Staircases occupy small spaces in your home, but since they receive plenty of traffic, planning for stair design is essential for any home that needs it, whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing space. There are a variety of stair designs for homeowners to choose from, each with different space requirements and unique methods of directing traffic. Here are a few stair designs you can have in a modern home.
Straight Flight
The most common style worldwide, straight stairs are usually built against a wall or between two walls. They require a small amount of space, and since they are available in kits, they are simple and economical to build. Many straight staircases do not have landings mid-flight, but installing a landing between two flights of stairs is an option.
L-Shape or 90-Degree Flight
A space-efficient option, 90-degree flight stairway is similar in construction to straight flight stairs, but with a landing that changes the stairs’ direction at an angle (usually 90 degrees).
U-Shape or Return Flight
The return flight is the most common stair design in Australia for flats and houses. A half or quarter landing separates two flights of stairs that are in opposite directions.
Floating Stairs
Also called cantilevered stairs, floating stairs are typically similar in layout as straight flight, 90-degree flight, and return flight stairs. They generally have concealed structural support, leaving home occupants to see only staircase treads that appear wedged into a wall. This gives off a minimalist and weightless feel.
Floating stairs, however, can be highly unsafe without the help of a professional with structural design expertise. Consult a professional for help with planning and constructing this design.
Circular and Spiral Flight
The most compact of stair designs, spiral stairs are great for small spaces. They can be more economical to build. Circular stairs follow the same basic flow as a spiral flight, but they do not have a central pole. Instead, like with most straight flight stairs, they are built with balustrades on either side of the steps.
Although elegant to look at and sometimes more affordable to construct, circular and spiral stairs can be difficult to navigate and less safe for households with small children or the elderly.
Ladder Stairs
Ladder stairs require even less space than spiral stairs. Homeowners have the option to purchase premade ladder stairs to be folded and stored when not in use. They may also build one as a permanent fixture in their home, for as long as they are designed according to local standards.
Our architects, building designers, and structural engineers are experienced in working with different types of stairs for different types of homes. Talk to us about your next building project.
Create awesome stair designs with our Brisbane-based building designers.
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