STAIRCASE AND ITS TYPES

 Stairs are an essential feature of any structure with multiple floors. In fact, stairs and staircases have been around nearly as long as humans. We accept them as a way from moving from one level to the next without much thought. However, for any building or remodeling project, it’s important to consciously consider the type of staircase that will be used.

What are the different types of stairs architecture?

Straight Stairs

Winder stairs are similar to quarter turn or l-shaped stairs. However, instead of a flat landing where the turn is made, winder stairs are continuous with pie-shaped or triangular steps at the corner transition.

Winder staircase applications

Winder stairs are commonly seen in use as a second set of stairs in older homes. However, this style is increasing in popularity in modern homes due to an increase in smaller and more sustainable home designs. 

 Winder staircase advantages & disadvantages

The primary advantage of winder stairs is that they take up less space than many other kinds of staircases.

Winder stairs also have more visual appeal than other simpler staircase designs, creating a more seamless transition between floors than other types of stairs.

Due to the lack of a landing and wedge-shaped stairs in the turn, winder stairs can be more difficult to navigate.

Installing a handrail can also be difficult with winder stairs.

As with quarter turn stairs, a center support structure is normally needed for this staircase design.

 Ladder Stairs (Ship stairs)

Ladder stairs or ship ladder stairs are very steep stairs. Used for tight spaces and small houses, ladder stairs are very space-efficient. Ladder stairs can be built in different styles from looking literally like a ladder to more designed versions.

Ladder stairs applications

Ladder stairs can be used in a variety of spaces including libraries, lofts, and docks. Owners of small homes who need to save all they space they can may use ladder stairs.

Ladder stairs advantages & disadvantages

Ladder stairs can be a space-efficient way to get from one level to another.

Due to their simple design, ladder staircases are very cost efficient.

Some ladder stairs may have features, such as wheels, to move them out of the way when not in use.

Because of their steepness, building codes prevent ship stairs from being a primary means of access to a building.

Usually featuring taller steps and shorter treads than other types of stairs, ladder staircases are the most difficult and less safe to navigate than other types of stairs, especially while going down the stairs.

 Curved Stairs

A curved staircase features does not have a landing but instead features a continuous set of stairs which follow the bend of the banister. Curved stairs do not form a circle or spiral.

Curved staircase applications

Curved stairs are most commonly used in or near an entryway in residences or commercial buildings to make an architectural statement.

Curved staircase advantages & disadvantages

Curved staircases are elegant and often considered to be traditional. However, they can also be used with more contemporary designs.

If the radius of the stairs is large enough, they are very easy to navigate.

Curved stairs are very difficult to construct due to the amount of detail and often represent a crowing achievement for the stair builder. Even building the handrail is challenging due to the curvature.

Because they are hard to build, curved staircases are also one of most expensive kinds of stairs.

 Circular Stairs

When looked at from above, circular stars appear to follow a circle with a single center of curvature and a large radius. While circular stairs do go around and the steps are tapered, they are more like normal stairs than a spiral staircase because the curve is more relaxed.

Circular stairs applications

Circular stairs can used both in residences and commercial buildings and are usually intended to make a design statement.

Circular stairs advantages & disadvantages

Circular stairs are graceful and can be used to create an architectural focal point.

The steps of a circular staircase are much easier to navigate than a spiral staircase.

Circular stairs require more open space and are more expensive to build that other types of staircases.

Circular staircases are among the most expensive for both materials and labor.

 Floating Stairs (Cantilever Stairs)

A straight staircase can be made more interesting by creating a floating or cantilever staircase with treads and no risers. Often, the stairs treads are attached to the wall so that the support structure is not noticeable. In other cases, glass or plexiglass can be used for the risers to create a floating look.

Floating staircase applications

Floating staircases can be used both in residential and commercial buildings to provide a modern look and open feeling.

Floating staircase advantages & disadvantages

As opposed to typical straight stairs, floating stairs bring more visual interest and spaciousness to any room.

The stringer is typically located to one side or hidden in the wall, which can allow for more headroom.

Floating stairs present the opportunity for injury due to the empty space underneath and between the stairs.

Cantilever stairs can be especially unsafe for older people and children, particularly if there is no handrail.

 Spiral Stairs

spiral stairs normally have a very compact design. True spiral stairs have one central post to which all steps are attached.

Spiral stairs applications

Spiral staircases are commonly used in small spaces such as beach houses, city lofts or other small residences. Spiral staircases are also used in industrial space confined spaces for equipment and mezzanine access. 

Spiral stairs advantages & disadvantages

The main advantage of spiral staircases is their compact design.

Spiral staircases can be visually attractive with many different options available for railing styles which can impact the overall look of the staircase.

Because the center pole and landing provide most of the structural support for the staircase, installation is generally easier than with other kinds of stairs.

The narrow, wedge-shaped treads of spiral stairs are more difficult to navigate than other types of stairs.

Only one person at a time can use a spiral staircase.

Moving large items up and down a spiral staircase can be extremely difficult.

Many city and municipal building codes do not allow spiral stairs to be used as the primary access to a full second floor of a residence.

Bifurcated Stairs (Split Staircase)

The bifurcated or split staircase is the granddaddy of all stair styles. One large, wide set of steps leads to a roomy landing with two narrower flights branching off to the right and left.

Bifurcated staircase applications

Bifurcated stairs are typically used in the entryway of a very upscale and roomy home. They were also an iconic feature of the ship Titanic.

 Bifurcated staircase advantages & disadvantages

A split staircase provides a grand entryway which makes an instant visual impression.

The design of a split stairway uses minimal floor space.

Split stairs are useful as they make privacy points between the upper floors with different rooms.

The large landing encourages the climber to rest, making the climb more comfortable.

Split staircases require more architectural support during construction.

They are also very expensive to build as opposed to other types of stairs.