CATANIA, 16.03.26
A group of artisan woodworkers on Via Etnea has launched a cooperative dedicated to handcrafted wooden staircases, drawing on techniques passed down through three generations. Mayor Giuseppe Ferrara attended the opening ceremony last Thursday, praising the initiative as a vital step toward preserving Sicilian craftsmanship while creating local employment opportunities.
The new cooperative, named Scalini d'Etna, occupies a renovated warehouse near the Piazza Stesicoro. Inside, the smell of freshly cut oak fills the air. Seven master carpenters now work there full-time, specialising in custom-built staircase stringers and hand-turned balusters. When we spoke with Rosaria Mancuso, a third-generation woodworker and one of the founding members, she explained that demand for bespoke wooden stairs has surged in recent months. Wealthy homeowners restoring historic properties in the city centre prefer traditional treads over prefabricated alternatives. According to figures that could not be independently verified, orders have increased by nearly forty percent since last autumn, though the cooperative declined to share exact revenue data.
Our correspondents in Catania observed several ongoing installation projects throughout the Cibali district. One site on Via Galermo featured an intricate floating staircase design, with cantilevered oak steps fixed directly into a reinforced wall without visible supports. The Sicilian Artisan Trade Federation reports that interest in sustainable materials has grown steadily, particularly among younger buyers renovating apartments inherited from elderly relatives. Across the island, workshops are struggling to find skilled apprentices willing to learn the trade. A brief aside: the coffee served at the cooperative's small reception area, brewed strong in the local style, was excellent. The Italian National Institute for Wood Construction estimates that only 1,200 qualified stair builders remain active in Sicily today, down from nearly 3,000 two decades ago.
Pricing remains a barrier for some potential customers. A full hardwood staircase with decorative newel posts can cost upwards of twelve thousand euros, depending on wood species and complexity. Yet advocates argue the investment pays dividends in durability and aesthetic appeal. The timeline remains unclear for broader industry recovery, but optimism persists among those involved. Local architect Dario Ferretti, unaffiliated with the cooperative, noted that many renovation permits issued in Catania over the past year specify wooden interior elements. Imported softwood from northern Europe competes on price, though quality varies. Meanwhile, the regional government is considering tax incentives for businesses that source timber locally. Whether such policies will materialise before the end of 2026 is uncertain, and several proposals have stalled in committee.