Why change a new staircase or stair parts?
Stairs are an inevitable practical feature in any home that has more than one floor, with one set usually taking you up one floor at a time. Though the stair's design is primarily created for practicality, there is no reason why it cannot become a design feature in its own right. The staircase is often the first thing that is seen when entering into a home, therefore if you want to create a striking impression with your house you will need to install the kind of stairs that complement the style present throughout the rest of your home.
There may be more than one staircase in your home, although the main staircase from the ground floor to the upper floors is the one that receives the most attention in construction and design. However, stair installation for a loft conversion often requires a great deal of planning regarding the amount of space available, and can be designed to look the same style of the other staircase.
Wherever the staircase will be installed in your home, it can help create a rhythm and pattern to the space. It can draw the eye and invite you to look up or walk up it, providing an architectural grace to a usually functional feature. You can express your tastes and personality throughout your home and there is no need to leave the stairs out. Create a strong presentation for visitors to your home with new newels, spindles and handrails, or with a bespoke Stair design unique to you and your property.
Style
There are a variety of stair shapes and designs available, each offering a different appeal to invite you to climb them. It is generally the case that the wider the stairs and the more gentle the incline, the more inviting the staircase. Obviously however, wide staircases require plenty of floor space.
A new staircase is an innovative way to revamp your home. Create instant visual impact and thus a lasting impression on guests with a well made staircase chosen by you, not just as part of the original house.
Straight stairs extend from the lower floor to the next in a single straight ascension. This is the easiest kind to build, although it can be difficult to fit into an existing floor plan. Return stairs face the other direction part way up the climb, turning 180 degrees at a landing's stairs as the name implies, create an L shape by turning 90 degrees at a landing space.
Winder stairs are similar to an L stair, although the landing space is instead extended steps, creating a pie-like visual as the corner is turned. Winder stairs are becoming for popular with new houses and especially loft conversions.
Curved stairs sweep grandly upwards in one direction in a generous circular curve.Spiral stairs spiral upwards with the staircase ascending vertically and tight curves in the spiral of the steps. There may be a straight centre pole from which the steps protrude, or the centre supports the spiral in a complementary curve. Spiral staircases are ideal for places where access is limited and where you wish to create design impact, although they may not be practical for heavy traffic and furniture moving.
Building Regulations
More imperative than the design is the requirement for staircases to be constructed safely. As well as general guidance for the practicality and safety issues surrounding different stair constructions, there are some stipulations by Building Regulations that must be followed.
Approved Document K of the Building Regulations 1992 states that:
- Private stairs the maximum rise should be 220mm, with a maximum pitch of 42 degrees
- Flights of stairs should at least have a banister on one side if they are less than a metre wide, and a banister on both sides if they are wider than a metre. The bottom two steps of the stairs do not require a banister
- The minimum height of the banister is 900mm for stairs and landings
- Balustrades and spindles should have a gap between them narrower than 100mm
- In the UK, staircases commonly comprise 13 rises.
|
