How To Choose Staircase and Handrails

A stair is a series of steps, each elevates a measured distance, leading from one level of a structure to another. When the series is a continuous section without breaks formed by landings or other constructions, the terms flight of stairs or run of stairs are often used.

There was a period of time when the popularity of the Single floor structures in residential construction reduced the necessity of stair construction. Stair construction always requires a high degree of skill. And Should be always done keeping in mind that the quality of the work should match with the aesthetics of its surroundings.

Modern interiors often feature handrails with Iron, Steel or Aluminium combined with glass or wood. Usually, wall handrails are attached directly to the wall. The most common material used for handrail include wrought iron, glass, steel, and wood. Wooden handrails are the most common type of stairs equipment which is also a durable and reliable material.

They can be crafted from teak, rosewood and other types of wood. Wood is always warmer than concrete, plastic or steel which is a great advantage in terms of comfort and convenience. The following are the points to be remembered while choosing the type of staircase for any building.

1. Function / Purpose

The purpose is one of the most important factors in choosing a staircase for a building. Basically, there are two stair categories: service stairs and main stairs. Either of these may be closed, open, or a combination of open and closed. In some cases, type of stairs may be a straight run, platform, or winding, all according to its purpose.

2. Usability

The usability factor depends mainly on the area needed to build the stair. Stairs are mostly designed by considering the area it can occupy/ or the area which is available to design the stair. Also, its design should match the surrounding interiors.

3. Layout

Stairs can be classified according to its layout. The common layouts are Straight flight stairs, Quarter-turn stairs, Half-turn stairs, Branching stairs, Open-well (half turn), Open-well with quarter turn landing and Geometrical stairs.

4. Design

For purpose of design, stairs are classified into two types; transversely, and longitudinally supported.

I. Transversely Supported

Transversely supported stairs are supported transverse to the direction of movement. Stairs include steps which are supported by two walls or beams or a combination of both, or steps can be cantilevered from a wall or a beam and stairs cantilevering from a central spine beam. These stairs span between supports at the top and bottom of a flight and unsupported at the sides.

II. Longitudinally Supported

Longitudinally supported stairs are supported in the direction of movement. It can be done by any of the following ways. By means of beams or walls at the outside edges of the landings, by internal beams at the ends of the flight in addition to beams or walls at the outside edges of the landings. Landings which are supported by beams or walls running in the longitudinal direction or a combination of the above.

Normally minimum headroom of 200cms is adviced. The baluster height is normally 85 and 95 cms, clear width of stair/flight is set to a min of 1050 mm and landing should not be less than the width of the staircase.

Threads should not be less than 225 mm and preferably about 280 mm for better comfort. Riser should not be more than 175 mm and climbing angle should be kept at 30-45 degrees. And a maximum of 16 steps in one flight.

The definitions of some technical terms, which are used in connection with the design of stairs are :

• Tread or Going: the horizontal upper portion of a step.

• Riser: a vertical portion of a step.

• Rise: vertical distance between two consecutive treads.

• Flight: a series of steps provided between two landings.

• Landing: a horizontal slab provided between two flights.

• Waist: the least thickness of a stair slab.

• Winder: radiating or angular tapering steps.

• Soffit: the bottom surface of a stair slab.

• Nosing: the intersection of the tread and the riser.

• Headroom: the vertical distance from a line connecting the nosings of all treads and the soffit above.

Handrails

Handrails are always selected or decided according to the layout of the stairs. Safety and aesthetics are the two major factors which need to be addressed while choosing any type of handrails.

A well-designed handrail is essential for an elegant staircase. The handrail is not only the base element of a stairway,  Which is not only made for safety purposes but to act as a beautiful focal point that contributes to the elegance and interior of your home.

The design options, shades and material choices are endless for handrails, which can be custom fabricated into any shapes. Stairs are an essential element of a modern home. A luxurious staircase can be quite the centrepiece of any home which accentuates the overall home decor.

It is a functional hand guide combined with beautiful steps which help to climb or descend the stairs safely.Wooden handrail steel, staircase steel handrail, decorative railings metal handrail & decorative glass and steel handrails are some of the combinations available to choose from.