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 office premises and shopping centers. As for what are the stairs, the masters distinguish several types. There is a classification according to the 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 make a mistake in the way of styling, you need to see what are the stairs in private homes.
Types and selection criteria
Depending on the installation location and the type of building, several categories of stairs are distinguished. It is spiral or screw that are installed in small rooms 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 staircases on bolets.
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 exit to the basement or attic, that is, as auxiliary.
In most cases, the screws are round in shape, although octagonal options can be found. They used to be used only in technical rooms, where there was little space and the rise was quite high. Then the lifting angle was not too convenient for comfortable movement. After a small modification and expansion of parameters, go through spiral staircases and further began to be popular. Depending on what kind of stairs there are in a screw-type house, the structure of the structure is selected and its parameters are determined.
Marching stairs are installed in places where there is enough space for such a dimensional element. The stairs on the bolets look more modern and stylish, even the presence of visible bolts and fasteners does not spoil their appearance. Depending on what kind of stairs are, the selection of the most optimal option for a specific interior design is made.
Staircase anatomy
No matter what the stairs are in the house, they consist of two parts: the base and steps. The base can be made in the form of a screw, bolts, and the steps can also consist of risers and have additional fasteners to increase reliability. Additional elements include: railings, balustrades, landings between flights and risers.
Five main types of stairs are distinguished:
- on kosoura (can be straight, slightly rounded or jagged);
- on bolets (used in modern styles and installed in rooms with limited space);
- on the screw (installed on basement floors or in small rooms);
- folding;
- retractable.
The last two options are the simplest and are used in technical rooms for access to the attic.
As for what kind of staircases are, experts distinguish several types depending on the material and type of construction.
Features of the flight of stairs
This type is considered one of the simplest in terms of manufacturing and installation. May consist of one or more rectilinear elements with steps. By the way, the size of the steps can be quite wide due to the availability of free space. Such stairs are chosen for spacious houses. Standard marching 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 areas between levels or swing mechanisms in order to have a more modern look. What are the 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 near the walls in order to arrange furniture in the rest of the space. To connect several marches, a platform or cross-country steps can be used.
Key building elements
To increase the reliability and strength of the element, railings and balusters are used - decorative parts that are placed between the railing and steps. They emphasize the chosen style and make the staircase more interesting. Bolts - special bolts, type of fixture, thanks to which steps can be placed along the wall.
The depth of the step of the stairs is 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 variants, this indicator is greater than in screw and combined ones. Depending on what the stairs are, these parameters are determined.
In standard types there are kosour - two parallel beams, to which the steps are attached. Modern options do not provide for the presence of a pair of kosour, they often cost only one basis, 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 not more than 17, although some stairs consist of a larger number and have platforms between the spans at each level. It all depends on the chosen style, free space in the room and the parameters of the stairs.
In the marching types there are risers that are located between adjacent steps and close the gaps. In screw structures they are not, as in boltsevye.
Compact Room Solution
Placing steps on a helical shaft allows you to save space and at the same time have a full practical ladder. From an ergonomic point of view, this type should not be used, since narrow steps can endanger the residents of the house. But on the practical side, this is ideal for small rooms, especially since it is almost impossible to place a flight of stairs in a small room.
This type of staircase can be built not only in the corner of the room, but also in other places. Some contemporary styles welcome stairs even in the middle of the room. The construction area rarely exceeds 1-2 square meters, but in terms of functionality it fully complies with other types of stairs.
Experts advise for safe movement along such stairs to make the central width of the degrees at least 20-40 cm and calculate the interval between the steps so that it becomes convenient to become. It is better to select the material from the species of wood, as the metal can become slippery over time.
As for the location, a load-bearing wall is standardly chosen. For greater ease of movement, it is advised to go down and climb the stairs further from the screw, as they begin to narrow closer to the middle of the step.
Dependent on the opening, what are the stairs, or rather what structures can be installed in this room. If the opening is small, then the masters advise installing a spiral staircase. Although there are frequent cases when a wide spacious opening was given for installation of a structure with a rod.
Combined Option
There is a third view, which combines the spaciousness of the marching 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 the original smooth climbs make it a leader in terms of demand among other species.
Bolt ladders also belong to this category, the ease of installation of which can only be compared with screw types. A big plus of the boltsev type is the ability to change the damaged stage and not affect the neighboring ones. It is enough to remove it from the bolts and replace it with a new one. Due to the lack 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 because of the small metal fasteners, most people perceive such stairs as fragile and quite light. Although in fact, thanks to the bolts, the steps hold firmly and reliably. To determine the appropriate type of construction, experts advise you to look at the photo, what are the stairs in private houses, and only after that make a choice of a specific option.
Wood strength
The material is used for interior design and surface treatment. Also, due to their stability and environmental friendliness, the processing capabilities and durability of wood make stairs. In painted form or with a natural shade, such an element will fit into any interior style and emphasize its feature.
Photos, which are stairs to the second floor made of wood, help to make a choice in the direction of a manufacturer and find your style. For a small house with a low ceiling, a single-marching 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 strong enough and hardy, sometimes painting may be required to restore smoothness and an ideal surface appearance. As for what are the stairs in private houses, the choice depends not only on the type of stairs, but also on the materials and stylization 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 another material, it can be concrete pouring, foam blocks or bricks, which are then closed with neat and even stone tiles.
The option is quite unexpected and is used in modern styles such as loft or high-tech. A combination may be used with wood or metal. 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 therefore is often used in interior design and surface finishing.
Metal is also used as a base, but in addition to it, steps are made of wood. The finished element seems light and strong enough to withstand a large load, but it does not take up much space in the room. The material is durable, durable and endurance.
Corrosion-proof compounds are easy to maintain and picky in terms of climatic conditions. Metal stairs are used not only in interior design, but are also used in the exterior of a house. Metal has good ductility, so the frame can be given any shape. The photos, which are stairs, show possible style directions and concepts in which designs can be made.
Metal structures are used for minimalistic designs and concepts that are practical, multifunctional and simple. This is a combination of strength, reliability with a beautiful and concise look.
Masters Tips
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 set them evenly, without tilting, so as not to create obstacles to movement. No matter what the stairs to the second floor are, experts advise paying attention to the technical characteristics of the structure.
For proper 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 special slowdown or decrease in step. The leg should be free to sit on the steps, otherwise the rise may be unsafe and cause personal injury.
The ideal tread ratio is 19:29 cm, which corresponds to 45 shoe sizes. Lifting comfort also depends on the angle of inclination. Depending on what steps there are for stairs, the optimal angle is calculated so that it is comfortable enough for climbing or lowering and does not take up much space in the room. The most comfortable masters consider the level of 35-40 degrees. It is convenient to climb such a ladder; a person does not feel discomfort.
For spiral and combined staircases, 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. 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 will be optimal. Before buying, you must carefully familiarize yourself with what are the stairs to the second floor, 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, wizards advise you to consider 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 staircase will be located. This is important, since not only the type of structure is indicated, but also its parameters, because in addition to the stairs, the room must have furniture elements and sufficient space for normal movement. As for what stairs are on the 2nd floor, you can choose from three main categories (screw, marching 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 overall, if the room has a high ceiling, then you can make beautiful steps and expand the opening.
For smaller rooms, there is also a combination type option. As for what folding stairs are, there is no single type of classification.
The style of the room indicates what the staircase should be and whether additional decor elements are required on it. Recently, simple and laconic staircases with smooth lifts of the combined type have again come 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 to install a screw structure with wide steps. Here emphasis will be placed on simplicity and conciseness. For other concepts, you can use stairs with decoratively crafted handrails and balusters. For this, wooden marching structures are often chosen.
In oriental styles, the surface of the stairs is finished with mosaics to the tone of the room or decorated with beautiful magnificent carvings on the surface. The shape of the stairs determines the ease of lifting. It can be straight and even or with bends and bends, which softens the contours of the stairs and makes it more modern.
Choosing a ladder is a complex and multi-stage process, because after installation it will be difficult to change the type of structure, so you need to calculate all the parameters well and choose the most optimal place for installation. A staircase can change the appearance of the room, emphasize its advantages, or, conversely, take up a lot of space and at the same time turn the room into a small hallway.