And again we meet with you, our beloved reader, on the vastness of our site. If you got to this article, then the question of stairs is relevant for you. Today we will tell you about what stairs are, what they are made of, and what materials they are made of.

We'll start by looking at the direct purpose of the stairs, and what forms they generally come in.

Appointment

It's no secret that any staircase serves as a device for climbing and descending between different levels. But these same levels may differ.

The first thing that comes to mind is the stairs inside the houses, which are used to climb to the upper floors. They are usually made massive enough so that any member of the family, from small to large, can freely move along them. There are also compact options, with a rather steep rise, but they are installed more often in compact buildings or duplex apartments.

It is desirable that such a ladder be able to cope not only with lifting people, but also allow moving oversized loads. Naturally, this should provide sufficient reliability.

The next place where we constantly come across stairs is the porches. There are much more conditions for their operation than for indoor ones.

  • They must be strong and durable;
  • The surface of the steps should not slip so that you can climb at any time of the year;
  • The material from which such stairs are made must be immune to constant atmospheric humidity and sudden changes in temperature;
  • In some cases, the stairs are equipped with an additional ramp to make it easier to move the wheeled mechanisms;
  • And many other things related to outdoor use.

In some areas, due to the difference in ground level, it is simply necessary to have a garden staircase. In addition to its direct purpose, it carries a great aesthetic load, giving the site a noble, classic, sometimes even antique look.

The requirements for such structures are the same as for any other staircase used outdoors. However, the constant contact of materials with the ground requires correct device drainage and treatment of materials used for construction.

Also, although much less often, there are external stairs leading to the second floor. The need for such a structure depends on the dimensions of the building, the characteristics of the site, the division of residential areas, or the need to organize an evacuation fire exit.

In the next case, stairs are used to climb to the attic or attic. For these purposes, all kinds of folding, retractable or telescopic options are very often used.

The requirements for such structures are as follows:

  • Maximum compactness;
  • Strong enough to support the weight of an adult;
  • Convenient design and safe lifting.

There are a lot of models on the market today, so everyone can choose for themselves what suits them technically and at a price.

No normal household is complete without a good ladder. They are used for access to technical floors, roofing and for harvesting. For these types of construction, SNiPs have even been developed, containing the entire list of requirements for them.

You cannot do in a private house without a stepladder, which helps a lot when you need to perform renovation work on high. Just like the attachment structure, it is used for harvesting, being a more convenient solution.

We won't say anything about the requirements, but in our opinion, the most important thing, apart from reliability, is ease of use. The dimensions of the steps and the maximum lifting height are important.

Sports stairs in the house round off our hit parade. And this is the only staircase whose purpose is not to climb. They are used, as you might guess, for sports purposes. Usually they are installed for children who, climbing on this structure, strengthen their musculoskeletal and vestibular apparatus.

There are frequent options for adults, moreover, not only in the form of a classic Swedish ladder, but even horizontal, for moving with hands with a grip.

Types of stairs

No matter how different the stairs may seem, they are all subdivided into only three types, and the third is something in between the first two.

The most popular option is the flight staircase. Its essence is that the rise is carried out along straight sections.

Moreover, all steps of the march have the same size, the same angle of inclination:

  • There are single-march and multi-march designs. The second option can have lift turns of 90, 180 or 270 degrees. Which stairs are convenient for placing in the house depends on the shape of the adjacent walls and the spaciousness of the surrounding space. It is worth remembering that the fewer marches, the larger the staircase turns out.
  • The turn between marches is performed in the form of a horizontal intermediate platform, like the one that we see every day in the entrances of apartment buildings, or with the help of run-down steps.

  • Zabeznye steps, like a part of a spiral staircase, along the way with a turn continue the main rise, smoothly passing into the next march. These designs are slightly less convenient, but take up less space.
  • Marching stairs enjoy their popularity due to the simplicity of design, its reliability, convenience and safety. It will not be difficult to bring a chair or sofa to the second floor along the marching structure, while the installation maintains a comfortable tilt angle for lifting.
  • Of the shortcomings, only one can be noted - large dimensions, which are not suitable for small rooms, but with a competent approach, the space under the march can be used.

The next type is screw structures. If we look at it in more detail, we can see that the classical design has the form of an Archimedean screw - around the central axis there are winder steps, along which the ascent is carried out.

A pillar-support often acts as a central axis, but in some structures with a large radius, the pillar is removed and the axis remains not obvious, and the fastening is carried out using bowstrings (about these and other parts of the stairs in the next chapter).

  • The design, in fact, has only two advantages: compact size and interesting appearance.
  • That is why they are used in design projects, installed in rounded bay windows, two-level apartments and equip all townhouses.
  • Screw designs cannot boast of convenience and safety. This is especially true for the elderly. Unaccompanied young children are best not allowed to approach them at all. This is due to the ornateness of the steps and a rather steep rise.
  • There can be no question of carrying a large load up them. Unless, only disassembled. Otherwise, you risk injuring yourself and spoiling the appearance of the structure.

Advice! If you dream of such a staircase, then immediately along the way dream of a large window on the second floor in order to bring furniture there using lifting equipment.

The last existing type is something that cannot be attributed to either the first option or the second. They are called curvilinear or combined. This category includes structures that have alternating bends in the direction, spiral staircases with very large radii, stairs that have partly flights, and partly screws, options that change the parameters of the steps and the width of the flight along the way, like the escalator in one of the photos above.

Interesting design ideas often lead to the installation of just such options. They combine different properties, so it is necessary to see a specific design in order to accurately determine its advantages and disadvantages.

What does the staircase consist of

Now let's figure out what elements the staircase consists of. We will break down all the details thematically so that you can better navigate and remember information.

We will start with the supporting elements, which provide the foundation for the steps and ensure the stability of the entire structure:

  • Bowstrings - an element that is used to support inside the room more often than others. It is a straight or curved beam to which the steps are attached from the side. The bundle is carried out by cutting in, winding support bars or steel corners. The design on bowstrings looks very neat and allows you to mount fences without using the steps, that is, the structure can be partially disassembled without dismantling the railing.
  • Kosoura - in fact, this is a kind of bowstrings, but there is a very specific difference - the steps are mounted from above. For this, recesses are cut in the body of the beam. Of the advantages of such a solution, we can safely note the ease of assembly - many of us are quite capable of making it with our own hands.

They are used when installing stairs on the porch, or inside summer cottages and small country cottages. Both options can be used for both marching and spiral staircases.

  • Support pillar - there are two types. The first one is used as additional racks to support stringers, bowstrings and turning platforms, and the second serves as the main support for a spiral staircase - its analogue is installed on the turns of marching structures at the locations of the winder steps.
  • Poles for spiral staircases are solid or modular, assembled from standard parts.

  • Boltsy - a German invention, which is a set of bolted joints that connect the steps, and even the railing, due to which the strength and stability of the structure is achieved. Bolts are used on wall staircases or spiral staircases with a support pillar, since it is necessary that one of the sides has a solid foundation.

There are models of boltsev structures, when the steps are connected with the capital ceilings from above, simultaneously forming a simple fence. Such stairs look quite impressive, especially in some modern styles interior. They also have enough reliability, but it doesn't hurt to periodically audit all connections.

  • Console - this element consists of a main supporting part (gripper, pins or a strip) and an installation platform, which is walled into the wall. The steps themselves are put on top of the consoles, which makes it seem that they are simply glued to the wall and the ladder does not rest on the floor in any way. This type of fastening is considered the most difficult of the above, since it must be installed according to the technology simultaneously with the construction of the walls, while the price for it is quite high. However, the result is a weightless, airy and highly reliable design.

  • Beam - the only horizontal bearing element. In stairs, it occurs when there is a transition platform between the flights, which rests on it. The beams are attached to the walls or supported by pillars. Bowstrings and stringers are suitable for them.

  • Tread - this is the part of the step that we step on when walking. You can call it the top cover.
  • Riser Is a side wall that blocks the space under the stairs from view and makes the climb safer. This element is not load-bearing.

It should be noted that the dimensions of these parts of the stairs are strictly regulated and the angle of inclination of the ascent directly depends on them. If you are interested in learning more about this, open any article on our website dedicated to the installation of stairs, and you will find the information you need.

  • Support posts - are located at the beginning, at the end and in the middle of the ascent, if there are turns. The middle post can be aligned with the support post. These elements are load-bearing for the entire fence.
  • Handrail - the part we hold onto during the ascent or descent. It must be strong and well-processed so that holding on to it with your hands cannot be injured.
  • Filling the fence - can consist of panel elements or horizontal lintels and balusters. Baluster - vertical filling of fences.
  • Broomstick - an element parallel to the handrail, but installed from below, above the steps. It is not always installed, but it is very convenient to use it on stairs with stringers in order to preserve the possibility of dismantling the stairs.
  • Balustrade - upper, horizontal platform fence, consisting of the same elements as the railings.

Various designs of stairs

In the second part of the article, we will figure out what materials the stairs are made of, which of them, where they are used, not forgetting to voice the advantages and disadvantages

Ladder materials

What materials are needed for the stairs? It all depends on the idea of \u200b\u200bthe architect, as well as the materials used in the surrounding interior. At the same time, do not forget about the fact that everything that we are now overpowering can be combined with each other, guided by certain laws of style.

Wood

What can I say there - wood was, is and will be the most popular material for indoor and outdoor stairs, and there are many reasons for this.

Let's name the main advantages:

  • If we talk about which ladders are cheaper, then most likely they are. The abundance of wood species will allow you to choose the material according to your income.
  • The wood is easy to process, which allows you to cut out complex parts from it, as well as perform shape cutting.
  • The wood can bend, which allows experienced craftsmen Collect whimsical twisted stairs.
  • There are many types of designs, from the simplest to the incredibly complex.
  • Even an inexperienced master can independently assemble simple options. Instructions for making a simple wooden staircase on kosoura are shown in the video in this article.
  • Some types of wood easily tolerate atmospheric influences and have an incredible density, which allows such stairs to serve for decades in a row.
  • All the disadvantages of wood regarding rotting, insect damage and fire hazard can be eliminated by special impregnations.

Metal

Metal for stairs is a rather specific material. Why? Yes, because it is not very attractive in appearance, conducts heat too well, has a rough surface and slips strongly when cooled.

All these disadvantages are compensated for by the shape of the metal and the combination with other materials:

  • The metal is very durable and can withstand severe stress. That is why it can often be seen as a frame for a staircase or fence. Steps and handrails are made of wood, stone, concrete, composite materials and glass.
  • Metal is not flammable, which makes it the only possible material for building fire escapes.
  • The beauty of metal parts is given by forging, which can look no worse than filigree wood carving.
  • Many styles, especially modern ones, cannot be implemented without it.

Additionally, it should be said about the complexity of processing this material. To work with it you need to be able to use welding machine, and if we talk about forging, then you will need remarkable experience and a professional tool.

Metal needs extra protection, just like wood. It is threatened by the ubiquitous corrosion.

Concrete

Concrete is even less versatile than metal. The fact is that in 99% of cases, concrete surfaces are finished with other materials.

The second nuance is that it is possible to install such a structure inside the house only at the stage of construction of the main building, due to the fact that it requires a separate foundation for itself, due to its large mass.

But concrete has many advantages:

  • The most important thing is the incredible strength of the material;
  • This is followed by the second plus - long operation;
  • Structures of absolutely any shape can be cast from concrete.

Despite the fact that the cost of the components for the preparation of the solution is low, such a staircase strains the construction budget quite well. Let's count together: the volume of the solution and the amount of reinforcement for the staircase itself; the same materials for a solid foundation; surface treatment with primers and subsequent lining.

That is why concrete is used either in large mansions where there is no shortage of funds, as stairs in the garden that do not require special aesthetics, or on the porch, where stairs are usually small in size.

Glass

The next material on our list is glass. The material used for these purposes is not exactly glass in the classical sense. Triplex is used for steps and stairs - a multilayer, hardened material, the strength of which is more than enough for these purposes.

Interesting to know! If you try to break it with a hammer, then at best, you will achieve cracks.

Glass looks great when paired with stainless steel in many modern styles. Among the shortcomings, we note the high sliding of the surface.

A rock

Stone (natural and artificial) is also a very popular material. More often, stairs from it can be seen in gardens and on porches. Indoors, stone is used as an expensive finishing material for concrete stairs.

The properties of such a coating are very difficult to enumerate, since they entirely depend on the rock of the mineral used.

I would also like to add about the natural appearance. Such stairs harmoniously fit into the surrounding landscape and, over time, become its integral part.

Brick

The last we have is a brick, from which beautiful porches and garden stairs are assembled. The advantage of this material is that it does not need additional finishing to look beautiful. Of course, this applies only to expensive clinker grades.

Simple clay bricks will also need to be clad to protect them from excess moisture.

Another plus is that for the implementation of such a project you do not need a lot of material, since everything can be filled from the inside with a boot. In fact, the brick acts as a cladding.

Such structures serve for a very long time, especially if they are operated in a warm, temperate climate. From what material is chosen for the construction of the staircase, it depends how it will look in the interior, what materials to use for its decoration, in what style to execute it and even in what colors the stairs are painted.

Three simple examples: metal is often made darker so that it contrasts well against the background of wood and stone; in rustic styles light wood predominates, and for modern interiors a large amount of light is required, which will be reflected in the glossy surfaces of the stairs. All this is a whole science, which designers and aesthetes have been studying for years, therefore, if you want harmony and beauty in your home, do not spare funds to attract professionals.

A staircase to the second floor in a private house is, first of all, a necessity. But at the same time, the structure can also become an interior decoration. However, in order to combine convenience and beauty, before starting construction, it is necessary to study what types of stairs there are in the house, as well as the features of their design.

By the type of structures, such types of stairs are distinguished for installation in the house:

  • Spiral or screw;
  • Marching;
  • Constructions on the bolts.

In this case, the mandatory elements of each staircase are:

  • Steps. In most cases, they consist of a tread and a riser. The tread is set horizontally and is the main support of the legs when moving up stairs. The riser, if available, is placed between the treads, connecting them together;
  • Bowstring or stringer beam. This structural element is a beam-shaped side support. Along its entire length, there are slots from the inside into which the edges of the steps are inserted. Thanks to the bowstring, the treads are securely fixed on necessary level, and from the sides of the steps, their end part is not visible;
  • Bolza. It is a structural fastener. In most cases, it is used to secure the tread from the wall;
  • Fencing. These can be handrails, posts, or handrails. They provide protection against falls when moving by stairs, and also act as additional support for a person during movement.

Depending on the type of structure used to climb to the second floor, certain types of stairs may not have risers, bowstrings, and even fences. But no matter what the structure looks like, and where in the house it is installed, the staircase must necessarily be strong and easy to use.

Spiral or screw

Such types of stairs as spiral or spiral, are mainly used in houses with limited free space... Usually the width of the steps in them is 0.5-1 m. A ladder of this type is not very convenient to use, and is also not intended for carrying pieces of furniture. Therefore, this design is often used as an additional one.

A spiral staircase is not always round. It can be in the form of a square or even an octagon. Such stairs are installed, both at the wall and at any point in the room.

Spiral structures are equipped with a metal support that forms the center of the structure. Around the rack at different levels, steps are attached. On the other hand, the treads are fixed in the desired position using a bowstring or special fences, balusters. Also, spiral staircases may not have a rack. In this case, on one side, the treads are fixed to the walls with bolts. Most often, risers are not installed in such designs.

The steepness of the rise of the spiral staircase depends on the height of the ceiling, as well as the diameter of the entrance opening in the floor on the second floor.


Marching

The marching ladder is the most common and convenient design, since it takes into account the biomechanics of human movements. It consists of several steps that follow in turn. In this case, the structure can be open or closed. The closed staircase is equipped with risers, but the open staircase is not.

Also, march-type structures are divided into:

  • Straight;
  • Swivel.

A straight ladder consists of several steps connecting the upper and lower floors with one marching gap. Such structures can be installed both at the walls and on the side, or in the middle of the room.

Rotary structures usually consist of several flights, combined with additional space. Swivel stairs are of several types:

  • L-shaped, or quarter-turn. In it, 2 flights are connected at an angle of 90 0;
  • U-shaped. 3 marches are connected in series at an angle of 90 0. Between them, a storey or intermediate platform is being arranged;
  • Trapezoidal. These types of ladders are more often used for non-standard house layouts. The principle of construction is similar to the arrangement of a U-shaped staircase. However, the connection between marches does not occur at right angles;
  • Curved or circular. Usually such structures do not have intermediate platforms, and the angle of their rotation is 180-360 0;
  • Combined. This type of construction is a combination of several types of marching structures at once.

Rotary structures can be used in houses of any size.


Stairs

This type of structure is always installed near the walls in which the fasteners are mounted, bolts. Steps are installed on the fasteners. Such a staircase usually does not have risers, but it must be complemented by a handrail.

Such a staircase has a soaring fragile appearance. But at the same time it is very strong. In most cases, each stage of this design is capable of withstanding a load of more than a ton.


Types of stairs depending on the material of manufacture

The classification of buildings occurs not only by the type of construction, but also by the material from which they are created. And here are the stairs in private houses:

  • Wooden;
  • Metallic;
  • Reinforced concrete;
  • Glass;
  • Combined.

The type of material for creating stair treads is usually selected based on the personal preferences of the owners, as well as the interior of the room. It is also important to consider the material from which the house is built.


Wooden

In private homes, these types of stairs are most common. The reason lies in the environmental friendliness of the building, as well as in its appearance. A wooden staircase fits perfectly into any interior and does not require additional decorations. Most often, the following tree species are used to create a structure:

Combinations of these materials are often used in the design. Pine is rarely used because of the high softness of the wood. Maple is not suitable for these purposes, as over time the wood cracks and acquires an unaesthetic yellowish tint.

Metal

Usually, stainless steel is used when creating stairs. This design is robust and highly durable. Its service life is over 35 years. Also, in the process of making stairs for a private house, chrome-plated or painted steel can be used. However, chrome-plated metal retains its properties for about 5 years, and the painted material will be usable for about 3-5 years.

Rarely, when creating such structures, an aluminum alloy is used, as well as brass. Despite its high resistance to corrosive processes, aluminum is too soft and may not withstand frequent loads. Brass tends to darken quickly, which can significantly spoil the interior of the house.


Monolithic reinforced concrete

Such a staircase to the second floor is the most economical option. It is easy to create and requires little maintenance. However, for its comfortable use, the surface of the steps must be covered with a finishing material.

To make the staircase fit into the interior of the house and look attractive, the reinforced concrete structure is made curly, and is also complemented by various decorative elements. Most often, the decorative finishing of the steps is done with stone. For these purposes, marble and granite are suitable.

Glass

Glass steps create the effect of lightness and weightlessness. Most often, this material is used to create stairs on the bolts. Naturally, such a design will look in the high-tech style interior and in the oriental design of the room.

To ensure the reliability of the structure, several layers of tempered glass are used in its creation. This is usually a triplex. One step from it is capable of withstanding a load of about 350 kg. The disadvantage of such glass construction is its considerable weight.

When constructing a glass staircase, acrylic glass can also be used. It has high strength and low weight. However, the disadvantage of the material is its tendency to yellowness and the lack of protection against mechanical damage.


Combined

Often, when creating stairs, several materials are used at once. Such designs are called combined. You can combine any of these materials. However, when combining, it is imperative to take into account the interior and style of the room.

Design standards

Failure to comply with design standards threatens owners not only with a lack of convenience when using the stairs. In this case, the risk of injury, and even the collapse of both the structure itself and the entire private house, increases significantly.

When choosing the type of stairs, the following rules should be considered:

  1. Regardless of what type of staircase will be installed in a private house, its width should not be less than 90 cm.
  2. The width, comfortable during operation, is 1-1.5 m.
  3. Intermediate platforms must have changes of at least 1x1 m.
  4. The minimum number of steps in the march is 3. For the convenience of ascending and descending the stairs, the march should have no more than 11 steps. In some cases, construction of up to 15 steps is allowed.
  5. The width of the steps for any structure cannot be less than 20 cm.
  6. The most comfortable for using stairs in a residential building is the angle of elevation of the structure of 36-45 0.
  7. The height of the steps must be the same for the entire structure. The maximum permissible distance between treads is 31.5 cm. The optimum height is 15-18 cm.
  8. When designing, it should be borne in mind that the maximum distance between balusters or posts should not be more than 15 cm.
  9. The minimum load that the ladder must withstand is a weight of 300 kg per 1 sq. m. constructions
  10. When calculating the structure, it is important to take into account that the end of the staircase and its transition to the floor of the second floor must be in line with the ceiling of the first.
  11. Each top step should not overhang the previous one by more than 5 cm. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of stumbling when going up and falling down when going down.
  12. The covering of the steps should not be slippery.

There are also such types of stairs as stepladders. They have a small width and are distinguished by a significant steepness of ascent, within 45-75 0. These stairs are used to climb to the attic floor or descend to the basement. For these types of structures, a width of 70-80 cm is allowed.

When constructing a flight staircase, it should be borne in mind that the smaller the allocated area in the room, the steeper the rise will be.

Features of stair railings

Stair rails are handrails and railings. When arranging structures adjoining one side of the wall, the fences are installed only from the opposite edge. For all other stairs, railings are placed on both sides of the steps. Also, on marching stairs installed in the middle of the room and having a width of more than 2 m, additional railings can be installed in the middle of the structure.

Fences can be made of the following materials:

  • Wood;
  • Metal;
  • Glass;
  • A rock.

When arranging stairs, the material for the railing is usually selected similar to the main structure. Also, materials can be combined. The most successful combinations are:

Glass or forged railings for wooden stairs;

  • Glass railings for metal treads;
  • For glass and reinforced concrete steps, metal railings and handrails.

Regardless of the type of stairs, the optimal height of handrails or railings is 70-90 cm. The design of the railing depends on the appearance and design of the main structure.

Types of stairs - stairs are classified according to five main features:

  1. Staircase angle
  2. Staircase construction
  3. Layout of stairs within one floor
  4. The presence of a riser
  5. The material from which the supporting structure of the staircase is made

Types of stairs by the angle of rise

Types of stairs according to the steepness of the ascent angle.

Ladder typeTilt angle in degrees Place of application
Gentle ramps

0 - 5º

Gardens, parks
Regular ramps

5 - 10º

Slope ramps

10 - 15º

Industrial and public buildings
Garden stairs

15 - 20º

Gardens, parks
Ladders for mass movement

20 - 30º

Public buildings and structures.
Internal stairs

30 - 40º

Internal and external stairs.

35 - 45º

In residential buildings, summer cottages with little traffic
Attic stairs

45 - 60º

In non-residential premises, in houses, dachas, apartments.
Stepladders ladders

60 - 75º

Portable and temporary ladders
Firefighters, ladders and rope ladders

75 - 90º

Inside and outside office premises, residential buildings, summer cottages, cottages

Types of stairs according to the construction of stair elements

This stair classification is based on the types of structural elements of the staircase, and there are four main types:
  1. Stairs on kosoura
  2. Ladders on bowstrings
  3. Stairs
  4. Cantilever ladders
In the practice of building stairs, there are mixed types for example: bolts + console, bolts + kosour or bowstring, kosour + bowstring.
Ladder type

A photo

Description
On kosourKosour is the most common type of structural element for stairs, this is due to the fact that it is easier to install and repair. The number of stringers in a staircase can be from 1 or more, stairs on one stringer are called a staircase with a central stringer.
On a bowstringThe main difference from stringer stairs is the absence of projections under the steps on the supporting element (bowstring). It is considered a more complex design, since grooves are made on the inside of the bowstring for mounting steps.
On the boltsThe so-called self-supporting staircase on the bolts. The load in such ladders is distributed between the steps by means of bolts (bolt - German) and balusters.
On consolesThe supporting element of the cantilever stairs is the wall into which the steps are mounted.

Types of stairs according to the layout within one floor.

The most voluminous type of stairs in terms of options.
Stair layout type Ladder layouts
1 Straight single-flight staircase
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

Open and closed stairs

This sign of a staircase is determined by the presence of a riser or riser. If there is a riser, thenclosed staircase, without riseropen staircase.

Types of stairs according to the material of the supporting structure

The material for the stairs can be very diverse, the main thing is that its physical properties provide the necessary structural strength. It should be noted the following trend, combined ladders are when basic structure made of one material, for example, reinforced concrete, and the decoration is made either of wood or stone. We list the most common materials from which stairs are made:
  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Concrete
  • Reinforced concrete
  • Stone - marble, granite, etc.
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Rope
Ladder type by material A photo
They are made mainly from glued wood of such species as oak, beech, pine, larch, birch, etc. It is used for both indoor and outdoor stairs.
most often they are installed in industrial plants and outdoors, as they have increased strength and service life.
most often they are built in gardens and parks, and where there is a small difference in height.
installed mainly in multi-storey buildings (administrative, residential).
can be divided into two conditional groups
began to build relatively recently after the appearance of the triplex; glass staircases are installed in places with low traffic.
mainly used in places with high humidity (swimming pools, ships)
it is widely used as a sports equipment for children and as a special equipment.

The types of stairs with all the variety of their designs can be divided into three main types:

  • Marching stairs
  • The staircase is spiral, or spiral, and its version is a staircase with run-in steps
  • Stairs

Let's consider each of the types of stairs in detail.

Marching stairs

The classic staircase, the most common and familiar. It takes up a lot of useful space, but provides comfort and safety. Requires a calculation, for which the initial data will be not only the dimensions and height of the room.

Building standards regulate all sizes and parameters of stairs - the depth and height of the steps, the slope and width of the flights, the height of the railings, the distance between the balusters. Calculations are carried out using formulas. The results obtained for the staircase of the cottage should be adjusted - towards convenience and safety, taking into account the height, weight, and of course, the age of the owners. If there are small children in the house, then it is worth making the staircase fence solid. Contemporary designs with the use of colored polycarbonates as stair rails, they look great in lobbies. If it is decided to put the railing on the balusters, then the distance between the balusters should be set such that the child cannot crawl between them. You should also increase the clearance of the stairs and the depth of the treads if the owners are tall.

Although flights of stairs with a large number of steps are more economical in volume and more presentable, you should not take the number of steps in the flight of more than ten, and even less is better. A staircase of nine or seven steps is comfortable both when going up and down, and in case of a possible fall, the risk of injury is much less. Two-flight staircases connected by platforms are not in vain traditional, they are time-tested.

Marching, like other types of stairs, can be closed and open.

There may be no risers, and the staircase will look lighter, more delicate. And it will lose some of the security benefits. Open, or through staircases have their fans, but people who prefer stability and safety to the image do not like them.

Fastening flight stairs

According to the type of fasteners, marching stairs are divided into stairs on kosoura and stairs on a bowstring. Kosour is a beam with fastening in two levels, on which treads are mounted from the top, and risers are installed from the ends.

Stringer beams made of wood look best; they go well with many styles, for example, Provence, country, historical.

A beam structure, called a bowstring, also runs along the entire length of the march. Treads and risers are laid and reinforced in the grooves located in the bowstrings, while the entire end of the march is closed.

According to the number of flights, the stairs can be one-, two-, three- and multi-flight. The choice depends on the planning features of the house, the number and height of the floors and their purpose. One-flight stairs are all straight, if there are two or more flights, the staircase will be rotary and has intermediate platforms. Sometimes these platforms are made in the form of steps emanating from the center of the turn, they are called winders. This saves space, but for convenience and safety, the narrow run-down steps near the center are not the best way... Many people say that when walking on such steps they do not feel support for their legs and feel discomfort. Usually rotary stairs with winder steps are installed along the wall, and the space under the stairs is used for the device decorative niches or even pantries.

Another subdivision of mid-flight stairs is at the turning angles. This angle can be half a turn, or 180⁰, in a circle, or 360⁰, and a quarter of a turn, or 90⁰.

Circular staircases look great in the center of the hall and play a major role in the designs.

Quarter-turn staircases are usually installed at adjacent walls.

Semi-revolving stairs. as a rule, they are mounted along the walls.

Spiral or spiral staircase

In terms of comfort and safety, these staircases cannot be compared with the flight ones, but if it is necessary to fit the staircase into small room, screw - will do. The calculation of the stairs depends on the required minimum the dimensions of the steps. The length of the steps, or the width of the march, can be from 0.5 to 1 meters or more. In this case, the volume is needed twice as much - from 1 to 2 meters. A narrow staircase is appropriate for the basement, attic and attic. The shape of spiral staircases can be very diverse - from a square and a polygon to a circle.

Material for spiral staircases

The material for spiral staircases is usually wood or metal. Wedge-shaped steps are mounted around a support column, usually a steel pipe. The narrow side of the step is attached to the column, the wide one is within the boundaries of the walls or is fenced with railing with balusters, another design of fences is possible - solid. Risers, as a rule, are not made, staircases are through.

Basic rules for the construction of spiral staircases

  1. The width of the tread in its widest section should not be more than 0.4 m, and in the center the tread should not be narrower than 0.2-0.25 m. These parameters must be observed for the safety of movement along the future stairs.
  2. As a rule, these types of stairs are auxiliary. They are good in saving space and are attractive in terms of design, but it is better if they are additional, and a permanent staircase is a convenient, gentle marching option. Spiral staircases can be built into small openings. The smaller the opening diameter, the steeper and more inconvenient the staircase will be.
  3. Spiral staircases are located at load-bearing walls or in the center of the lobby where they look great and don't require much space. Still, most people prefer comfortable marches, and understandably so. After all, the descent on the screw "simulator" requires unremitting attention and accuracy, which does not go well with the principles of a cozy home - convenience, peace and stability.

Stairs

They have both supporters and opponents. Many experts believe that ladders on bolts are unreliable because they do not have a supporting frame. The steps are fixed with one end in the wall, and with the other they rest - the upper step on the lower one by means of bolts - bolts. From german word boltsen (pin, bolt) and the name of this type of stairs has gone.

But a ladder on the bolts is another type of staircase - the steps of which, installed in the wall, also have support on the previous, lower, step in the wall structure, and not only are fastened with bolts along the free ends. This architectural structure has been known since the 16th century, and many ancient staircases are intact and are still in use. Their steps are made from a single piece of stone. It is more correct to call these ladders cantilevers. These structures work more in compression, while ladders on bolts are cantilever ones, they mostly experience bending loads.

The stairs on the bolts are good for their compactness, elegance of design and amaze with their weightless airy design, an abundance of light in the room. This type of stairs has many fans, and their popularity is growing, but one of the reasons for this growth is still banal economy. Compared to marching ladders on bolets, they are more economical not only in volume, but also significantly in material, often at the expense of safety.

Plus the stairs on the bolts - they only seem graceful, in fact, the structures are very strong. The ultimate load per step for some types of such ladders is more than 1.5 tons!


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