From Here to There: Staircases Add Function And Style To Colonial House Plans
One of the most accentuating features of a multilevel home is the staircase. After all, it serves as an everyday function to get to and from the kids room upstairs or the relaxing family room hideaway downstairs. It can illuminate colonial house plans with grand staircases and wrought iron metal railings accenting the features of a grand ballroom, or take on a more simple design with wood railings and a straight, steep rising. Staircases are also a place where shoes and jackets find a resting place until they are properly put away. But most of all, they are an extremely functional element essential to the home’s interior design.
Staircases take on many forms with various shapes, sizes and designs that can be applied to make the staircase a truly functional and perfect fit in a home’s space. They can be straight, circular, simple or grand, but ultimately the layout depends upon the function. Before running out to the find the perfect staircase, you should first answer a few questions:
1. How much traffic will your staircase be receiving? Will there be multiple staircases exposed to different amounts of traffic?
2. Who will be using those staircases? Do they require broader steps or specific handrails?
3. How are the rooms nearby being used? Does the stairwell reach up into a room or does it meet a landing? How will this affect the staircase traffic and presentation?
It is also important to be familiar with some terms that will be used when selecting the ideal staircase for your home:
• Tread – the part of the step that is stepped upon
• Riser – vertical portion between steps
• Nosing – the edge of the tread that slightly overhands the riser beneath it
• Stringers – the beams on either side that support the stairs as the treads rest in notches
• Balustrade – the system of banisters and guards (balusters) that add to the safety and décor of a staircase
Most staircases utilize these fundamental parts, though some are optional depending on design; for example, some staircases have open risers (no risers) or may only have one stringer. After becoming more familiar with the parts and the role your staircase will undertake, you will be able to find the perfect one that fits and complements your home:
• Straight – One run from lower level to the upper level. Unless it takes on a steep slope, it can consume a lot of space.
• Return Stair – The staircase divides the run, reversing the direction of the steps 180 degrees at a landing. This is typical of many schools and public buildings.
• “L” Stair – This make a 90-degree (right angle) turn at a landing, creating an “L” if seen from above.
• Winder – Almost like an “L” stair, the winder turns the stairwell 90 degrees but does not utilize a landing. This takes up less space but also compromises safety as the treads located at the turn become wedge shaped and the length narrows on the inside of the curve. When using a winder staircase, one must be careful to step on the tread where it is wider to avoid slipping.
• Circular Stair – The staircase sweeps in a broad curve from one level to the next. All treads remain the same length.
• Spiral Stair – This staircase spirals up and around with or without utilizing a center pole. It is a great design for limited floor space and grand statements – perfect for colonial home plans.
It is important to abide by local building codes when installing a staircase in your dream house plan. Search for advice from a few professionals, and acquire as much information as you can about your options. After the initial shape has been decided, you will also need to discuss if you would like solid wood staircases or overlaid carpeting or runners. This information will ensure quality craftsmanship and installation, producing a grand staircase for owners of colonial house plans or a more simple design for smaller home plans.
Leave a Comment