Learn more about your stairway options and prefer the best one for your home .

stair are not only a necessity but also a focal point of any plate . They wait on a crucial functional purpose of physically link up one spirit level of your house to another , across stories , split level , or between the outside and the interior . Besides their practicality , thetype of stairsinstalled also bear upon the spirit and flow of your home plate .

Stairs are one of the most complicated home features to design and construct . For a functional and beautiful finish , deliberate your home ’s design trend , useable blank , personal druthers , and budget when choosing the type of stairs . Here are ten popular types of stair to know for your new build or remodel .

Staircase with multiple framed photos

Credit: Lisa Romerein

Types of Stairs

There are several eccentric of stairs , including straight , float , L - forge , U - shaped , curved , turbinate , and bifurcated . The three cardinal elements to consider when make up one’s mind the form of stairs for your remodel let in the series of treads ( the part where your foot rests ) , the riser pipe ( the vertical part ) , and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe . A goodstaircase designcan heighten the overall aesthetic of your home . Here are some popular type of stairs to know for your new shape or remodel .

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1. Bifurcated Stairs

Bifurcated step , most normally found inhistoric estatesand sumptuousness hotels , are the most dramatic and grandest types of steps . They start with one wholesale flying of stairs go to a generous landing and then separate into two small flight heading in opposite commission . Bifurcated stairs typically guide into an open hallway that omit a glamourous anteroom .

Split stairs make an telling architectural statement . However , they require a substantial amount of space and , thus , be more to work up .

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bifurcated stairs

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2. Cantilever or Floating Stairs

These types of stairs have tread with no risers — the space between each step is open . They are typically mounted to the wall to make a mod look . Because of their sharp parentage expression , they can have aminimalist feel . In some case , the backup structure is not noticeable . But , in others there may be a seeable beam up the center of the stairway . Sometimes , drinking glass or plexiglass is used on the risers to produce a floating look .

float stairs take ultra - modern upcountry intention to a novel layer , bringing more optical interest and total roominess to the way . They are an first-class choice to add a look of distinction . However , they are not idealistic for homes with tike , pets , or hoi polloi with mobility limitations since the receptive spaces underneath and between the stairs present trip and gloam hazards .

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floating stairs

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3. Circular Stairs

These often appear to form a rope with a singlecenter of curve . Because the curve is less sharp , they seem more like regular step than spiral ones . The helical physique create circular stairs well-situated to pilot compared to spiral staircases . The downside is that they require more open space and are more costly to construct .

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4. Curved Stairs

Commonly allow for formal entrance , curved stairs are design to make a salient architectural instruction . These are uninterrupted sets of stair progress in an elliptical or oval shape that goes to the next trading floor in a advanced sweeping curve — they do not organise a roofy or a spiral .

curving stairs are know for their crescent shape , which ooze out a dramatically luxurious flavor . The elegant and flowing intention cause them pop for commercial-grade and residential spaces . They are worthy forlarger areas . If you try on to fit them into a tight space , you will need to fasten the stair radius . This approach wo n’t produce the stairway ’s grand and sophisticated touch expression . The downside of these stairs is that they are the most ambitious to design and work up , make them an expensive pattern choice .

5. L-Shaped (Quarter Turn)

These steps are another form of straight stair , but they make a 90 - stage turning at some point , going left or mighty after a landing place to make an lambert - shape . The landing can be in the middle of the stairway or closer to the endpoints . L - shaped steps are typically used when rampart financial backing is on one side of the steps .

These stairstake up less outer space and fit out nicely into corners . They are more aesthetically pleasing than straight stairs , are easier to pilot , and the turn offers someprivacy between barrier . They are more complex and expensive to build than straight stair because they require a support structure .

John Reed Forsman

circle staircase

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6. Ladder Stairs

These are very extortionate steps , ideal for nasty spaces andsmaller houses . They save valuable floor space and may have wheels or folding ingredient to tuck them away when they are not in use .

Ladders are price - efficient character of stairs due to their simple-minded conception . They are also versatile and can be used for different applications , such as to access libraries , lofts , attics , or docks . However , because of their steepness , some building regulations prohibit them from being the principal means of access to a building . Also , they are less safe than lasting stairway and can become challenging to navigate .

Kip Dawkins

curved staircase

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7. Spiral Stairs

This character of step invention features a cardinal , vertical backup to which all step are attached . The step are wedge - form and spiral upwardly to the storey above , typically through a muddle cut into the floor . spiraling stair are space rescuer , ideal for compact spaces where established step can not fit . They are common access item for a rooftop deck or outdoor terrace . They can also be used in light structures like beach and tree diagram houses . And they are typically made of metal or wood .

The most significant disadvantage is that they can be challenging to voyage , peculiarly whenmoving furnitureor other bulky home fittings . They can also be problematical for little ones or old adults , and most construction regulations do not countenance them to be used as the chief staircase to the 2nd storey of a home . Slips and falls are mutual with these types of steps , so step with charge .

8. Straight Stairs

These stairs feature a single linear flight of stairs of steps that go directly up with no change in direction . They are the most common character of stairs for both residential and commercial-grade space . straightforward stairs can be modified to have an intermediate landing ( some edifice codes may expect this if the stairs need to be more than 12 feet high ) . They may also have a top or bottom landing .

Straight stairsare relatively easy todesign and constructbecause they do not require any special reenforcement . This makes them low-cost . The downside is that they use more linear space and may not be functional in every flooring architectural plan . They also put up a basic look with limited privateness between floor .

9. U-Shaped Stairs (Half Turn/Halfback/Switchback)

U - shape stairs go by many public figure , but they are two parallel flying of straight stairs separated by a landing that make a 180 - level turn . Because they have a typically narrow design , they take up less linear floor space .

U - shaped stairs are often heart - catching and easy to fit into architectural program . The landing place offers a resting point . However , these stairs may be difficult to construct in smaller family .

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ladder stairs

Credit:John Reed Forsman

10. Winder Stairs

Winder stairs are exchangeable to L - regulate ones but without a link landing . alternatively , they feature triangular gradation that grant for a change in direction , which take less distance than having a full landing place . These types of stairs givesmall homes a snug expression , and the designs are flexible enough to be configured in various ways to lend visual appeal .

The chief benefit of winder stairs is that they are space efficient . Their succinct pattern makes them an ideal selection for sustainable home design . The downside is that they need a pith bread and butter social organisation that can be hard to construct .

Frequently Asked Questions

Spiral staircases take up the least amount of space of all type of stairs . Spiral stairway with the modest doughnut holes ( the infinite between the stairs as they curve ) will be the most effective .

Witches ' stair expend alternate treads that are half as wide as regular treads for a staggered layout . This outer space - pull through figure is often used on boats alternatively of conventional ship stairs because it ’s safer .

Stair risers should be between 5 and 8 inches , with 7 3/4 inch being the standard height used in most designs . Ideally , the stair ( tread ) will be 10 inches wide .

spiral staircase

Credit:Kip Dawkins

Stairway with multiple frames

Credit: Helen Norman

modern staircase with black horizontal railing

Credit: Kim Cornelison

wider stairs

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