Learn more about your staircase options and choose the best one for your home.
Stairs are not only a necessity but also a focal point of any home.
Besides their practicality, thetype of stairsinstalled also impacts the feel and flow of your home.
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Stairs are one of the most complicated home features to design and construct.
Here are ten popular types of stairs to know for your new build or remodel.
A goodstaircase designcan enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
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Here are some popular types of stairs to know for your new build or remodel.
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1.
Bifurcated stairs typically lead into an open hallway that overlooks a glamorous foyer.
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Split stairs make an impressive architectural statement.
However, they require a significant amount of space and, thus, cost more to build.
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2.
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Cantilever or Floating Stairs
These types of stairs have treads with no risersthe space between each step is open.
They are typically mounted to the wall to create a modern look.
Because of their sharp line construction, they can have aminimalist feel.
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In some cases, the support structure is not noticeable.
But, in others there may be a visible beam up the middle of the staircase.
Sometimes, glass or plexiglass is used on the risers to create a floating look.
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They are an excellent choice to add a look of distinction.
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3.
Circular Stairs
These often appear to form a circle with a singlecenter of curvature.
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Because the curve is less sharp, they seem more like regular stairs than spiral ones.
The helical shape makes circular stairs easier to navigate compared to spiral staircases.
The downside is that they require more open space and are more costly to build.
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Werner Straube Photography
4.
Curved Stairs
Commonly reserved for formal entries, curved stairs are designed to make a striking architectural statement.
Curved stairs are known for their crescent shape, which exudes a dramatically luxurious feel.
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The elegant and flowing design makes them popular for commercial and residential spaces.
They are suitable forlarger areas.
This approach won’t produce the staircase’s grand and sophisticated signature look.
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The landing can be in the middle of the staircase or closer to the endpoints.
L-shaped stairs are typically used when wall support is on one side of the stairs.
These stairstake up less space and fit nicely into corners.
They are more complex and expensive to build than straight stairs because they require a support structure.
John Reed Forsman
6.
Ladder Stairs
These are very steep stairs, ideal for tight spaces andsmaller houses.
Ladders are cost-efficient types of stairs due to their simple design.
Also, they are less safe than permanent staircases and can become challenging to navigate.
Kip Dawkins
7.
Spiral stairs are space savers, ideal for compact spaces where conventional steps cannot fit.
They are common access points for a rooftop deck or outdoor patio.
They can also be used in light structures like beach and tree houses.
And they are typically made of metal or wood.
Slips and falls are common with these types of stairs, so step with care.
They are the most common pop in of stairs for both residential and commercial spaces.
They may also have a top or bottom landing.
Straight stairsare relatively easy todesign and constructbecause they do not require any special support.
This makes them affordable.
The downside is that they use more linear space and may not be functional in every floor plan.
They also offer a basic look with limited privacy between floors.
Because they have a typically narrow design, they take up less linear floor space.
U-shaped stairs are often eye-catching and easy to fit into architectural plans.
The landing offers a resting point.
However, these stairs may be difficult to construct in smaller homes.
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10.
Winder Stairs
Winder stairs are similar to L-shaped ones but without a connecting landing.
The main benefit of winder stairs is that they are space efficient.
Their compact design makes them an ideal choice for sustainable home design.
The downside is that they need a center support structure that can be difficult to construct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spiral staircases take up the least amount of space of all types of stairs.
Witches' stairs use alternating treads that are half as wide as regular treads for a staggered layout.
This space-saving design is often used on boats instead of conventional ship stairs because it’s safer.
Ideally, the step (tread) will be 10 inches wide.
