An integral element of every building containing more than two floors is the staircase. The marching design is considered the most reliable and simple, so most designers choose it.
The structure of the stairway structure best matches the biomechanics of human movements when climbing or descending stairs. In addition, they can significantly save the usable area of the interior.
Stairway parameters
The main elements that make up marching stairs:
- Playgrounds and fences.
- Spans or marches.
- Support part.
Span or march is called the inclined part of the stairs with steps. Depending on the height between levels or floors, the span can include from three to fifteen steps.
It is not advisable to design a smaller number, since in this case the difference between the levels can be overcome without the use of a ladder. However, climbing a march that includes more than 15 steps is likely to be tiring.
Stairs are considered optimalmarching, each span of which consists of 10-11 steps. The width of marches should be at least 900 mm, the best range is 1000-1250 mm.
Mid-air stairs: platforms and their characteristics
When the planned construction is too high, it is divided into two parts by intermediate platforms. The width of the site cannot be less than the width of the span. Many masters prefer to make it even a little wider.
When calculating the dimensions of the sites, the standard length of a human step is taken into account. As a rule, the depth of this element of the ladder structure is 640 mm.
In their work, designers and craftsmen must be guided by the norms and rules that govern how mid-flight stairs should be designed and installed. GOST and SNiP are the main administrative documents governing the process of erecting stairs.
Of course, the appearance of the structure, material and location must be negotiated with the owner of the premises, but the requirements for the strength of fasteners and railings, the angle of the stairs and the height of the steps must be met.
Types of mid-flight stairs by type of fastening to a support
There are stair structures, the steps and railings of which are fixed on stringers or bowstrings.
Bowstrings are oblique bearing supports, to which flights of stairs adjoin along the entire length. Steps to the bowstrings are attached with the end part. This type of design allows you to create a decorative and very beautiful staircase with complex elements.and non-standard design techniques.
Kosour is a support that supports the flight of stairs from below. The design may include one or more stringers, and their number is affected by the width of the marches. This type is traditional and is used when it is necessary to build a simple and reliable staircase.
Rotary staircases
A ladder consisting of a single flight is called a straight line. This is the easiest type of staircase to design and manufacture. Often it is chosen by the owners of private houses who plan to equip their homes on their own.
In the event that a mid-flight staircase cannot be limited to one span (if the number of steps exceeds 15 pcs.), A rotary structure is designed.
Its advantage is the saving of the internal space of the room, as well as the possibility of equipping a utility room or storage under the spans.
A revolving flight staircase performs its function best when installed in the corner formed by two adjacent walls.
Based on the stylistic features of the interior, the number of spans in the structure and its total height, the turning staircase can be:
- Circular (360 degrees).
- Half-turn (180 degrees).
- Quarter turn (90 degrees).
Winder steps: description, application, features
To get the best possiblesaving living space, designers resort to the use of such an element as winder steps. Their appearance differs significantly from the traditional symmetrical rectangular steps.
One side of the winder step is much narrower than the other. In this case, the minimum depth of tread along the narrow edge should be at least 150 mm. Typically, such elements are used to equip spiral staircases. Also, quite often, winder steps replace platforms between marches of rotary structures. This allows more rational use of the available space.
Analyzing the feedback from people who use winder stairs, we can draw the following conclusions:
- Such elements significantly save space in the room (the minimum width of the spiral staircase is only 1300 mm).
- The presence of winder steps gives the structure an interesting and aesthetic appearance.
- Quick ascent or descent on these stairs is not possible due to their asymmetric shape.
- The need to constantly use winder stairs causes fatigue faster (compared to traditional straight flights).
When planning to equip the stairs with winders, care should be taken that the rooms that are used most often are located on the lower floors.
Materials for making stairs
Today, stair structures are made from a variety ofmaterials:
- Tree.
- Metal.
- Concrete.
- Stone.
Most often, a combination of several of them is used, for example, wood with metal or PVC, concrete or stone with forged inserts, stainless steel with glass.
It is interesting that glass is increasingly used for the production of stair railings, steps and platforms. It fits perfectly into modern interiors in a minimalist style. Of course, only reinforced and durable tempered glass is suitable for these purposes.
Despite the abundance of available materials, different types of wood remain favorites. From them, both the steps themselves and the platforms, and fences are produced. A feature of using a wooden staircase is the need to care for its elements. Wood needs to be painted in a timely manner, coated with special impregnations and varnishes.
Fences for mid-flight stairs
In the process of designing stair structures, developers pay increased attention to the fencing of spans and platforms. GOST sets the minimum railing height at 900 mm. This parameter is increased for fences constructed in public buildings, educational and medical institutions.
The installation of railings and handrails is completed by their durability test. Standards say that railings must withstand a horizontal load of at least 30 kg/cm3. For public buildings, the parameters have been increased to 100 kg/cm3.
The most durable are marching stairs, platforms andsteel railings. Welding is usually used for their installation, but some structures can be assembled mechanically.
Fence safety
When developing a staircase project for a residential building, designers take into account the possibility of children staying in the premises. This is important, as it is not uncommon for children to be injured climbing balusters and railings.
Therefore, the rules set the minimum distance between adjacent balusters - 100 mm. It is also forbidden to use inclined or horizontal bars.
