Stairs exist primarily to facilitate a quick and effortless method of ascending and descending multiple levels. One-story homes and shelters were common in the past, but it was eventually realized that the space above ground could be put to better use.
When asked to name the most significant features of a home's design, most people will immediately mention the staircase.
Choosing where a staircase will go in a new house is a huge deal since it usually determines how the rest of the space will be used. Why is it important to understand the pros and cons of various stair designs before deciding which one is best for your house? Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of different types of stairs that will suit our home.
These are the 9 types of stairs with their following advantage and disadvantages.
1. Straight Stairs
Straight stairs are those that have no changes in direction. They are unquestionably one of the most common types of stairs found in both residential and commercial buildings. Straight floating stairs with a variety of stringer styles, railing types, and wood species are shown below.
What is the definition of straight stairs with a central landing?
A landing is added to longer flights of stairs to break up the flight. This is required by building codes for floor heights above 12 feet. Straight stairs, particularly in commercial buildings, frequently have platforms halfway up the run of the stairs.
Following Advantages:
• Straight stairs are the easiest to ascend and descend, or ascend/descend as we say in the industry.
• They are typically the simplest to construct; however, this is highly dependent on the level of detail in the design.
• Straight stairs only require connections at the top and bottom (no intermediate supporting structure is required).
• Because of their inherent simplicity, they complement minimalist-styled homes.
• Straight stairs can be made more transparent than other types of stairs by using thinner treads, open risers, and thin metal stringers. This allows for less obstruction to the view beyond.
• If the number of risers is kept under 16, or the overall vertical height is less than 12 feet, no landing is required.
• Straight stair railings and handrails are relatively simple to construct.
• Straight stair railings are easier to measure than other stair designs.
Disadvantages:
• Straight stairs require a significant amount of linear space, which must be factored into your design.
• Some of the other stair types create a privacy barrier between your home's floors. Straight stairs do not provide this level of privacy.
• A landing is required to break up the span of a 12-foot-high stair. Because the addition of a landing takes up a lot more space, these types of stairs are rarely used in residential construction. These will be more common in large commercial buildings.
2. U Shaped Stairs
U-shaped stairs consist of two parallel flights of straight stairs connected by a landing that creates a 180-degree turn in the walk line.
Advantages:
• U-shaped stairs may be easier to incorporate into an architectural design.
• They are architecturally interesting.
• Partway up the stairs, the landing(s) can provide a resting spot.
Disadvantages:
• These stairs are more difficult to construct than simpler stair types.
3. Winder Stairs
Winder stairs are an L-shaped stair variation with pie-shaped or triangular steps at the corner transition instead of a flat landing.
Advantages:
• Winder stairs have the advantage of taking up less space than other types of stairs. They are commonly found in older homes and are frequently used as a secondary staircase. They are common in homes with a grand staircase in the entryway, for example. In these situations, the winder stair is frequently used to gain access to the kitchen.
• They are more visually appealing than other types of stairs. Winder stairs, as they meander around corners, appear to create a more seamless visual transition. As a result, they have grown in popularity in modern homes. Because of their compactness, they are also appealing in sustainable home designs.
Disadvantages:
• Winder stairs are more difficult to navigate than L stairs.
• It may be more difficult to install a handrail on these than on other types of stairs.
• A center support, as with L-shaped stairs, is usually required.
4. L Shaped Stairs
The L-shaped stair is a variation of the straight stair with a bend in the middle. This bend is typically accomplished by including a landing at the transition point. The bend is commonly 90 degrees, but it does not have to be. If the landing is near the top or bottom of the stairs, it is known as a long L stair or a quarter turn stair.
Advantages::
• L-shaped stairs are more visually appealing.
• They act as a visual barrier between floors, providing some privacy.
• If the stairs are contained within walls, L-shaped stairs can help with sound transmission between floors.
• Some argue that they are safer than straight stairs because the central landing reduces the number of treads that can fall in a given flight.
• While ascending, the landing can provide a place to stop and rest.
• They can be placed in a room's corner if that works better for your design.
Disadvantages:
• Straight stairs are easier to build than L-shaped stairs.
• A landing support is usually required in an L-shaped stair. This is frequently built into the surrounding walls to go unnoticed. However, in modern homes, it is usually preferable to open up the space by leaving the stair structure visible. In these cases, the supporting structure can be visually reduced by utilizing steel's strength to create slim supporting members. It is possible to eliminate the landing support entirely through careful engineering.
• Handrails for these types of stairs are more difficult to build than handrails for straight stairs.
• Stairs are typically stacked over each other in climates where basements are used to maximize space. Large items can be difficult to move in and out of basements because they are frequently used for storage.
5. Spiral Stairs
A helical arc is followed by spiral stairs. They are typically very compact in design, with treads radiating from a central pole.
Advantages:
• The compactness of spiral stairs is one of their primary advantages. They are especially popular on beachfront decks where space is limited. For the same reason, they are widely used in city lofts.
• Spiral stairs can be visually appealing, and railing styles can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of the stair.
• Because the center pole and landing typically provide structural support for the stairs, they do not require as many extra support structures as other types of stairs, making installation easier than with many other types of stairs.
Disadvantages:
• Spiral stairs are trickier to use than other types of stairs. As a result, codes prohibit them from being used as the primary access to a home's entire second floor. Walkability improves as the outside diameter increases, so if you have the space, you might want to go a little bigger. If possible, we recommend going 5 feet in diameter.
• Carrying large items up spiral stairs is difficult.
• The stairs can only be used by one person at a time.
6. Curved Stairs
Curved stairs, like spiral stairs, follow a helical arc. They do not, however, have a full circle and have a much larger radius. Curved stairs add a touch of class to any home or business. As a result, they are almost always located near the entrance, where they can make the best first impression.
Advantages:
• Curved staircases are often very elegant and traditional, but they can also be adapted to modern architecture.
• If the radius is large, they are relatively easy to walk up.
Disadvantages:
• Curved stairs are by far the most difficult to construct of all the different types of stairs. Building curved stairs is, in fact, the pinnacle of achievement for any stair builder or fabricator. As a result, they are the most expensive to construct.
7. Cantilever Stairs
Cantilever stairs are designed so that the stair treads appear to float in the air without any support. The stair stringer will be attached to one end of the treads and can be concealed or visible. Cantilever stairs add visual interest and space to any room.
Advantages:
• Cantilever stairs are more visually appealing and distinctive than other types of stairs.
• Stringers are typically located to one side or hidden in the wall, allowing for more headroom.
• Cantilever stairs give the room a more open and spacious appearance.
Disadvantages:
• The structure's design must be considered in order to support the cantilever stairs.
• Tread supports must be built to withstand the weight and potential torque.
• Because of the additional structural requirements, cantilever stairs are more expensive than standard mono-stringer stairs.
8. Ladders
Ladders, like stairs, can be used to gain access. However, ladders are not permitted to be used as a primary means of access under building codes. Keuka Studios can create custom ladders for a variety of applications, including libraries, lofts, and docks.
Advantages:
• Ladders are the smallest way to move from one floor to another.
• Because of their simple design, they are very cost-effective.
• Ladders may have wheels or fold up to move them out of the way or prevent access when not in use.
• They can be used to reach shelves that would otherwise be too high to reach.
Disadvantages:
• Ladders are more difficult to navigate than stairs, particularly when descending.
• Ladders are not suitable as a primary staircase.
9. Split Staircase (Bifurcated)
Split stairs, also known as bifurcated stairs, typically consist of a wide set of stairs beginning at the bottom and ending at a landing halfway up the flight. At the landing, the stairs divide into two narrower sets of stairs that lead in opposite directions.
Advantages:
• Split stairs allow one staircase to function as two by leading up to different sections of the building, allowing easy access to each end of the upper level.
• They enhance the building's architectural design statement.
• Typically used as a Grand Entry in large homes or commercial buildings. They are appropriate for both interior and exterior use.
Disadvantages:
• Split stairs necessitate a substantial amount of space. This space requirement must be factored into the building's design.
• Split staircases are more expensive than most other types of stairs.
You've probably decided on the type of stairwell to use. Assume you're still undecided about where to buy that low-cost house and lot or condominiums. Then we're still here to help. You can schedule a consultation with us right here on our website, and you could be the next proud Bria Homes owner.
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Written by Daniel Viray