation, and patterning.
📏 Real stair risers are commonly around 7 inches (≈18 cm); keeping consistent riser height is key for comfort and safety.
🖥️ Tinkercad launched in 2011 and was acquired by Autodesk in 2013 — it's a free, browser-based 3D design tool.
How do I design and build a 3D spiral staircase in Tinkercad?
What materials and tools do I need to create a 3D spiral staircase in Tinkercad?
What ages is designing a Tinkercad spiral staircase suitable for?
What are the benefits, safety tips, or variations for this Tinkercad staircase project?
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