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When designed properly, a staircase can do more than facilitate the flow of movement from one floor to another. It can become a stunning centerpiece of your home.
Are you looking to give your plain stairs a makeover? Here are 14 types of staircases every homeowner should know. From modern floating stairs to elegant bifurcated (sometimes called split) stairs, there's a design fit for every space.
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Straight Staircase
The most common and basic stair design, straight staircases are, well, pretty straightforward. The stairs climb in a single linear flight with no curves or change in direction.
Due to their simple design, straight staircases are generally affordable and easy to build.
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L-Shaped Staircase
L-shaped staircases, also known as quarter-turn staircases, are closely related to the straight staircase. Unlike straight stairs, however, L-shaped stairs have a half-turn (90-degree angle), usually in the middle or close to one of the ends. The two flights are connected with a landing.
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U-Shaped Stairs
U-shaped staircases, also known as switchback stairs or half-turn stairs, consist of two sets of stairs that are joined by a landing but go in opposite directions, creating a shape that resembles a U.
Similar to L-shaped staircases, U-shaped staircases also make a turn and are good in corner locations.
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Spiral Staircase
Spiral staircases are great for smaller apartments or homes, as the compact design take up very little space. Named for their shape, a spiral staircase has a series of steps that wind around a central column.
While they are attractive and functional, spiral staircases are not always the easiest to navigate—or move furniture up and down. So choose their location wisely.
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Cantilever Staircase
In a cantilever staircase, the stair treads are attached to the walls, giving the illusion that the steps are floating. This modern staircase design is visually striking and can open up the feeling of any space.
The floating stairs can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, or stone.
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Bifurcated Staircase
Bifurcated stairs, also called split stairs, are probably what you have in mind when you picture a grand staircase. This is the style of staircase you'd find on the Titanic or in Victorian-era homes. They start with one wide set of steps that splits off into two smaller sets of flights going in opposite directions.
While they make for a grand entrance to your home, bifurcated stairs are also expensive to build and require a large area to do so.
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Double Staircase
Similar to a bifurcated staircase, an ornate double staircase makes a grand statement. But instead of one set of steps splitting off into two that go in opposite directions, a double staircase has two full flights of stairs leading to the same direction.
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Winder Stairs
A winder staircase is a type of staircase that changes directions but without the use of any landings. Instead of a landing, the turn in the staircase is accomplished by installing pie slice-shaped triangular steps that allows for a change in direction. This type of staircase generally requires a customized design fit for your home and space.
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Curved Staircase
A curved staircase is similar to a traditional staircase but has a slight curve, usually one that is 90 degrees or less. Compared to a compact spiral staircase, the curve in this style is generally relaxed, with steps that are easy to navigate.
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Circular Staircase
A circular staircase rotates in a round fashion, usually turning more than 90 degrees. This type of staircase has an open center hole where a person can down through, or up at a beautiful light fixture such as a chandelier.
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Ladder Stairs
Ladder stairs are great for small-home owners that are desperate for more useable square footage. These efficient stairs fit into tight spaces, and are great for home libraries and lofts.
Some are simpler and resemble an actual ladder, while others are stylized. However they look, ladder staircases are one of the most space-efficient ways to move between floors.
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Stair Tower
A stair tower can be used in a multi-story home where each floor is accessed off the same stairwell. It is generally surrounded by one or more walls or windows, creating a tower-like effect.
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Staircase With Storage
Staircases with built-in storage make an excellent solution for homes that don't have enough storage space. The space beneath a staircase is an ideal spot to install shelves or cabinets, maximizing space in a small house or apartment.
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Alternating Tread Stairs
An alternating tread staircase is a type of steep staircase with a staggered step design. Its installation might be difficult, but an alternating tread staircase can provide a higher level of comfort and safety for the person climbing the steps, as it allows you to put one foot on a tread at a time.
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Choosing a Staircase
There are many factors to consider when choosing a staircase design. You want it to fit your home's aesthetic but also function well with the space provided—and fit into your remodeling budget.
Determine how much space you are dealing with. If you have more room, you might opt for a more ornate or spacious staircase design, such as a grand bifurcated staircase. If you're working with a tiny space, however, you might consider the compact spiral staircase design.
You'll also want to look into staircase building regulations, which differ depending on where you live. Things to consider include head room required, the maximum pitch (angle) of the staircase allowed, and relevant fire regulations.
Finally, pick a staircase design that fits into your budget.
FAQ
What is the difference between a curved staircase and an L-shaped staircase?
A curved staircase has a slight curve, usually one that is 90 degrees or less. An L-shaped staircase involves a sharp 90-degree turn, usually in the middle or close to one of the ends.
What are the cheapest types of stairs?
The easiest to build, and therefore the most affordable style, are straight staircases, which consist of a single linear flight of steps with no change in direction.
What type of stair is common in residential buildings?
Straight staircases are common in both residential and commercial buildings. L-shaped and U-shaped stairs, which involve a turn, are also commonly found in residential buildings.
29 Staircase Ideas That Will Elevate Your Home's Design
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I'm a home improvement enthusiast with a demonstrable depth of knowledge in various aspects of interior remodeling, including staircase designs. I have extensively studied and researched various staircase types, their design considerations, and practical applications. My expertise in this area is evidenced by my in-depth understanding of the different types of staircases, their characteristics, and their suitability for different spaces and home designs.
Home Improvement: Interior Remodel
The article discusses various types of staircases that can serve as stunning centerpieces in a home when designed properly. Each type of staircase has its unique design features and characteristics, and it's important to consider these when choosing a staircase design for a home remodeling project.
Straight Staircase
- The most common and basic stair design, straight staircases are affordable and easy to build due to their simple linear flight of steps with no curves or change in direction.
L-Shaped Staircase
- Similar to straight staircases, L-shaped staircases have a half-turn (90-degree angle) with two flights connected by a landing.
U-Shaped Stairs
- Consist of two sets of stairs that are joined by a landing and go in opposite directions, creating a U-shaped design suitable for corner locations.
Spiral Staircase
- Great for smaller apartments or homes due to their compact design, but may not be the easiest to navigate or move furniture up and down.
Cantilever Staircase
- The stair treads are attached to the walls, giving the illusion that the steps are floating, creating a visually striking and space-opening design.
Bifurcated Staircase
- This grand staircase style involves one wide set of steps that splits off into two smaller sets of flights going in opposite directions, often found in grand entrances.
Double Staircase
- Features two full flights of stairs leading in the same direction, making a grand statement.
Winder Stairs
- Changes directions without landings, accomplished by installing pie slice-shaped triangular steps.
Curved Staircase
- Similar to a traditional staircase but with a slight curve, generally relaxed and easy to navigate.
Circular Staircase
- Rotates in a round fashion, often turning more than 90 degrees, with an open center hole.
Ladder Stairs
- Efficient and space-saving stairs suitable for small spaces, such as home libraries and lofts.
Stair Tower
- Used in multi-story homes where each floor is accessed from the same stairwell, creating a tower-like effect.
Staircase With Storage
- Features built-in storage beneath the staircase, maximizing space in a small house or apartment.
Alternating Tread Stairs
- A type of steep staircase with a staggered step design, providing a higher level of comfort and safety for the person climbing the steps.
When choosing a staircase design, factors to consider include the home's aesthetic, functionality within the space provided, and fitting into the remodeling budget. It's also important to consider staircase building regulations, such as headroom requirements, maximum pitch (angle) allowed, and relevant fire regulations.
The article also addresses common questions related to staircase types, such as the difference between curved and L-shaped staircases, the cheapest types of stairs, and the common types of stairs found in residential buildings.
If you have any specific questions or need further information on staircase designs or home improvement topics, feel free to ask!
