No stairs can be complete without steps. They may differ from each other in their shape, size and material of manufacture. The material used for building steps also plays an important role: it determines the durability, strength and design of construction. Using different coatings (varnishes and paints), you can achieve the unique appearance and emphasize the home interior. In this article we’ll look at the most common type of this decorative element, namely the steps for the wooden stairs.
Why are they so popular?
So many men, so many minds. Therefore, different people prefer different materials for the steps. Some use concrete and iron structures, while the other chooses wood in the construction. The latter are guided by the fact that wood is eco-friendly material, which can compete in durability even with iron and concrete. Besides, wood is a universal element of decoration, which will fit harmoniously into any architectural style: baroque, classic, modern or even “Soviet Union”. Even the crude and unpainted pieces of wood in the place of steps would be much nicer than cold concrete.
Design of the stairs and decoration of interior
In modern architecture, the priorities are safety and durability (while decoration is the last thing you should think about). However, anybody can work on the design and planning of the wooden stairs: it can be limited only by your imagination and, of course, budget. In the construction, you can diversify any element of staircase: its handrails, width and material of steps (in our case wood), coating and paint, as well as the shape of the stairs.
For example, “goose step” is becoming more popular: this staircase construction involves the use of thin and narrow steps, where you can place only one leg. It is not difficult to guess, where such an unusual name comes from.
According to their appearance and direction, staircases are divided into 4 main types:
- Straight
- Turning
- Winding
- Folding
Excellent solution in the form of straight staircase
The first type is the simplest and the safest in the architecture. However, such stairs occupy most of the space. You must calculate the appropriate width and height of every step for comfortable movement. Commonly accepted sizes are height and width of at least 10 cm. For safety, you should also take into account the angle of inclination that should be 40-45 degrees.
Turning stairs: space saving
Such stairs are less safe than the straight ones. However, they save much more space. Their inclination angle may be much steeper, but you can turn them in any direction.
They include the following elements:
- Platform
- Supporting beam
- Tread
- Riser
- Steps
- Handrails
- March
- Running steps
Winding staircase – universal decoration for any two-story house
I don’t know about you, but the author associates this model with gentlefolks and nobility. A few centuries ago, winding stairs have decorated the ancient castle and towers, but in our time they are not less popular. Such stairs are fixed by means of support tube and cutouts in the walls that don’t require any additional beams. Stairs turning to 360 degrees are the most uncomfortable for use. However, they are so beautiful!
Auxiliary folding stairs
Why “auxiliary”? It is because they are used only in rare cases: in attics, lofts and cellars. The ease of its use lies in the fact that it can be “hidden” into the ceiling or floor, and then unfolded, evenly distributing the load. The structure is very simple and doesn’t require any decoration.
What besides steps do you need to build the stairs?
So, if you’re really interested in this topic and want to decorate your house with the wooden stairs, the following recommendations are definitely for you. After choosing the material, you need to pick up the “vital” elements for the future staircase. The list goes on:
- Handrails, columns and balusters. They play an important role in the safety of the staircase and allow us to use it confidently. They support the whole structure and guarantee its stability, while the handrails can be considered an auxiliary tool. Handrails can be decorated with various balls and figures, but you shouldn’t forget about their main purpose.
- Stringer. This is a so-called “bearing part” of the stairs, to which all handrails, steps, columns and beams are attached. Stringer is used in all above types of staircases besides the folding ones.
- Wooden steps for the staircases. The best materials are oak, beech and pine. We strongly encourage you to remember our recommendations about their manufacture and size, described in the section about the straight stairs.
Price and choice of the steps
The main pricing factors of this element are size and material of manufacture. With the price increase, their visual appeal grows as well: decorative carving, painting and finishing play an important role in the decoration.
The most reliable and durable material is oak. However, its finishing and painting take more time and efforts than painting the wooden stairs from pine or beech: they are easier to modify.
We hope that this article helped you make a right choice and valuable conclusions. However, if you have any questions or objections, we will answer you in the comments under this text. Build a beautiful and safe wooden staircase to the envy of all!
