
10 Types of Staircases
- 1. Straight staircases Straight staircases are the closes thing to “normal” or standard staircases. ...
- 2. L-Shaped staircases L-shaped stairs are very similar to straight staircases, but they bend by 90 degrees at some point in their trajectory. ...
- 3. Winder staircases ...
- 4. Curved staircases ...
- 5. U-Shaped staircases ...
- 6. Spiral staircases ...
- 7. Bifurcated staircases ...
- 8. Twin staircases ...
Full Answer
What are the different types of staircase?
What are the different types of staircases?
- Straight
- L-shaped
- U-shaped
- Winder
- Spiral
- Circular
- Curved
- Ladder
- Split
- Space-Saving
What is the best design for stairs?
- Material: Olefin as its prime material gives it a more lustrous look to fit into regular or low-traffic stairs
- Better suited for indoor staircase: Plush style construction of its fiber makes it better suited for indoor stair carpeting
- Feel of elegance: 8mm long pile provides your foothold a sumptuous feel underneath on the stairs
What is the best material for stairs?
What is the best material to put on stairs?
- Carpet. If you are looking at carpet flooring for your stairs, choose a one with a short or loop pile such as Berber carpeting.
- Tile. Another durable option is ceramic or natural stone tile.
- Hardwood. Thanks to its performance and style, one of the most popular choices for stairs is hardwood flooring.
- Laminate.
What is each step on a staircase called?
When your foot hits the stair, the part you step on is called the tread, This horizontal part goes from the front edge to the riser at the back. Each region has its own residential building codes, however, in most cases, the tread must be a minimum of 11 inches deep. The vertical part of the stair between each step is called the riser.

How many types of staircase are there?
There are more than 14 types of staircases namely the L-shaped-shaped, Winder stairs, Spiral, Spiral case with landing, Circular, Curved, Ladder, Split, Space-saving, Floating stairs, I-Shaped staircase, Stairs with storage, Sculptural floating staircase, Bent metal, Floating stand-alone staircase, Stairs with ...
What are the two types of staircases?
8 Different Types of Stairs, ExplainedStraight. This one is straightforward (literally). ... L-shaped (a.k.a. quarter-turn) The classic straight style, zhuzhed up a little. ... Winder. The slightly more complicated sister to the L-shaped staircase. ... U-shaped (a.k.a. half-turn) ... Spiral. ... Curved. ... Bifurcated. ... Ladder.
What are the different types of staircases used in a building?
Contents2.1 Straight.2.2 Quarter-turn.2.3 Winder.2.4 Half-turn.2.5 Spiral.2.6 Helical.2.7 Curved.2.8 Bifurcated.More items...•
Which staircase is best for house?
If you must restrain the linear space that your stairs occupy, an L-shape or U-shape might be a better design. L-shape stairs are used in a corner to change the direction of the stairs by 90 degrees. U-shape stairs change the direction by 180 degrees.
What is a common staircase?
common stairway means a stairway intended for common use in a building for access to a storey capable of being let in separate tenancies, or where more than ten persons are employed on such storey; and. Sample 1.
What is the most famous staircase?
Below are five of the world's most famous spiral staircases and the tales that surround them.Loretto Chapel, New Mexico. ... Vatican Museums, Rome. ... Museo de Pobo Galego, Spain. ... The Garvan Spiral Stairs. ... The Great Fire Monument, London.
What is the difference between staircase and stair?
“Stairs” is a generic term referring to a full flight (or a single group) of stairs between two floors. Staircases, on the other hand, can refer to one or more flights between floors. Staircases typically include all the parts, while stairs refer to the risers.
Which type of staircase is used in residential building?
Dog-legged Stairs This type of stairs consists of two straight flights with 180° turn between them. It is mostly used in residential buildings.
What are the three main components of a staircase?
There are three main components to design when building a staircase – the treads, risers, and stringers.
Which is the comfortable type of stairs?
D. open newel.
Which stairs save space?
L-shaped stairs can add privacy by providing a visual barrier between floors. They can be in the corner of a room to save on space.
What is the 18 rule for a staircase?
Rule one says that rise plus run (r+R) should equal 18 inches. Why? That's what most people find to be a comfortable stride on most stairs. You can cheat a bit up or down, but below 17” and more than 19” will result in steps that require strides either too big or too small for most people.
What is a two way staircase called?
An imperial staircase (sometimes erroneously known as a "double staircase") is the name given to a staircase with divided flights. Usually the first flight rises to a half-landing and then divides into two symmetrical flights both rising with an equal number of steps and turns to the next floor.
What are 2 types of stringers?
In a regular cut stringer, the stringers are set as close to the outer edges of the treads as possible. With an inset cut stringer, the two stringers are set closer together, near the middle of the tread so that part of the tread hangs over the stringer on either side.
What are the two parts of stairs called?
The treads and risers are fixed into the stringer or stringer board. A staircase always has two stringers.
Why do some houses have two staircases?
Does your old home have a strange staircase? In old mansions, household servants—and pre-Civil War, possibly slaves—were often directed to stay out of sight. The solution was a separate staircase in the back just for the servants to use. This is why your kitchen or pantry might be accessible by two staircases.
What are the different types of stairs?
In general, these are the different types of stairs: Straight L-shaped U-shaped Winder Spiral Circular Curved Ladder Split Space-Saving Floating St...
Which type of staircase is best?
Determining which type of staircase is best will depend on the style and arrangement of your home. Some types of stairs take up more room than othe...
What is the cheapest type of staircase?
Hands down, straight stairs are the simplest and cheapest type of staircase. Stairs that run in a straight line are affordable and easy for builder...
How to decorate a staircase wall
Most staircases -- especially straight, curved and floating -- will have a wall that you can decorate. The most common wall decor for a staircase i...
How to measure stairs for carpet
To measure your stairs for carpet, start by measuring the rise and surface of each step. Next, multiply that by the number of stairs you have. Then...
What are standard stair dimensions?
Code regulations govern stair dimensions, so there are minimum sizes for safety and ease of use. In the United States, the general rule requires th...
What is the average width of a stair step?
In the US, the minimum stair width is about 36″ for most building codes. This accommodates the space taken up by a railing, which can be as much as...
What are the recommended dimensions for a spiral staircase?
The dimensions of your spiral staircase will again depend on local codes. In fact, some do not allow for spiral stairs to be the primary staircase...
What is a straight staircase?
The straight staircase is the simplest staircase design. There are two types: 1 Straight, and 2 Straight with landing.
What is a fully enclosed staircase?
Fully enclosed staircase with walls on both sides and no railing.
What is a bifurcated staircase?
Bifurcated is synonymous with a luxury staircase. It takes up the most space and makes for a grand entrance. It’s an imposing design for sure. This type would look silly in a small space so only consider it if you have a large foyer that fits it adequately.
What is a quarter turn staircase?
The quarter- turn staircase is one where it turns 90° at some point. The “quarter” refers to the degree of turn, not that it turns quarter of the way up.
Is it easier to build a curved staircase?
With computer design software, it’s easier to put together fancy and complex curved staircases for home so you do see this and winding staircases in far more homes today than 50 years ago . Moreover, today’s homes are far larger than 50 years ago so there’s room for grander staircases.
What are the different types of staircases?
Here we run down the different types of staircases and the considerations for each one.
What is alternating staircase?
Stairs that are more steeply pitched, ribbon style stairs, and narrower, alternating steps are all ways to incorporate a staircase in a home with minimal lost space. As long as the choice meets building codes, the actual style is up to you.
What shape do winder stairs take?
Winder stairs assume a wedge shape as they turn.
How many risers are needed for a staircase?
The same is true if your planned staircase has more than the standard number of risers, which is usually 16. The main drawback of straight stairs with a central landing is the increased amount of space they require, which usually leads designers to choose another style.
What is Taller Estilo staircase made of?
The staircase has a sinuous, spiraling shape which makes it space-efficient and gives it a graceful appearance. It’s made of metal which allows it to be slender and to have a lightweight appearance. The stairs have an accordion-like shape and they’re black on the underside and chartreuse on the other.
What is a U-shaped staircase?
U-shaped staircases generally consist of two flights of stairs that go in opposite directions with a landing at the switchback. These are also more visually interesting than a straight staircase.
Why is a staircase important?
For a construction or remodeling project, the type of staircase is also a very important consideration, provides specific kinds of visual appeal and take up varying amounts of space in your home.
What is a L shaped staircase called?
When the bend or corner created by an L-shaped stair is not located in the middle, these stairs may be called “long L staircases” or “quarter-turn staircases.”
What are the stairs that are commonly used in older homes and small townhouses?
They make it harder to transport very large pieces of furniture along with them. 3. Winder staircases. Winder staircases are commonly used in older homes and small townhouses. These staircases are essentially a modification on L-Shaped stairs meant to save space.
What is a bifurcated staircase?
These consist of a wide set of stairs in the center following by a landing at mid-height. After the landing, they divide into two opposing staircases, located at a 90-degree angle from the central section.
Why are stairs important?
Staircases are mainly for utilitarian purposes, as it would be very rare to see a staircase that leads nowhere. Yet, their structure and shape can be used to complement a specific decorative style, to create storage space or privacy. Larger types of staircases can even become the central focus of a room.
What is the impact of the staircase model?
The choice of staircase model will impact the amount of space that you devote to the stairs. In addition, it will also influence the overall look of the room, its ventilation, and even its safety. So before you put off the decision any longer, join us in exploring the different types of staircases you can use in a home.
How many degrees does a L-shaped staircase bend?
L-shaped stairs are very similar to straight staircases, but they bend by 90 degrees at some point in their trajectory. This “bending point” is usually located mid-height and must be accompanied by a landing.
What is the horizontal plank that makes up each step?
The tread is the horizontal plank that makes up each step. When you go up or down the stairs, you usually step on top of the tread. This is the vertical plank that provides the height of each step. These are the small, ankle-level railings that line the sides of a stair.
What is a staircase?
Staircases are more than just a means of moving from one level to the next. They can also make for an excellent focal point, depending on the staircase design. Different types of timber staircases provide specific kinds of appeal and take up varying amounts of space. Need staircase ideas?
What is a straight staircase?
Straight Staircase. A straight staircase is one of the simplest and most common types of staircase. The straight line design doesn’t need a landing for special support, as it only needs to be attached at the top and bottom. Keep in mind that the longer the staircase, the more linear space it will take up.
What is a closed tread staircase?
In this type of staircase, a full timber riser acts as a wall that closes the gap between the adjacent treads, giving the staircase a fuller look. While they might grab less attention than open staircases they are very practical and fit perfectly in a traditional-style home.
How many people can walk up and down a spiral staircase?
Because of their compact nature, spiral staircases are greater for tight spaces. However, this staircase design is more of a novelty than functional, as only one person can typically walk up and down the stairs at a time. It’s also much harder to move large furniture.
What is a U-shaped staircase?
U-shaped staircases typically consist of two flights of stairs that go in opposite directions with a landing bridging the two together. Rather than one long, straight staircase, a U-shaped staircase helps break up the flight, making the stairs appear more manageable.
What type of wood is used for a staircase?
Whichever type of wooden staircase you choose, Northern Log Supply’s custom staircases can help you with nearly any look you’re trying to achieve. Our interior stairs and exterior staircases are available in pine or cedar, pre-built or by custom order. And don’t forget to finish your staircase with our log railing.
Why are L-shaped stairs easier to navigate?
Many even find that L-shaped staircases are generally easier to navigate because of the wider landing that breaks off the flight up stairs. For homeowners who have issues with sound traveling throughout the home, there might be some indirect benefit to building an L-shaped staircase.
How many types of staircases are there?
Staircases can be designed in an almost endless combination of different forms and types to best fit the space, function, and aesthetic of your project. Different types of stairs architecture provide different kinds of visual appeal and also take up varying amounts of space. Some types of stairs are more common in residences, while others are more commonly seen in commercial or industrial settings.
How many different types of stairs are there?
16 Different Types Of Stairs (Commercial, Industrial & Home Architecture) Stairs are an essential feature of any structure with multiple floors. In fact, stairs and staircases have been around nearly as long as humans. We accept them as a way from moving from one level to the next without much thought.
How to make a straight staircase transparent?
Straight staircases can be made more transparent than other types of stairs by using thinner treads, open risers and metal stringers. Finally, straight stairs tend to be the easiest for a person to go up and down, or navigate.
What is a crossover staircase?
Crossover stairs are normally found in industrial applications and are ideal for accessing equipment and mezzanines, as well as providing a pathway over machines, pipes, mechanical ducts and other obstacles. Crossover stairs are a good example of a steel stair design.
What is a straight stair with an intermediate landing?
Straight stairs with an intermediate landing are generally used in large commercial buildings as opposed to private homes. However, they could be used for residential outdoor applications, such as steps from decks providing access to areas below.
What is space saving stairs?
These space saving stairs are commonly seen in residential, industrial and commercial applications. They can provide a convenient way of reaching an attic, basement, mezzanine or other space where a standard staircase wouldn't fit.
Where are switchback stairs found?
Switchback stairs are most commonly found in office buildings . If you’ve taken the stairs instead of the elevator at work, you’ve probably used these u-shaped or half turn stairs.
What is straight stairs?
Straight stairs are stairs without any changes in direction. They are certainly one of the most common types of stairs found in both residential and commercial properties. Below are examples of straight floating stairs made with a variety of stringer styles, railing types, and wood species.
Which is harder to build, straight or L shaped stairs?
L shaped stairs are a bit more difficult to build than straight stairs.
Why are winder stairs so popular?
They have more visual interest than other stair types. Winder stairs seem to create a more seamless transition, visually, as they meander around corners. For this reason, they have gained popularity in modern homes. Their compactness has also made them attractive in sustainable home designs.
What is a L shaped stair?
The L shaped stair is a variation of the straight stair with a bend in some portion of the stair. This bend is usually achieved by adding a landing at the transition point. The bend is often 90 degrees, however, it does not have to be. If the landing is closer to the top or bottom of the stairs it is sometimes referred to as a long L stair or a quarter turn stair.
Why are L shaped stairs safer than straight stairs?
L shaped stairs can help somewhat with sound transmission between floors if the stairs are contained within walls. Some believe they are safer than straight stairs as the central landing reduces the number of treads one could fall in a given flight. The landing can provide a place to stop and rest while ascending.
Why are straight stairs so transparent?
They work well with minimalist designed homes due to their inherent simplicity. By selecting thinner treads, open risers, and thin metal stringers, straight stairs can be made more transparent than other types of stairs, allowing less obstruction to the view beyond.
How high is a stair?
A stair 12-feet high requires a landing to break up the span. The addition of a landing will use up a lot more space and therefore these types of stairs are seldom used in residential construction. You will see these more frequently in large commercial buildings. 2. L Shaped Stairs.
What is straight stairs?
Straight stairs feature a single linear flight with no change in direction. The entry of a Manhattan apartment features a saddle-stitched armchair by Jacques Adnet, circa 1950. William Abranowicz. 2.
How many degrees do stairs turn?
The classic straight style, zhuzhed up a little. In this design, the stairs make a 90-degree turn at some point, going left or right after a landing.
Who made the wallpaper for the stairs in Manhattan?
In a Manhattan apartment, a wallpaper conceived by Ernest de la Torre and custom-made by de Gournay decorates the three-story stairwell.
