How to Decide on the Right Staircase By Derek Rogers At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Whether embarking on a new build or a renovation, a staircase presents the perfect opportunity to create a stunning impression. Don't forget the staircase in a dwelling is generally the first thing on view upon entry.

In the past few years staircases have become viewed more as bespoke pieces of furniture than part of the building structure and the UK market offers plenty of styles. The trend is for more open designs than the conventional closed riser carpeted stairs. Staircase themselves have become open plan with open risers, and light balustrade structures allowing the passage of light.

If you are having trouble deciding which staircase to choose for your home, then here you will find out everything that you will need to keep in mind. There are so many factors that will affect the staircase that you end up purchasing.
So just how do you choose the right staircase for your home?

The first step in deciding on the staircase for you would be calculating your available budget. It would be advisable to contact a few companies initially to get some ball park figures. Your budget will be determined by the size / cost of your build and the emphasis you want to put on the staircase. The size, shape and materials you want will also affect the price. Your budget will determine if you can have a stair bespoke made or whether you are looking at a modular option. Bespoke stairs can cost 20k plus and modular options start are around 1.5k.

Configurations

The shapes of staircase available are -

-Straight flights
-Half turn stairs
-Quarter turn stairs
-Helical Stairs
-Spiral Stairs

Normally the available space in the property will determine which configuration of staircase you require. It might be a half turn stair between two walls and in front of a window, or a quarter turn with a wall running down one side. If you have an architect involved with the build they will generally work out the best configuration for you depending on the space. Staircase companies will also be able to advise on the best shape based on the styles they supply.

Materials

Due to the ever changing demand, staircases are now available in a vast range of materials. Gone are the traditional parana pine white painted models and income models with steel stringers, glass treads and stainless steel balustrading. Indeed, timber is still the model popular choice for treads but there are glass, stone and marble options on the market. Whilst there are many modern designs you could still combine a traditional structure staircase with perhaps glass balustrading to give an open feel.

- Straight
- Half Turned
- Quarter Turned
- Spiral

Building Regulations

If you're new staircase is for a new build or a large refurbishment it will have to comply with the current building regulations. These are park K for straight flight, quarter and half turn and BS5395 for spirals and helicals.

If you do not require planning permission for the work you are carrying out, strictly speaking the stairs don't have to comply with the regulations but do bear in mind that the staircase might be inspected should you later sell the property.

The regulations generally cover the relationship between the rise and going of the staircase ensuring it is not too steep to use.

DO NOT purchase a staircase without confirming with an architect / staircase supplier that the chosen model complies with the relevant regulation.

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