When planning the construction of a country house with several floors, it is important to think about how to organize the connection between different levels in height. The staircase should not only fit into the design of the premises, but also meet the requirements for functionality, reliability and ergonomics. Modern modular stairs meet these needs, but only if the right design is chosen for the specific application.
General information about the technical solution
To understand the essence of modular design, you should first turn to traditional monolithic stairs. Of course, completely homogeneous structures do not exist, since additional elements and accessories will be present in any case. But concrete and metal structures are often made integral in the base bearing part. In the case of a modular design, the base is formed in separate parts. Overlapping elementsmodular stairs build a frame and ensure its fixation to the floors. At the same time, a specific set of components, their number and parameters change depending on the geometry of the premises, interfloor distance, inclined angles, etc. In essence, the concept of constructor assembly is implemented, which has both pluses and minuses.
Complete set of stairs
A typical set of constructions of this type includes the following elements:
- Stair frame parts.
- Steps.
- Retaining posts (support elements).
- Handrails.
- Rack railings (balusters).
Depending on the design load, operating conditions and requirements for stylistic properties, components for modular stairs can be made from the following materials:
- Stainless steel. Differs in the increased protection against corrosion processes and destructions under the influence of hostile air environments.
- Structural steel. In this case, the emphasis is on the combined aesthetic and protective properties that are achieved through special paint and varnish mixtures.
- Wood. A rare option that is allowed for light loads and if decorative qualities come first.
Steps usually use either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or wood materials. The natural texture adds sophistication to the structure, especially when it comes to solid wood. There are also options from glued and pressed plywood.
Viewsstair configurations
The technical and configuration performance will be affected by the location of the opening, its dimensions and other characteristics. At the basic level, marching, rotary and screw structures are distinguished. A march is understood as one passage of stairs in the forward direction. In more complex versions, configurations with platforms, changes in the direction and size of the platform are used. What is the difference between a modular staircase with a turn? As the name implies, it is characterized by a turn, but soft, reminiscent of rounding. Unlike screw structures, such models have one or two sections with a change in direction. There are designs and the method of implementation of the descent. In particular, straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, winder and arcuate models are distinguished.
The most popular configuration is a single-flight prefabricated staircase. In some variations - with a slight twist. Although marching structures take up a lot of space, making high demands on free space for construction, they are the most convenient in use. In contrast, the screw design is compact, but less ergonomic in operation.
Module assembly options
There are three schemes according to which modules are assembled:
- "A module within a module".
- Threaded studs.
- Using a clamp.
The "module in module" system involves, for example, the installation of load-bearing stair tubes one inside the other in accordance with diameter tolerances. This option makes it easierassembly, is inexpensive in terms of consumables and does not require the use of special tools. But even in the case of a slight curvature of the passage line to the second floor, modular stairs with this type of layout will not work. It should also be borne in mind that with such a scheme, the possibility of adjusting the height of the supporting components is not allowed.
As for the stud assembly system, it is characterized by the use of many individual elements, which, when interconnected, will form a solid modular unit. The finished structure will not have obvious seams, so from the outside it can be perceived as monolithic. But there are also disadvantages to this solution, which consist in the need for constant tightening of the studs, otherwise the structure will loosen.
The next type of connection involves the use of clamps. It provides rigid fixation of module elements using bolts and screw hardware. The module itself will include two parts - horizontal and vertical pipes, which are fastened either with welded plates or with tie screws.
General recommendations for stair construction
Before installation work, it is desirable to take into account a number of technical and operational conditions that will make the design more convenient and durable. Firstly, comfortable movement up the stairs will be ensured only if the initial size of the opening in the floor niche of the upper floor is at least 2.5 x 0.9 m. Secondly, if a modular spiral staircase or a structure with turning sections is planned, thenthe angle of spans must first be calculated. For example, a 180° system would require at least six modular blocks and winder steps, while a 90° system would be optimally formed from three to four sections. There are also special requirements for metal fasteners. In general, screws and anchors are not the best devices for ensuring the reliability of stair structures. Subject to periodic revision of their condition, such hardware can also be used, but only with a length of at least 10 mm.
Preparation for installation
When the scheme with the drawings is drawn up and the set of material for assembling the structure is ready, you can begin the final preparation for work activities. First of all, it is necessary to clean the target area from construction debris, dirt and dust. It will be useful to bypass all horizontal surfaces and adjoining walls with an industrial vacuum cleaner. Materials that are unnecessary at a particular stage with consumables and auxiliary equipment should not interfere. By the way, in the process of forming a modular staircase, you will need the following tool:
- Electric drill with screwdriver function.
- Mounting knife.
- Circular saw or hacksaw.
- Electronic level.
- Pencil.
- Abrasive tool for grinding surfaces.
- Roulette.
Assembling the frame
The load-bearing structure is constructed from separate blocks-racks, on which steps will be held in the future. Assembly begins with the lower module with props. One of the three above applymounting options - landing, threaded stud or clamp. By the way, if the installation is carried out on a clean decorative coating, then corrugated cardboard or plywood should be laid under the lower block. Thus, load-bearing columns are exposed up to the second floor or attic. Moreover, in the upper part of the frame of the modular ladder should be completed on the same level with the ceiling. Further, the columns are moved apart together with the substrate under the design configuration of the location. At this stage, it is given the desired shape of the descent.
Setting steps
Carpentry tools with saws, a knife and a drill will be needed just when working with the material of steps - wood or PVC. It is optimal if initially the components were selected to the required dimensions, but after the frame is installed, the calculations can be adjusted, which will require refinement of the parameters of the steps. In any case, it is necessary to make markings for fixing holes. The installation of steps of modular stairs is carried out using self-tapping screws, but without excessive tightening, otherwise the structure of the material will not withstand high stress and cracks will appear. The hardware should be screwed to the flange of the frame base. At the same time, on each step, you need to check the level of its position relative to the horizontal.
Installing stair railings
On the one hand, the structure will be fixed to the wall, and on the other, it will receive a building envelope. The latter is formed from racks (balusters), a handrail and a mounting angular hinge. To install the racks in the steps, doholes corresponding to their diameter. You should get a kind of grooves through which the baluster will be captured with hardware from the back (under the step). A more secure fixation at the installation point in the groove will be provided by the base console. It can be bolted directly to the step. After that, the assembly of the modular staircase proceeds to the installation of the handrail, which will add strength to the position of the balusters. Fastener configuration can be different - from integrating the upper ends of the racks into the grooves provided in the handrail to landing on glue or using an angle joint. Hinges will be needed to connect the handrail lines - angular and straight horizontal. He, too, either sits on glue or is firmly bolted.
Pros and cons of modular stairs
This design requires minimal effort and investment compared to the capital construction of stair structures. At the same time, not only the convenience of assembly and installation is noted, but also the same ease of dismantling. In terms of a variety of shapes, designs, design solutions and sizes, there are also no restrictions - you can choose the best solution for a small house with an attic, and for a three-story mansion. But the disadvantages of this option are just as obvious. Even simple modular stairs to the second floor with a small load loosen over time and require additional reinforcement. And even new designs immediately after installation can cause discomfort with slight vibrations. Similar effects are also excluded.special fittings with damping action, but the inclusion of more and more new elements in the modular frame device complicates the design and makes it more expensive.
Conclusion
From the point of view of the design and architectural solution, this variant of the staircase device will rather be considered as a budget, and sometimes temporary. It has many advantages, but it is more expedient to make calculations for durable operation on a more reliable design. In what cases would this option be appropriate? Practical in use, modular stairs in a private house are recommended to be installed if heavy loads on the structure are excluded. This concerns not only the nature of direct exploitation, but also the seismological situation in the region. You should also calculate the movements of the foundation, which will be affected by the soil. These properties are especially pronounced in new buildings, while the foundation cushion will shrink.
