Beech is a valuable species of wood, popular all over the world. Wood is a natural, environmentally friendly material that has many positive qualities. Stairs with steps made of beech are strong, durable, have an attractive appearance. The cost of their construction is much less than the construction of ash and oak. Modern design solutions allow you to create works of art from wood, which become an element of room decor.
General information
Beech is a broad-leaved tree 35–40 meters high, with a spreading crown and smooth gray bark. The trunk is straight, without branches, about 2 meters in diameter. Widespread in temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Life expectancy - up to 500 years. A young tree grows slowly. After reaching a century of age, this process is faster.
For wood, specimens with a trunk diameter of at least 0.2–0.5 meters are used. By this time, the approximate age of the plant is one hundred years.
Wood has almost nosmell. It is used to make dishes, baskets, boxes, finishing materials (wall panels, lining, parquet, parquet board), railings and steps for stairs, furniture and veneer, musical instruments.
Advantages and disadvantages of wood
In terms of its characteristics, beech is similar to oak, but the price of beech wood is lower. Other material advantages:
- Increased strength. The density of dry material is on average 700 kg / cu. m. These characteristics depend on the place where the tree grows.
- Low thermal conductivity.
- Various shades: white-yellow, beige-pink, red-brown
- Nice gloss and look.
- The structure of the wood is homogeneous, without pronounced fibers on the cut, has no core.
- Growth rings are visible on the cut.
- Humidity of a freshly cut tree is about 80%.
- Ease of processing (polishing, painting).
- Dries quickly (within 30-60 days).
- Becomes flexible when exposed to steam.
The disadvantages of the material include a high rate of hygroscopicity (absorbs moisture). It is also prone to decay. Beech stairs are recommended to be installed indoors and treated with special protective compounds. The disadvantage is that the wood dries out a lot.
Types of stairs
All stairs according to the type of construction are divided into two types: mid-flight and spiral:
- Marching. Monolithic construction of steps and beams. Between marches there is always a platform forrecreation. Such a staircase can have turns. The structures are usually strong, reliable, and easy to mount. Installation requires a lot of space. The design is not suitable for tight spaces.
- Screw. The design has a main central support. Steps are attached to it in a spiral. The staircase does not clutter up the space, it looks attractive. Its disadvantage is the peculiarity of the ascent and descent (in a spiral). It's not always easy to get through the steps quickly.
All basic structures of wooden stairs are made of durable wood (oak, maple). Beech steps, supports and railings will cost less than oak, but will be strong and reliable.
Mounting Methods
Beech steps can be fixed in various ways:
- On stringers. The design is based on several support beams made of timber or boards. They are installed at a certain angle. Steps and railings are attached to them from above. This is the most common and long-known option. The construction is massive and heavy, it requires a lot of free space, but the stairs are reliable, safe and durable. Easy to repair and replace steps.
- On bowstrings. The structure consists of two wooden beams, between which steps are attached. They are installed in special recesses in bowstrings or on metal and wooden supports. The stairs look bulky.
- On the Bolts (console). Modern way of fastening without supports. Steps are mounted to the wall and interlocked with each other with special fasteners.(bolts). The construction takes up a minimum of space, looks light and elegant.
- On a supporting pillar. Screw design. The steps are fixed on a horizontal column in a spiral. Staircase suitable for a small area looks unusual.
Modern designers can make stairs with beech steps a full-fledged interior element. Reviews about them among the owners of private multi-storey buildings are the most positive. They do a good job with weight loads, do not slip. With proper processing, wood will last for decades. Beech can be combined with other species, metal elements.
How to cover beech steps?
To preserve the original qualities of wood, steps, railings and other elements are impregnated with special compounds: oil, stain, wax, varnish, fire-resistant and moisture-repellent agents, antiseptics from beetles. Wood can be painted, but its texture will be lost. It is necessary to maintain a constant level of humidity in the room, avoid getting a lot of water on wooden elements.
