In any building where there are at least two floors, you can not do without stairs or an elevator. Structures for ascent and descent to different levels are varied in design, materials and technologies used.
Stairs on the rails look stylish and modern. What are their features? Is it possible to do this with your own hands?
German invention
It is believed that the first such stairs were developed by specialists from the German company KENNGOTT TREPPEN. They can be called a product of the hi-tech era. They are very different from classic stairs both in design and in appearance. Fasteners between steps, handrails and railings are not hidden, as usual, but remain visible. These links are most often made of metal and create a visually light, but very strong and stable structure.
German Boltz means "bolt". But in this case, the part of the staircase, called the "bolts", does not look like a simple rod with a thread and a turnkey head. Performing the function of a reliable connection of structural elements, high-quality components have a beautiful shape and carefullytreated surface. They are an important part of the overall appearance of the stairs.
Scheme
Classic stairs consist of the same elements and differ, in addition to design, only in the way the steps are installed. The tread is mounted on top of a longitudinal support, called a kosour, or cuts from the side into an inclined board, called a bowstring. A deaf riser, chiseled balusters and a curly handrail define the overall look of the "classic". Another thing is a ladder on the rails. Its design is completely different.
Massive support beams and risers are missing. The main load is carried by the handrail resting on the floor of the lower level. But this load is not critical, because it is evenly distributed through the vertical tubes of the fence and the bolt connecting adjacent steps. To prevent lateral movement, horizontal pins are installed on each step, connecting them to a wall or other support. At the right ladder, these fastenings have pads made of elastic material, which eliminate creaking when walking and reduce the load on the ankle.
What makes her good
Of course, all interior elements are chosen based on the general style of the house, its layout, but the stairs on the rails can look organic in buildings of very different architecture. The use of various materials for steps and railings, a large selection of finishes allow you to fit them not only into the harsh high-tech.
At the same time, the main advantages of such a solution are preserved. Despite the light anda transparent look, a correctly made bolt design is able to withstand the norms of 180-200 kgf. You can safely drag furniture and weights along it, and it takes up significantly less space than a ladder on stringers or bowstrings. Another advantage is maintainability: only at the stairs on the bolts you can replace the step without disassembling the entire structure.
Comparing the cost of stairs of different designs is meaningless because of too many factors influencing its formation. But, for example, wooden stairs on the rails can be much more affordable than the same "classic" ones, made of oak or ash, which are much more capricious in operation.
What should a do-it-yourselfer take into account
Staircase is a very responsible and important element of living space. Illiterately calculated and carelessly made, it can not only spoil the interior, but also become a source of danger - for example, the cause of injury.
But a man with hands and a head can do a lot, including a ladder on the rails. It is realistic to do it with your own hands, but due to the relative novelty for domestic masters, it requires especially careful theoretical and design preparation.
You should start by calculating the main parameters of the stairs: the height of the riser and the width of the tread along the midline, the width of the passage, the height of the fence, etc. Here, numerous literature and information from various sources will help. Experience suggests that it is the ladder on the rails that can be the only right solution for difficult situations. For example, whena small opening in the ceiling or its complex shape.
The main thing is in the details
So, there is a goal - a stylish, reliable, safe staircase on the bolts. Accessories - bolts, steps, handrails, fences - can be purchased, custom-made or made by yourself.
A lot depends on the quality of the fasteners - the bolts that fasten the steps between themselves and to the vertical support. Finding quality parts for self-assembly is becoming more and more real. The only thing is not to run into the ubiquitous copyists from the East. A Chinese set of metal fasteners may look like a real one, but will bend like cardboard, both during installation and during operation. And the shiny chrome will peel off in patches in a week.
Steps - only glued from dried wood, better than hardwood. The quality of gluing should be checked very carefully - they are part of the power frame of the structure, they are affected not only by vertical, but also by multidirectional loads. Chips in the attachment points of metal parts are critical for the strength of the entire structure.
Stylish and budget option
Of course, it all depends on the specific situation, but the following can be recommended.
Bolts order according to the drawings. It is better to develop them yourself, and it should be possible to adjust the height of the riser and the size of the gap between the step and the wall. This greatly simplifies the installation process. You can find drawings on the Internet. Do not forget about the shock absorber pads for the bolts connecting the stage withwall. For them, pieces of vinyl hose of the desired diameter are perfect.
All fastening - by means of threaded studs of different lengths. We close the open sections of the thread with decorative bushings and tubes. We give all metal to paint with powder enamel or paint it ourselves. You should not save on paint - rework is always more expensive. The coating should be applied after pre-assembly and adjustment of the entire structure.
For steps and handrails, an excellent material is high-quality plywood 25-30 mm thick. Two layers of such plywood give the part the necessary strength. For some modern designers, lacquered plywood is an expressive visual element that does not require a solid paint coating. But high-grade plywood is beautifully painted in the right color, requiring only careful spackling of the ends.
Installation
When assembling, careful marking in plan and in projection on the wall is the key to success. Installation begins with the installation of a carrier rail. In case of insufficient strength of the adjoining wall, embedded parts or a solid bowstring for fastening the steps should be provided.
Then, starting from the first step, the whole march is assembled sequentially. If the design preparation is done correctly and a sufficient section for steps and handrails is chosen, the construction of additional scaffolding and scaffolding is not required, it is possible to move even along a partially assembled staircase.
Effective and effective
Reliability and safety with elegance and elegance - this is a ladder on the bolts. Reviews of thosethose who use such a design at home are invariably positive. They note its lightness, aesthetics and strength.
It is popular with architects and interior designers, and is increasingly being recommended by professional stair manufacturers.
