Choosing the right stairs for residential or commercial buildings can help improve the style and safety of the building. In this guide, you'll find detailed information and tips on different types of stairs to make your search easier.
To choose the best staircase for a project, several key criteria must be considered, including different types, materials and design options. Understanding the principles of stair planning and knowing the building codes are also key to making the right decision.
Points to consider when choosing a staircase:
- Building regulations
- Type of staircase
- Type of railings
- Materials for building stairs
- Dimensions of the staircase
What should be considered when planning a staircase?
When planning a staircase, there are several factors to consider. Start by evaluating the space available for the stairs. Be sure to consider the number of landings and the minimum height required.
Here are some other elements to consider when planning your staircase:
- Number of turns and type of stairs
- Commercial or residential staircase?
- Interior or exterior stairs?
- Number and type of users.
- Available budget.
What do I need to know about building codes for stairs?
Building regulations for stairs vary from country to country and region to region, as well as depending on the purpose of the stairs. This is especially true for residential and commercial projects. If you're commissioning a custom staircase, make sure your contractor is experienced and follows building codes.
Factors to consider include:
- Maximum slope (angle) of stairs
- Required heights
- Maximum and minimum step depth and riser height
- Minimum height of the balustrade
- Distance between balustrade posts
- Maximum number of steps in front of the required platform
- Maximum and minimum width of the staircase
- Fire regulations
What types of stairs are available?
The basic types of stairs are spiral, straight, quarter-turn and half-turn. The type of staircase should be chosen according to the available space on the staircase, height, regulations and ease of use. The best option is to choose a staircase made to size and installed by a professional staircase design and installation company.
Straight stairs
Straight stairs are uncomplicated to install and use. The space under the closed staircase can also be adapted for cabinets or shelves.
Quarter-turn and half-turn stairs
Quarter-turn and half-turn stairs often have a platform at the turn. This allows less mobile users to rest, and may even be necessary if regulations require a platform after a certain number of stairs.
Spiral staircase
Spiral staircases are available in both round and square forms and are supported by a central column, walls or stringers. Round forms can be an excellent centerpiece in spaces that allow access to mezzanines and attics, while square forms may be more suited to staircases against walls or at corners. Spiral staircases are often chosen for their appearance or space savings, but are more difficult to use than straight stairs. Larger spiral staircases can be a great design element in buildings with large entrance halls, such as boutiques, hotels or museums and galleries.
How to choose the material and style of the staircase?
The materials of construction, treads and balustrade can have a big impact on the aesthetics of a space, as well as safety, maintenance, comfort and lighting. Many staircases are made from a combination of materials, allowing for a variety of styles - contemporary, traditional and original.
Wooden stairs
Wood stairs are timeless and available in many styles. Wood is soft and warm to the touch; it is a practical material, lighter than concrete, stone and glass. Many all-wood stairs are available, but wooden structures can also be combined with steps made of other materials, such as metal or glass.
Metal stairs
Metal staircases are available in many different styles, from ornate, traditional staircases to slender, minimalist floating staircases to more industrial staircases with embossed metal steps.
Glass staircase
Glass staircases help maximize the amount of light in stairwells and have strong aesthetic qualities. All-glass staircases use structural glass as a construction material. They are perfect for minimalist designs, but tend to be very expensive. For a more economical solution, glass steps can be combined with a metal substructure.
Concrete stairs
Precast concrete stairs are often used in fireproof staircases in public buildings because of their fire resistance and durability. They can also be part of interior design; elegant precast concrete spiral stairs made of waxed concrete can give a minimalist and industrial look. The concrete substructure can be combined with other materials such as glass and metal for a more open, lightweight look, or stone steps can be used to add prestige or a more classic look.
Free valuation of stairs
If you are not sure what kind of staircase will work best for your project, then contact Ske Design. We will be happy to share our years of experience and design a safe and functional staircase for your apartment or office.
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