Eight Types of Stairs for Your Home Remodeling

When you're working with your design-build contractor or interior designer, there are many decisions you'll be asked to make. From choosing the perfect tile for your kitchen backsplash to picking the right flooring, each decision seems to lead to a million others! One area of your home you might not think of when making your design decisions is your staircase.

Your home's plans show a staircase, but that's only the beginning. Beyond choosing the steps, handrail, or newel post, the first decision is the actual shape of your staircase. You have multiple options.

Whatever type of stairs you choose, there are three key elements to consider when selecting the perfect staircase. Every staircase consists of a series of treads (the part where your foot rests), the riser (the vertical part), and the type of staircase and shape. A good staircase design can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.

Here are the eight most popular types of stairs, from simple to luxuriously elaborate. Bring your favorite choices to your architect or design-build contractor to determine what makes the most sense for your home.

1. Straight Stairs

Straight stairs feature a single linear flight making this the most straightforward staircase and the most essential to design. They do not require any more support than the floor, up, and downstairs. However, the staircase design can be elaborate with open risers or detailed banisters. Straight stairs with open risers can give your home a modern look. The biggest consideration is the linear space needed. Straight stairs require a significant linear span.

2. L-Shaped Stairs ( or quarter-turn)

L-shaped stairs consist of a 90-degree rotated upper portion after a landing. These type of stairs is a little more complicated than straight stairs. They also require a little extra support, usually in the side walls. L-shaped stairs can be more visually attractive and safer thanks to the landing. Placing them in a corner is the best. L-shaped stairs with the manding closer to the top or bottom of the staircase are called long L-stairs.

3. Winder Stairs

Winder stairs are a variation of the L-shaped staircase. Instead of a flat landing, they have pie-shaped or triangular steps at the corner transition. The main advantage of winder stairs is that they require less space than many other types. They are most common in older homes and are often used as a secondary staircase. You'll often find a grand entrance staircase in older homes with a winder staircase used as access to the kitchen. They have plenty of visual interest, creating a more visually seamless transition, and have gained popularity in modern homes.

4. U-Shaped Stairs (also called Half-Turn)

If you've ever taken the stairs in a commercial building, you've walked up U-shaped stairs. The bend is taken further than winder stairs and is similar to L-shaped stairs. A larger landing separates two parallel flights. U-shaped stairs can easily fit into an architectural plan and offer visual and architectural interest. However, they are a bit more complicated to build.

5. Spiral Staircase

A spiral staircase features a compact design centered around a single pole. If you look at it from above, it forms a perfect circle. If you have a small space, spiral stairs are compact. They are often found on beachfront decks where space is at a premium. You'll also commonly find them in city lofts for the same reason. Spiral stairs can be attractive and have many railing style variations that impact their look. The center pole provides all the structural support needed making them easier to install. However, spiral stairs can be challenging to navigate. In fact, many municipal building codes do not allow them to be used as the primary access to the second floor of a home.

6. Curved Stairs

Unlike winder or L-shaped stairs, a curved staircase has no landings. The stairs continuously follow the bend of the banister, making a striking design statement. Like spiral stairs, curved stairs follow a helical arch but have a much larger radius and typically do not make a complete circle. A curved staircase adds elegance to any home and is almost always located at the primary entry where they can make a stunning first impression.

7. Cantilever Stairs

Cantilever stairs appear to float in mid-air without support. The stair stringer is attached to one end of the treads and can be hidden or exposed to make a design statement. They eliminate the risers and add visual interest and spaciousness to any room. Cantilever stairs make a unique statement and are at home in modern and contemporary designs. You need to ensure the structure's design allows for proper support. Cantilever stairs are more costly than a typical staircase due to the added structural requirements.

8. Bifurcated or Split Staircase

This is the most luxurious grand type of stairs of them all! Remember the iconic staircase in the movie Titanic? That is an example of a bifurcated stairway. A split staircase consists of one sweeping staircase which reaches a landing and splits off into two smaller flights going in opposite directions. Bifurcated stairs are typically used in larger homes as a grand entry and add an impressive architectural design statement.

So, How Do You Choose The Right Type of Stairs for Your Home?

Choosing the type of stairs for your home comes down to four factors: your home's design style, the space available, personal preferences, and your budget. For example, you probably don't want to install cantilever stairs in a grand Victorian. However, they would be the perfect choice for an urban industrial-style loft.

The amount of space available helps determine the type of stairs that makes sense for your home. The best option is to educate yourself on the possibilities and work with your architect or design-build professional. They can help you make the right decision for your home.

If you're considering a home remodeling project, and live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can help you choose the perfect stairs to take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! We're always happy to answer your questions.