In our journey to build our dream home, we often come upon obstacles and bottlenecks about how to select the most appropriate staircase design. An effective staircase design should be ergonomic and functional and add to the house’s overall décor.
You may have observed that staircase designs come in various shapes and sizes. Each of these designs has a prominent feature that makes them different. Straight staircases are the most common and take up a lot of linear space. L-shaped stairs also take up a lot of space. U-turn or switchback, or dog-legged designs are visually interesting and require lesser space. The 3 fold stair design has 3 flights of steps going up to the next level, making it more interactive and space-efficient.
The design of any staircase should be based on the following considerations:
- The shape of the staircase – based on space available and preference.
- Finishing and colour of the materials used in treads (steps), riser, skirting, ceiling, walls, etc.
- Handrails – cast iron, steel and glass railing designs are very common.
- Lighting ideas
- Space saving furniture – The space below the staircase can be effectively used by designing a display or bookshelves, or drawers.
Traditional Folding Staircase Design
Different staircase designs evoke different emotions. Irrespective of the shape or form of the stairs, good sizes and material choices can make them appealing.
Of all the forms, the 3 fold stair design (that is 3 flights) appears quite grand. Due to the shorter length of each flight of stairs, one can easily climb them. The central well of the staircase also gives a good view of the upper level.
The Folding Staircase Design
Zev Bianchi designed the original iconic folding staircase design. This beautiful design allows homeowners to install a durable and sturdy staircase in a space that would not allow for one.
It is usually made of bamboo, a sustainable material that is easy to install. Other materials used in the making of foldable staircases are steel and wood.
The folding staircase design can be installed easily with the help of a skilled carpenter. Or, if you are up for some DIY work, you can even do it yourself.
Another useful bonus includes the retractable stairs- which goes back into the loft. Easy to use and space saving at the same time.
Folded Plate Stairs in RCC
The folded plate staircase is a self-supporting structure. It does not require any stringers or beams to hold it up.
Folded plate staircases are minimal and visually appealing. They also create a sense of wonder for their viewers. They seem delicately constructed but are quite safe and sturdy.
Generally, the tread and riser are made using polished granite, marble or even wood. The bannisters can be made in many different materials, depending on the overall interior decoration. You may also choose to not use any bannisters to create a more stylish design.
RCC is a fairly permanent form of construction. Constructing folded plate stairs can be quite time and cost-consuming. In terms of space under the staircase, a folding staircase design has an advantage over an RCC folded plate staircase design.
Steel Folding Staircase Design
Structured steel staircase designs are a little uncommon for homes. But, with the right colours and designs, steel stairs can make your home’s interiors look more tasteful.
Steel staircases have a slim box-type structure for their treads and risers. The treads are usually multiple long strips of steel placed one after another.
Another variation of these designs includes a tread made of a steel structure for granite, marble or wood slabs. This allows you to experiment with more than one material for your staircase design.
You can even look into a glass railing design for stairs made from steel. This particular option gives a stylish urban look to your interiors.
If having a folding staircase design inside your home consumes a lot of space, then you can opt for a spiral staircase design outside your home. A spiral staircase made from steel offers a practical solution to reaching the upper level.
Personalised Staircase Designs for Individual Spaces
There is a wide range of construction and finishing materials available for designing staircases. Space is a major factor in deciding the type of staircase that can be used.
For smaller spaces, a folding staircase design works really well. It attempts to solve and enhance the experience of moving up and down the levels while taking almost no space for itself.
The décor of the staircase is also quite an important aspect. Different staircase lighting ideas and bannister materials can create a unique ambience in your home.
Designing your dream home is always about finding the right guidance, which is where HomeLane thrives. For the best staircase design ideas, visit HomeLane.
FAQs
1. How to Design a Staircase?
The decision of where to construct a staircase and what shape and material to use is paramount in its functionality. Often staircases are placed more towards the external side of a particular floor. In independent houses or villas, it should be located away from the private rooms.
The space available often dictates the shape of the staircase. This space requirement is also dictated by the height between the floors.
Different designs are also available based on the frequency of use of the staircase. If a staircase is minimally used – one or two times a day, then a folding staircase design will be ideal. It provides a stable base to climb up or down, and when folded into the wall, it frees up a lot of space.
Materials of construction for the riser, treads and bannisters are a personal choice. Each one offers a unique experience and status.
2. Does a Ferrocement Folded Plate Staircase Require Formwork?
Ferrocement is a unique construction technique. It is a type of thin wall-reinforced concrete. It is reinforced with closely spaced layers of wire mesh. It may even be reinforced with steel bars at times.
If the ferrocement folded plate staircase steps are precast, then it may not require formwork. However, if they are cast in segments and connected at certain locations, then temporary props at these locations may be required to support the precast steps and to connect them as one unit.
