What stairs to build on the second floor? Almost every owner of a private house asks this question. The main selection criteria are safety and ease of use. The moment is also important how organically it will fit into the interior. Therefore, the design of the stairs in a wooden house does not go by the wayside in the preparation of the project.
Staircase Design Options
Wooden staircases are of several types:
- Spiral staircases - this is an exclusive design solution for those who want to add a twist to the home environment. Externally, they are structures with curved railings. Spiral staircases are very beautiful and will appeal to lovers of modernism. But they are inconvenient for the elderly. The disadvantage of the design can also be attributed to the complexity of its implementation. Therefore, for their construction, they often resort to the help of professionals.
- Folding models are used in rooms of a small area, and also when there is no constant need to go up to the upper floor. A significant drawback of folding ladders is their loosening, as well as damage in cases of heavy use.
- Marching stairs impress with their simplicity, reliability. They are safe to operate, suitable for people of any age.
Marching structures are the most commonly used staircases. There are several subspecies of stairs:
- on skewers;
- on bowstrings;
- on bolets.
Kosoura stairs
Slanting beams are called supporting beams at an angle, on which steps, fences are attached. Mounting methods are different and depend on the number of beams. Based on the properties of the design and form, they are straight, broken, involute.
Buildings on kosoura have the following advantages over other types of stairs:
- high level of security;
- universal appearance, thanks to which they will look good both in an ordinary log house and in an elite cottage.
- the presence of a large selection of sizes, decor;
- the possibility of choosing the use of risers.
The kosour structures are also attractive because on the basis of the traditional model it is possible to create beautiful wooden stairs on an individual order. For example, designs can be made lightweight with glass railings or transparent plastic handrails.
Stairs to the bowstrings
The design is based on side load-bearing beams with grooves into which steps are inserted. For the manufacture of this type of stairs, they often take wood, although recently plastic models have begun to appear on the market.
Stairs on bowstrings are installed, as a rule, in small country houses. Among the positive aspects of such structures, the following are noted:
- the ability to replace individual structural elements;
- simple installation;
- safety, high strength;
- a wide selection of staircase shapes: spiral, L-shaped, with rounding or straight;
- the possibility of implementing a variety of design decisions: arrangement of balusters in free form, the presence or absence of risers.
The disadvantages of construction on the bowstrings are high-precision calculations and the availability of experience in the performance of work. Errors in the design or unreliable fastenings will adversely affect the safety of the facility. Discrepancies in the load-bearing beams, loss of steps from the grooves is fraught with serious injuries.
Buckle construction
Bolts are durable metal supports supported by bolts. The design is simple, reliable, durable. Since the carrier beam is attached to the ceiling, wall or floor with metal rods, structures can withstand a very large load.
Stairs on the stairs are good because they can be dismantled, repaired or reconstructed at any time. For such structures, open and closed steps are suitable. They can be of any shape, size.
Beautiful staircases on the roofs in a wooden house give the interior airiness and lightness due to the lack of a pronounced bearing element. And the free space under them can be used rationally. For example, make a small library there by installing 2-3 book shelves.
Spiral staircases
Buildings of this type are perfect for lovers of the original interior, as well as for owners of premises with a limited number of useful square meters.
The spiral structure is formed by: support pillar, steps, fences, railings. The shape of the stairs are very diverse: from round to octagonal.
The frame of the screw structure is made in most cases from metal. However, there are often models made only of wood. Strength, durability are the main advantages of spiral staircases. However, such constructions are not recommended for installation in homes where there are children and elderly people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Materials for the manufacture of stairs
In the manufacture of stair structures use:
- wood;
- concrete;
- glass;
- metal;
- a rock;
- plywood;
- combination of materials.
Metal structures are in great demand. They are considered environmentally friendly, reliable, durable, affordable. Often practice a combination of these materials with glass, stone, plastic. This allows you to bring the design closer to the style of the interior.
The wooden staircase in the modern style is made of such wood species as pine, oak, beech, fir, larch, birch. Such designs can be complemented by a metal railing decorated with forging.
The stone structure also looks no less impressive and is characterized by a long service life. However, its installation requires a high-strength base, since the stone is a heavy material.
Often, steps or risers are made of natural stone, and all other elements are made of artificial, which greatly simplifies the design. An unnatural stone is inferior to natural in its characteristics, but in appearance it differs little from it.
Particularly beautiful and rich look stone forged stairs. An interesting look is created by steps of unprocessed stone in combination with a railing of curved branches.
Concrete is considered the most budgetary finishing material for stairs. Despite its strength and safety, it is not distinguished by its durability.
For styles of hi-tech, pop art, loft, staircases with glass steps are suitable. They are made of high-strength tempered glass, so you can safely walk on them.
Popular stair styles
Currently, there are many styles of staircases. Their number is constantly changing, as design elements are improved, supplemented, while forming a completely new style.
However, it is customary to highlight several of the most famous approaches:
- Provence. Such stairs differ from others in bright colors, conciseness, lightness, monotonous balustrade. Buildings in this French style are usually made of wood or stone. Admirers of this style are calm, confident people.
- Loft. It is characterized by clarity, straightforwardness of contours, rough forms. In constructions of this type there are no closed railings, curly balustrades. Due to the rough steps of wood, this style can never be confused with another.
- American style. For the manufacture of structures using wood, stone, metal, organics. Looking at such a structure, it seems that it can breathe.
- Scandinavian style. Its main features are contrasting colors, massive construction, and no-frills design. The white Scandinavian-style staircase in a wooden house looks especially impressive.
- Classic. Calm constructions made of natural stone, expensive wood and with wrought-iron decor elements give the interior sophistication and elegance.
- Chalet style stairs. They are installed in country houses, in cottages. They are rotary, screw, running, single-march, l-shaped.
Color schemes
Staircases should be made in color in harmony with the interior. Today, a wide range of shades is presented for selection. The most popular are:
- Walnut color. It is represented by a diverse range of shades. The walnut staircase can be either light or dark, with a red or golden hue. With a "nut" staircase, striped beige wallpaper and a dark floor are perfectly combined.
- Color wenge. The color scheme ranges from dark brown to almost black. The wenge color design looks good with light pink, olive, pistachio, milky wallpaper.
- Color oak. Oak comes in any shade, from white to black. Designs of this color are in harmony with blue, gold, gray, beige, yellow shades.
Stair structures can be two-tone. For example, a building that combines white and black colors looks beautiful and rich.
Railing Options
Railings are components of staircases that perform the following functions:
- serve for convenient, safe ascent and descent;
- act as decor.
The railings include handrails, balusters. By a handrail is meant a bar that runs along a flight of stairs. The baluster is an element that performs the function of maintaining the handrail.
The construction market has a wide selection of railings. They come in different models:
The choice of one or another version of the railing depends on the style of the interior and the taste preferences of the owner of the house.
Staircase lighting
The staircase lighting is used for safe movement on it and for decoration. By choosing this or that type of lighting, you can create a suitable atmosphere in the house.
Highlighting steps on a ladder promotes safe movement on it in the dark.
Practical and aesthetic use of the space under the stairs
The free area formed under the stairs can be used with benefit:
- Create a recreation area. A cozy sofa, a floor lamp, a bookshelf, a coffee table and a mug of tea are all you need after a busy day.
- Organize a workplace or office. This will be a great solution in case of insufficient number of rooms in the house.
- Put a cupboard or shelf. Decorated with various objects, it will become the highlight of your interior.
Rationally use not only the place under the stairs, but also between the steps. Under them create special boxes for storing things: shoes, magazines, newspapers. Do not overload the stairs with things, as this can lead to the destruction of the structure.
The staircase between the marches is filled with soft seats and use this area to read your favorite book or evening gatherings with loved ones.
Stairs with original design - photo
Sometimes designers are so keen on their ideas that they create real works of art from decorative wooden stairs that are impossible to take their eyes off of.