Choosing a staircase design

According to a popular legend, the idea of ​​creating stairs was thrown by animals to people. Goat trails that had improvised steps became the prototype of this design. The most ancient stairs found in the salt mine. It was made of wood, but retained its appearance due to the "preservative" effect of salt. The first technical requirements for the stairs were the ancient Egyptians. Their letters speak about the knowledge of the architects of those times. The stairs in the interior of the houses of the Egyptians were rarely decorated. They were given a sacred meaning in the pyramids. Indeed, in fact, this man-made burial mound symbolized the four-way road to heaven to the god Ra. Even now, in buildings with more than one floor, one cannot do without stairs. Over time, they began to be replaced with more comfortable elevators, but in every home there is still an “outdated” option as an alternative.

This component provides a vertical connection between the floors. The design of the stairs in the Middle Ages became more difficult. Those on the street were decorated with carvings and lashing plants, which made them an important element of the exterior of the house. Internal staircases were given more and more complex shapes, and railings and balusters were made of metal with intricate forged patterns. Now this element emphasizes the stylistic decision of home decoration. Let's talk about the types of stairs and the materials from which they are made.

Types and design features of stairs

Despite the large number of types and models of stairs, the same elements are included in the basic set of each:

  • Steps. Horizontal surfaces on which a person attacks on descending / ascending.
  • Bowstrings and kosoura. Main supporting parts, which are usually located on the sides of the steps.
  • Fencing Presented by railings, balusters, racks and handrails along the adjacent wall.
  • Beams, boltsa and columns. These are vertical supporting supports.


    

According to the types of structures, the stairs are divided into three main types:

  • Screw. They are a twisting spiral and are installed in rooms where there is little space. Examples of spiral staircases were seen in historical films, where the ascents to the tall towers of the old palaces were shown.
  • Boltsevye. In the construction of such ladders use a frame of attachment for each individual stage and composing rack. The main load is transferred to the ceiling and floor.
  • Marching The most common option, which uses either strings (closed models) or bowstrings (open models).

The latter type in turn is classified into subspecies depending on the shape of the stairs:

  • Straight lines The most primitive option when the element has no turns and takes up a lot of space.
  • L-shaped or simple duplex. In them two marches (ladder sections) are placed relative to each other at an angle of 90 degrees.
  • U-shaped. A more complex construction assumes the presence of two parallel marches, between which there is either an inter-tier or a storey site (span)
  • Rounded or radial. The design is vaguely reminiscent of a spiral staircase, and the number of turns is unlimited, but the exit from the march in the direction must coincide with the entrance.
  • Three-section. Complex model, which is a double L-shaped staircase.
  • Trapezoidal. The most intricate option, which has no restrictions on the choice of the angle between marches. This creative model is ideal for premises of non-standard forms, as it can be customized for them.


    

By the way, there is a separate category of stairs - combined. It combines various models. Usually the need for such complex elements arises in the premises of irregular shapes.

How to design a ladder

Ladders are needed not only to owners of country houses, but also to owners of two-storey apartments. Even from the street to the house usually leads a small ladder, which compensates for the fundamental difference between the height of the threshold and the ground level. The standard layout of the average summer cottage includes a kitchen and living room on the first floor and bedrooms on the second floor. The most convenient way to arrange the ascent in the hallway. Build a staircase with your own hands is only half the battle, much more time will be spent on its project.

First of all, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with generally accepted standards. Thus, a step width of 30 cm is considered optimal. This value is considered ideal for the average person and does not allow him to stray from his step when climbing or descending. The slope should be 45 degrees. This lift will not be too steep and not too flat. The minimum clearance for design canons is 2 m. However, if the owners are tall or plan to constantly drag cabinets to the second floor, then it can be increased.

The average height of the riser should not exceed 20 cm. The optimal width of the stairs is 1 m, but if there is a free, “unowned” space, this value can be increased. Reducing is not recommended, since the simultaneous descent / ascent of two people along such a narrow passage will already cause difficulties. Of course, the matter will not be limited to base values ​​alone. The project begins with a layout of accommodation and selection of places. Then make a detailed drawing, choose materials and style.


    

Individual design element can come up with their own or use the ready-made ideas of professionals.

The choice of design and style

Each style has a number of features that do not bypass the side and stairs. For the classic direction, woodwork structures are ideal. They are considered the most reliable. As the main material choose valuable wood species, among which is the leader oak. Fences are made of polished wooden elements of soft forms, varnished. In the rustic style look organically ladders made of timber with a rough treatment. The railing and decorative elements are created from ordinary otsilindrovanny logs. In modern interiors use the combined materials. For example, wooden steps harmonize with tempered glass railing.

With the decoration in the style of Provence combined wooden stairs. After installation, they are painted in the traditional white color for this style. The steps are made in darker shades, as this part of the design is the mark. In minimalism, staircase creativity in the form of “bare” steps, which are embedded in the wall or are located between the “curtain” of the thinnest vertical supports that resemble strings, is welcomed. The loft style uses a luxurious combination of wood and wrought metal. This technique once again emphasizes the refinement of the direction.

The staircase can be a link between the rooms, which are decorated in different styles. With the help of decorative elements this transition can be made smooth and unobtrusive. Regardless of the location and area of ​​the room, the stairs will always act as its main decoration. Because of its massiveness, this construction simply cannot be pushed as a background. Therefore, the choice of a stylistic decision is very important, especially in those country houses where the “frontal” staircase greets guests from the threshold.

Spiral staircases are ideal for directions with a touch of romance. They are elegant and airy, easily fit into small rooms. The main thing is not to overdo it with the number of turns, so as not to feel dizzy.


    

Staircase location

Most often, the stairs are installed in the hallway or hallway, thereby allowing you to go up to the required floor right off the doorstep without a long walk through the extra rooms. Also there are options with side corridors, similar to typical high-rise buildings, but this model of accommodation is more suitable for large cottages with a lot of interior.

By location in the room there are only two types of stairs:

  1. Central. They are installed in the middle of the room, thereby turning into a luxurious element of the interior, which will certainly focus on.
  2. The walls. Such ladders save space and are compactly arranged “aside”.

Original look models with windows in the span. When decorating, they are decorated in the same style and the doorway becomes part of the interior composition.

Materials used

The most popular material is wood. For the stairs, a quality tree is surely chosen, since the safety of the structure directly depends on this. Of the types of wood noted:

  • Pine. Budget, affordable option, which has a beautiful natural pattern. However, the pine will quickly turn yellow and has a short lifespan, but it is easy to process.
  • Beech. Durable but capricious material. Even after treatment with special means, beech can easily be deformed with changes in temperature or humidity. Not suitable for seasonal private homes, which the owners visit from time to time and do not maintain the temperature regime throughout the year.
  • Birch Available type of wood with a nice pattern. Amenable to processing easier than pine. It boasts a long service life.
  • Ash. Durable material that is hard to process due to its hardness. The texture of the ash is not everyone will like.
  • Oak. The kind of tree that knows no equal among domestic "competitors". It is strong, durable, reliable. For the quality will have to pay well.


    

Also, the stairs are made of concrete, heavy-duty glass and metal. There are also combined options. Concrete stairs are distinguished by monumentality. Such structures are located in multi-storey buildings. Do not be mistaken about the clumsy appearance of concrete stairs. If this structure is poured into a private house, then it can be given an original shape, and the additional decor completely eliminates the similarity with the similar “official” element. Metal ladders are good because they are combined with any other materials. Designs of glass are considered "an amateur", as they are suitable only for a narrow range of modern styles, led by high-tech.

Varieties of railings on the material performance

Railings are considered the final touch in the design of the stairs. They are classified according to the form, material performance and design. Although their main function is protective, decorative is increasingly important. Material railings are divided into:

  • Wooden;
  • Metallic;
  • Glass;
  • Polyurethane;
  • Combined.

Each material has its own advantages and fits strictly to certain styles.


    

Metallic

Metal railings are made of steel, iron, aluminum, brass, bronze and cast iron. The latest material is relevant for street stairs. Stainless steel and iron are generalists, which successfully withstand both the effects of rain and frost, and the indoor climate. Bronze and brass are capricious in care, therefore they are applied only in classical styles, where refined brilliance underlines the elegance of the setting. Soft, malleable aluminum is used only inside the house, but provides the ability to tint in any shade at the request of the owners. For any of these materials are characteristic:

  • Durability and wear resistance. Metal is not afraid of either moisture or temperature extremes.
  • Simplicity in leaving (except bronze and brass). The only enemy of metal is rust. To save from it will help the periodic application of a layer of anti-corrosion paint.
  • High fire safety.

The railing technology is divided into four types:

  • Prefabricated or modular, that is, consisting of separate elements that are interconnected during installation at the installation site using fasteners. Possess lightweight.
  • Welded models are assembled “tightly”, which ensures the safety of the structure. The only weak point is the weld seams. From rust it will have to handle with great care.
  • During the casting process, structures are created by filling the molten material with special molds. Cast railings are distinguished by their sophisticated forms.
  • Forging allows you to create unique, elegant patterns and ornaments to fill the railing. Forged handmade products are of high value.

Any of the above options are easily combined with other materials. For example, forging organically looks with a tree, and practical and modern model designs for glass and polyurethane.

From natural wood

Wood is a material out of fashion and timeless. It will always remain relevant. Wooden railings organically blend into the style of the chalet, loft, etnic and classic. The only material disadvantage is sensitivity to moisture and temperature extremes. To extend the life of the product, any wood must be impregnated with special compounds. Of the species, preference is given to oak, beech and birch. In expensive apartments use valuable exotic breeds, which cost a lot of money. By the way, for the railing of spiral staircases use high-quality imitation of wood from polyvinyl chloride. Its top layer repeats with accuracy the unique natural pattern of the material.


    

Glass railing

Glass railings at the subconscious level cause anxiety, as the material is associated with fragility and the risk of getting cuts. These fears are completely in vain. In fact, glass, which is used for railing, has nothing in common (with the possible exception of transparency) with material for making dishes and bottles. It is covered with a special protective film, which in case of a strong blow, prevents the fragments from shedding. A similar effect has the glass of cars, which in a collision are decorated with a mesh of cracks. Material differs in durability, environmental friendliness and durability. Its edges are carefully processed, eliminating the possibility of cuts.     

If desired, the glass can be tinted in any color or decorated with pictures, panoramas, matte patterns by etching the pattern on the surface.

Combined

Combined options are varied, but always aimed at achieving the main goal - increasing strength. The best tandem are wooden railing in combination with metal racks. This combination is universal and suitable for both classic and modern styles. The trio of glass filling, metal frame and wooden railing looks luxurious. Such magnificence will cost dearly, but the aesthetic appearance of the design is worth it.

     

Lighting

Luxurious stones require an elegant rim. Also with stairs: this element must be underlined. Its lighting is decorative and refers to the local. Of course, there is a practical use in the backlight: it is much easier and safer to overcome the steps in the dark, having such a guide. For outdoor lighting use the same type of sconces on the walls, pendant lamps and lighting steps. On the role of hidden devices usually take neon or LED lamps. They are mounted under the steps or hidden behind special caps attached to the wall near each crossbar.


    

Neon has a long service life, and the LEDs are universal and work both from the mains and from the batteries. In the complex structures of the stairs, designers, even at the design stage, provide for a special niche under each step, where lamps will be placed in the future.

How to make space under the stairs

Non-standard models include staircase racks. This original design element allows you to turn an abandoned, empty place into a usable area. Such a rack can be open and closed. If space allows, then put books on the shelves, and next to equip a cozy corner for reading. For more practical owners under the stairs arrange built-in pantry. In cases where there is a window under the structure, it is supplemented with a low window-sill-sofa, where you can relax over a cup of tea, admiring the local beauty. In more luxurious apartments under the ladder they set up a bar counter with special cup holders on top. If there are pets in the house, then the space under the structure can become a platform for accommodating a neat pet house. A study in this area is also not uncommon. When there is no shortage of space in the house, then this area can be given as a mini-garden with houseplants.


    

Conclusion

Ladders have a rich history. If at first they performed only the practical function of the road to other floors, now they have managed to become a full-fledged element of the interior of the house. Their design has the same meaning as the design of the furniture or a combination of color palette. Do not push the ladder into the far corner, waving at her hand. With the right approach, it will be the pride of the owners and a demonstrative example of their design talents.

Watch the video: The Value of Choosing the RIGHT Carpet for your Staircase (March 2024).

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