Stairs

Cantilevered Stairs

Also known as wall supported cantilevered stairs, the steps protrude from a side stringer. The side stringer is installed in a side wall, which is reinforced to support the staircase. This structural support should be installed before the wall is completed. The stringer can be painted and continue to be visible, but most owners prefer to have it so the wall finish runs over the stringer. This way only the steps protruding out from the wall can be seen. More simple designs may only have steel plates, but typically wood boards are added on top of the steps or completely wrapped around so the steel is not visible.

Advantages of Cantilevered Staircases:

·    Very clean, modern look.

Disadvantages of Cantilevered Staircases:

·    The construction and installation can be a little more expensive than other types of stairs.

Side Stringer Stairs

These stairs can be highlighted as an architectural element of your home, or they can be constructed as simple stairs for a deck, garage or for industrial use. The stringers are positioned outside of the individual stairs, “trapping” them on the sides allowing the stairs to be set in between. Side stringer stairs usually have ridges on the front and back to enable tile, stone, wood or cement fill.

Advantages of Side Stringer Staircases:

·    They can be open or closed depending upon your needs and preference.

·    For exterior stairs, snow, dirt or other debris can easily be brushed off of the back side.

Disadvantages of Side Stringer Staircases:

·    Without quality materials inset, they can look cheaper than other types of staircases.

Mono Stinger Stairs

Also called straight single stringer staircases, they feature a heavy-duty center beam that make them capable of handling up to 300 pounds per stair. The vertical boards on the outside edges carry the treads and risers from the landing to the next floor. Mono stringer stairs provide the most open air appearance of any other type of stair.

Advantages of Mono Stringer Staircases:

·    Highly versatile stairs that can be made in almost any configuration: Straight-line, L-shaped, U-shaped, Geometric winder treads or combined with curved stairs or spiral stairs.

·    Extremely rigid and strong while displaying an open look.

·    A great compliment to modern and contemporary designs.

·    Inexpensive staircases.

Disadvantages of Mono Stringer Staircases:

·    Can have repair costs and potential liability which can outweigh the lower installation price.

·    Not a good choice for longer distance spans.

Twin Stringer Stairs

Another option for stringer stairs is the twin stringer. The mono stringer is replaced by two thin stringers mounted underneath. The stringers are usually 6” apart and placed in the center of the staircase, although they can sometimes be off center to achieve a more dramatic look. The metal step plates are fastened to the stringers with a board is glued on top for a walking surface. The surface boards are typically hardwood but other materials such as stone, concrete or tile can also be used.

Advantages of Twin Stringer Staircases:

·    Can be made to appear floating.

·    Stringers are more hidden behind the large box steps.

Disadvantages of Twin Stringer Staircases:

·    Long flights of twin stringer stairs can twist too much.

Two-Sided Stringer Stairs

These stairs use two supporting stringers for their structure. The two-sided stringer features a floating staircase with two stringers under the steps near the middle of the staircase. The steps can be made of a metal plate with a top board or have a fully enclosed step. Glass guard panels can be installed with hardware, or for a cleaner look they can be completely embedded in the stringers.

Advantages of Two-Sided Stringer Staircases:

·    Less expensive than single stringer stairs.

·    Lighter and easier to install.

·    Provides a modern and contemporary look.

·    A versatile stair that can accommodate nearly any style of stair or handrail.

Disadvantages of Two-Sided Stringer Staircases:

Zig-Zag Stairs

Just like the name, the shape of these stairs follow a zig zag pattern with the stairs and riser from beginning to end. Self-supporting stair designs, such as these are becoming more popular with large variations available.

Advantages of Zig-Zag Staircases:

·    These stairs add a unique focal point to your home.

·    Provides a sleek, minimalistic design.

·    The rise can be open or closed depending upon your preference.

Disadvantages of Zig-Zag Staircases:

·    Considered by some to be too modern.

Waterfall Stairs

The supporting structure of this staircase is hidden inside its body. In closed spaces, such as a basement, a closed rise waterfall stair can be used. Waterfall stairs are comprised of a straight structure mounted underneath and wood top which folds in a zig-zag pattern. The stringers are hidden inside the under mount structure, which is typically painted the same color as the surrounding wall to accentuate its zig-zag design.

Advantages of Waterfall Staircases:

·    Self-contained staircase for a cleaner look.

·    Able to use open or closed rise stairs.

Floating Stairs

These self-supporting stairs are designed to appear lighter and floating. With an open floor plan design, floating staircases can allow light to flood through your rooms or basement while at the same time providing a captivating eye catching centerpiece. Your guests will be in awe when they see an exquisite staircase with levitating stairs, supported only by thin glass or nothing at all. These stairs typically have hidden attachments or structural glass to appear as though they are floating.

Advantages of Floating Staircases:

·    Sleek and visually stunning

·    Conserve space

Curved Stairs

Curved stairs add sophistication and elegance to your home. They are usually positioned in the entryway to make a great first impression. Curved stairs, are similar to spiral stairs in that they are helical, but do not make a full circle and use a larger radius.

Advantages of Curved Staircases:

·    They are traditional and elegant, but this design can be easily adapted to contemporary designs.

·    Curved staircases are rather easy to walk up and down on.

Disadvantages of Curved Staircases:

·    The most difficult and costliest kind of stairs to build. Curved stairs are often considered a significant achievement for any stair builder.

Spiral Stairs

Spiral stairs are frequently confused with curved stairs. While both kinds follow an arc, spiral stairs are more compact with the stairs radiating around a center pole.

Advantages of Spiral Staircases:

·    The main advantage of spiral stairs is that they take up very little space. They are popular for use on city lofts and beach front decks to conserve premium property.

·    Spiral stairs can be esthetically pleasing with many different versions of railings and styles available.The installation is generally easier since the center pole provides the structural support for the staircase.

Disadvantages of Spiral Staircases:

·    These stairs are more challenging to traverse than other types. There are many local building codes that don’t permit them to be the primary access to the second floor of a building.

·    Difficult to carry large items up these stairs.

·    The design permits only one person to go up or down at any time.