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A full guide to every kind of stair solutions

Stairs are a functional and an aesthetic element of the home, as their shape and position define the circulation in the room. Additionally, their finish, their balustrade and handrails set the style of the interior.

We use them to move from one level to another, to carry objects from one floor to another. We also use them as an emergency exit or a fire escape.

 According to their position, stairs are categorized as follows:

Interior

Exterior

 According to their function, they are categorized as follows:

Main stairs

Service stairs

Portable stairs

 According to their construction, stairs are categorized as follows:

Stone stairs

Timber stairs

Concrete stairs

Iron and steel stairs

Stairs from modern materials

Stairs are classified according to their plan form as follows:

Straight stairs: they stretch from a lower to an upper level in one straight run

Return (U) stairs: with two flights of steps parallel to each other with a landing between

Circular stairs: they sweep in a broad curve from one level to another

L stairs, double L stairs: they make a 90-degree turn at a landing

Winder stairs: they have “pie-shaped” steps which substitute a landing

Spiral stairs: they generally have winder steps and they twist around a centre pole

 Prime considerations in stair design should be easy use and safety. The available space will make us determine the stair’s shape.

Straight stairs are easy and not expensive to construct, but they require plenty of space.

That’s why stairs with a landing (L-shaped or U-shaped stairs) are often preferred if there’s enough space for them. Winder stairs are used when the space is not sufficient for the L stairs.

Spiral stairs are used where little space is available. They are not very safe and they are also hard to climb.

The wider and gradual the stair, the more space it will consume.

 Stair Terminology

Tread: the horizontal surface for the foot to ascend from one level to another

Riser: the vertical distance between the upper surfaces of two consecutive treads

Flight: a series of steps between floors or landings

Landing:  a platform between two flights that either acts as a resting place, a change of direction or is the end of the stair

Nosing: the front edge of the tread that hangs over the riser

Going:  the horizontal distance between nosings

Stringer: the angled beam or member at each side of the stair that supports the treads

Balustrade: A railing system which provides protection on the open sides of a stair

Total Rise: the total vertical distance from floor to floor

Total run: the length of all of the treads combined

Pitch: the angle that the flight of stairs is built at

Headroom: the distance from the leading edge of a tread to the header directly above

Stair-building regulations

There are building regulations we must consider before we built a staircase. We must check the local regulations.

• All the treads should have the same width and all the risers should have the same height
• The minimum width of the tread should be 25cm, while the maximum height of the riser should be 18cm.
• Stairs must not be steep.
• The stairs’ width depends upon the size and the type of the building (for home stairs the suitable width is 100cm)
• There must be a landing after a certain number of steps (usually 18 steps).
• The minimum head height should be 220cm.
• The handrails have a minimum height of 100cm with minimum space between the balusters 15cm.

 

About the Author

I am an architect.with my husband I own and operate a construction company. I am professor of material technology in the Department of Interior Design in the College of Fine Arts AKTO- Art and Design in Thessaloniki, Greece.