Stairs are not only practical and functional, they emphasize the originality of the house and become an interesting element of decor. They are installed not only in private homes, but also in offices and shopping centers. As for what stairs are, the masters distinguish several types. There is a classification according to materials, the presence of additional elements and the level of complexity of the design. The financial side of the issue is also taken into account. In order not to be mistaken in the way of styling, you need to see what stairs are like in private houses.
Types and selection criteria
Depending on the installation location and the type of building, there are several categories of stairs. These are spiral or screw, which are installed in small spaces and are often used in modern interior designs, marching or simple, which look more concise and practical due to the width of the steps. The third type includes ladders on the bolts.
The size of the screw depends on the parameters of the steps and is often determined by this factor. On average, the length of a step can be from 50 to 100 cm. Most often, designers use such stairs to enter the basement or attic, that is, as auxiliary.
In most cases, the screw ones are round, although octagonal options can also be found. Previously, they were used only in technical rooms, where there was little space, and the lift was quite high. Then the angle of elevation was not very convenient for comfortable movement. After a slight modification and expansion of the tread parameters, spiral staircases continued to be popular. Depending on the type of stairs in a spiral house, the structure of the structure is selected and its parameters are determined.
Master stairs are installed in places where there is enough space for such an overall element. Stairs on the rails look more modern and stylish, even the presence of visible bolts and fasteners does not spoil their appearance. Depending on the type of stairs, the selection of the most optimal option for a particular interior design is made.
Anatomy of a ladder
No matter what the stairs in the house are, they consist of two parts: the base and the steps. The base can be made in the form of a screw, bolts, and steps can also consist of risers and have additional fasteners to increase reliability. Additional elements include: railings, balustrades, landings betweenspans and risers.
There are five main types of stairs:
- on stringers (may be straight, slightly rounded or serrated);
- on bolts (used in modern styles and installed in rooms with limited space);
- on the screw (installed on basement floors or in small rooms);
- folding;
- drawable.
The last two options are the simplest and are used in technical rooms to access the attic.
As for what stepladders are, experts distinguish several types depending on the material and type of construction.
Features of the flight stairs
This type is considered one of the easiest in terms of manufacturing and installation. May consist of one or more rectilinear elements with steps. By the way, the dimensions of the steps can be quite wide due to the availability of free space. Such stairs are chosen for spacious houses. Standard flight stairs do not contain more than 17 steps on one element.
Their number is often even less. In houses with high ceilings, stairs are installed with additional landings between levels or turning mechanisms to have a more modern look. What are marching stairs, depending on the geometry? Specialists distinguish U-shaped and L-shaped types.
The first option is used in large rooms, spacious halls or hallways. The second type is used in rooms with installation nearwalls to arrange furniture in the rest of the space. To connect several marches, a platform or winder steps can be used.
Key elements of the structure
To increase the reliability and strength of the element, railings and balusters are used - decorative details that are placed between the railings and steps. They emphasize the chosen style and make the stairs more interesting. Bolts - special bolts, a type of fastener, thanks to which the steps can be placed along the wall.
Step step depth - the ratio of the height and width of the step, which corresponds to the human step and characterizes the level of ease of movement. In marching versions, this figure is greater than in screw and combined ones. Depending on what the stairs are, these parameters are determined.
In standard types there are stringers - two parallel beams, to which steps are attached. Modern options do not provide for the presence of a pair of stringers, they often manage with only one base, placing steps along the wall or using a design move, creating the effect of weightlessness.
The flight of stairs determines the number of steps from the floor of one floor to the floor of another. By default, this number is no more than 17, although some stairs consist of more and have landings between flights at each level. It all depends on the chosen style, free space in the room and the parameters of the stairs.
In marching types there are risers that are placed between adjacent stepsand close gaps. They are not in screw structures, as well as in bolt structures.
Compact space solution
Placement of steps on a screw rod allows you to save space and at the same time have a full-fledged practical staircase. From an ergonomic point of view, this type should not be used, since narrow steps can endanger the residents of the house. But from a practical point of view, this is an ideal option for small rooms, especially since it is almost impossible to place a marching staircase in a small room.
You can build a ladder of this type not only in the corner of the room, but also in other places. Some modern styles welcome the placement of stairs even in the middle of the room. The construction area rarely exceeds 1-2 square meters, but in terms of functionality it is fully consistent with other types of stairs.
Experts advise for safe movement on such stairs to make the central width of the steps at least 20-40 cm and calculate the interval between the steps so that it is convenient to stand. It is better to choose the material from wood species, since the metal can become slippery over time.
As for the location, a load-bearing wall is usually chosen. For greater ease of movement, it is advised to go down and up the stairs further from the screw, since closer to the middle the steps begin to narrow.
The type of stairs depends on the opening, or rather, what structures can be installed in this room. If the opening is small, then the craftsmen advise installing a screwladder. Although there are cases when a wide spacious opening was given for the installation of a structure with a rod.
Combined version
There is a third type that combines the spaciousness of mid-flight and the modern look of spiral staircases. Of course, such a staircase also takes up a lot of space and requires a wide opening, but the modern look and original smooth rises make it a leader in terms of demand among other types.
This category also includes bolt ladders, the ease of installation of which can only be compared with spiral types. A big plus of the bolt type is the ability to change the damaged stage and not affect the neighboring ones. It is enough just to remove it from the bolts and replace it with a new one. Due to the absence of niches, corners and additional space on the steps, such a ladder is easy to clean.
The disadvantages of the design include the fact that due to small metal fasteners, most people perceive such stairs as fragile and light enough. Although in fact, thanks to the bolts, the steps are held firmly and securely. To determine the appropriate type of construction, experts advise looking at a photo of what stairs are in private houses, and only after that make a choice of a specific option.
Strength of wood
The material is used for interior design and surface treatment. Also, thanks to sustainability and environmental friendliness, the possibility of processing and durability, stairs are made of wood. In painted form or with a natural shade, such an element will fit into any style of interior andemphasize its peculiarity.
Photos, what are the stairs to the second floor of wood, help to make a choice in the direction of one or another manufacturer and find your style. For a small house with a low ceiling, a single-flight wooden staircase is suitable; in a respectable mansion, a complex structure made of exotic wood will look spectacular.
When choosing the location of the stairs and its dimensions, the size of the room and its dimensions, the height of the ceiling are taken into account. The material is quite strong and durable, sometimes painting may be required to restore the smoothness and ideal appearance of the surface. As for what stairs are in private homes, the choice depends not only on the type of stairs, but also on the materials and styling of the element.
Most often, stairs are made of pine, oak or ash, after preparing the boards and drying them well. Also, the base must be treated with a special material to seal the surface and protect it from moisture and moisture on the fibers of the material. What kind of wooden stairs are depends not only on the type of wood, but also on the parameters of the room and the type of fastening of the steps.
Stone and metal alternative
Decorative or natural options are not used as the main elements of the stairs, but are used for cladding. The base is made of a different material, it can be concrete, foam blocks or bricks, which are then covered with neat and even stone tiles.
The option is quite unexpected and is used in modern styles such as loft or high-current A combined combination with wood or metal can be used. By the way, the latter option is quite popular for creating stairs. The advantages of stairs made of such material include: fire safety, strength and endurance. Stone is a durable material and is therefore often used in interior design and surface finishes.
Metal is also used as a base, but besides it, steps are made of wood. The finished element seems light and strong enough to withstand a large load, but at the same time does not take up much space in the room. The material is strong, durable and resistant.
Stainless compounds are easy to care for and picky in terms of climatic conditions. Metal stairs are used not only in interior design, but also used in the exterior of the house. The metal has good ductility, so the frame can be given any shape. Photos of what stairs are show possible style directions and concepts in which structures can be made.
Metal structures are used for minimalist designs and concepts that are practical, versatile and simple. This is a combination of strength, reliability with a beautiful and concise look.
Advice from the masters
The basis of any stairs are steps, they are responsible for the comfort of movement and convenience. It is important not only to determine the optimal lifting height and calculate the step, but also to install them evenly, without slopes, so as not to create obstaclesmovement. Regardless of what the stairs to the second floor are, experts advise paying attention to the technical characteristics of the structure.
For correct placement, it is necessary to calculate the depth of the tread and the height of the step. It is considered comfortable to move up the stairs without a special slowdown or step reduction. The foot must be free on the step, otherwise the ascent may be unsafe and cause injury.
The ideal tread ratio is 19:29 cm, which corresponds to a 45 shoe size. Lifting comfort also depends on the angle of inclination. Depending on what the steps for the stairs are, the optimal angle is also calculated so that it is comfortable enough for climbing or descending and does not take up much space in the room. Masters consider the level of 35-40 degrees to be the most comfortable. It is convenient to climb such a ladder, a person does not have a feeling of discomfort.
For spiral and combined stairs, the angle will be different, since they do not require much space. Depending on what types of stairs are, the angle of inclination for a particular room is also selected. There is no need to save space in a large and spacious room, if it is possible to install a staircase in several spans or with beautiful smooth bends. For cozy small rooms, the use of a screw type is optimal. Before buying, you need to carefully read what the stairs to the second floor are like, and only then make your choice.
What to consider when choosing?
The more options and offers on the market,the harder it is to make the right choice and not make a mistake. Therefore, the masters are advised to take into account several important factors that will help in the buying process.
You should pay attention to the design of the room and the place where the stairs will be located. This is the main thing, since not only the type of construction is indicated, but also its parameters, because in addition to the stairs, furniture elements must be placed in the room and there must be enough space for normal movement. As for what stairs are on the 2nd floor, you can choose from three main categories (screw, mid-flight and combined).
The height of the room will help to correctly calculate the number of steps and the presence of spans in the future staircase. If the room is low, then the opening should not be large, if the ceiling is high, then you can make beautiful steps and expand the opening.
For small rooms there is also a combined type option. As for what folding ladders are, there is no single type of classification.
The style of the room indicates what the staircase should be like and whether it requires additional decor elements. Recently, simple and concise stairs with smooth lifts of the combined type have come back into fashion. They do not take up much space, but at the same time emphasize the design of the room and the practicality of the chosen style.
In minimalism, loft, techno, hi-tech and other modern styles, it is better to use metal stairs with wooden steps or install a screw structure with wide steps. HereEmphasis will be placed on simplicity and conciseness. For other concepts, stairs with decoratively finished railings and balusters can be used. For this, wooden mid-flight structures are often chosen.
In oriental styles, the surface of the stairs is finished with mosaics to match the room or decorated with beautiful lush carvings on the surface. The ease of climbing depends on the shape of the stairs. It can be straight and flat, or with twists and turns, which soften the contours of the staircase and make it more modern.
Choosing a staircase is a complex and multi-stage process, because after installation it will be difficult to change the type of structure, so you need to carefully calculate all the parameters and choose the most optimal place for installation. Stairs can change the look of a room, emphasize its advantages, or, conversely, take up a lot of space and at the same time turn the room into a small hallway.
