The Most Energy-Consuming Part of Renovation: Staircase Design and Material Selection

Designing the staircase and choosing the materials for it are some of the most energy-consuming tasks in home renovation. The challenge is to achieve the perfect design within limited space and budget. This process really does require a lot of brainpower. I imagine friends with duplex apartments, penthouses, and villas also encounter the same dilemma, so this issue of Indeco will share our complete guide to staircase design.

1. Types of Staircases

Straight Stairs (also known as single-run stairs)
This is the simplest type of staircase, where the staircase rises in a straight line, simple and neat, occupying minimal space. If designed well, the space beneath can be used for storage. However, it can appear monotonous, lacking variation, and the shape may not be very attractive. It is often used for outdoor stairs or narrow plots of land.

Turned Stairs (also known as double-run stairs)
A more common staircase form, where two single-run staircases are connected by a landing in the middle. It is comfortable to walk on and saves space, but the area at the bottom of the stairs is often difficult to utilize.

U-Shaped Stairs (also known as three-run stairs)
Shaped like a U, with two turns creating landing areas in the middle, this staircase provides a stronger visual sense of layers. The central area of the staircase well can be hollow, allowing for the installation of large chandeliers or decorative elements. In addition, the space below the stairs, except for the bottom stair, can be used for other purposes. However, it occupies more space, and the middle section may not receive enough natural light, leading to a lack of safety perception due to the large central opening.

L-Shaped Stairs (also known as corner stairs)
The staircase forms an L shape, with a resting platform at the turning point. It’s comfortable to walk on, and the space under the stairs can be used for storage cabinets. However, it occupies quite a bit of the living room space.

In addition, there are spiral stairs, Y-shaped stairs, circular stairs, etc., but these are less common. The spiral staircase, in particular, is often associated with the classic image of a female protagonist descending the stairs in old movies.

For home use, spiral staircases depend on the available space, and the beautiful curvature is key. The larger the round staircase well in the middle, the more artistic the atmosphere becomes, creating a more classical and elegant look. However, if the staircase well is too small, it will occupy less area, which is why many apartments and lofts use it. But for homes with elderly or children, it may not be the safest option.

Other uncommon staircase types include fan-shaped stairs, triangular three-run stairs, arc-shaped stairs, and more, but they are mostly used in industrial or commercial settings.

2.Staircase Dimensions & Number of Steps
Staircase dimensions are a highly discussed topic. The length and height are critical as they directly impact safety and comfort when moving up or down.

• Width of each step: For single-person passage, the width of a single-run staircase should generally not be less than 80 cm; anything wider than 100 cm is more comfortable to walk on.
• Step width: 26-30 cm. If the step width is too small, the support force is insufficient, which can cause slipping.
• Step height: 15-20 cm. If the step height is too low, it will cause tripping, and if it is too high, climbing will be difficult.

Given the available space and step dimensions, the number of steps can be calculated.

For example, for a double-run staircase with 17 steps, split into two sections of 8 and 9 steps, with a 230 cm long and 130 cm wide landing in the middle: with each step being 17.5 cm high, 26 cm wide, and 110 cm long, the total staircase length is 4.68 meters, with a total width of 2.3 meters, and the total height of 17 steps is 2.98 meters.

If the floor height is too high and the staircase space is large enough, a three-run staircase can be adopted, which is the most comfortable. The central staircase well can also be used to install an elevator, making it easier for elderly people and children to go up and down.

3.Staircase Materials

Steel-Wood Structure
A cost-effective option with a steel frame and wood on top. However, the downside is that it can be noisy and unstable.

Pure Steel Stairs
The surface of the steel plate is coated, then covered with wood or stone. It is more expensive than the steel-wood option, but it provides better stability. The noise problem has not been fully solved, and the construction time is also shorter.

Cement Casting
This is the most stable option with almost no noise. However, cement takes time to dry, so if there’s no rush to finish the project, this might be the best choice.

4.Staircase Handrails

Stainless Steel Handrails
A great option for those on a budget. It’s safe, durable, easy to clean, and stable. However, the design tends to be simple and may not look sophisticated in home decor.

Aluminum Alloy Handrails
The cost is higher than stainless steel, but it’s lightweight, long-lasting, easy to install, and comes in many styles. However, it’s not as stable and may wobble over time.

Brick Cement Handrails
Cement-based handrails are inexpensive, visually appealing, and simple to make, but they can get dirty over time. They also provide a feeling of safety with their solid walls.

Wooden Plasterboard Handrails
These are thinner than other types of handrails and are very affordable. A steel skeleton is used for reinforcement, and the exterior is finished with plasterboard, making it stable enough.

Solid Wood Handrails
Solid wood is durable, provides a warm touch, and is very comfortable to hold. However, it can be expensive, and prices vary greatly depending on the type of wood used.

Steel Plate Handrails
These are durable, space-saving, and look visually appealing, but the cost is relatively high.

Tempered Glass Handrails
Transparent, they don’t block light, making spaces appear larger. They are easy to match with various decor styles and are cost-effective, but glass can leave fingerprints, and cleaning them is time-consuming. There’s also a risk of spontaneous breakage, and the seals at the edges need to be of high quality to prevent discoloration over time.

5.Types of staircase tiling

• Porcelain Slabs vs. Marble:
  Marble has natural veins, making each slab unique, but it’s softer and more prone to damage than porcelain. Porcelain slabs, on the other hand, mimic natural stone but are more durable, resistant to scratches, and easier to maintain. The cost of porcelain slabs is typically lower, but installation can be expensive.

• Engineered Stone:
  Available in a variety of colors and designs, engineered stone is affordable compared to marble but may not be as durable, with a tendency to crack over time.

• Wooden Stairs:
  Wood provides a great visual appeal and a unique tactile warmth, making it ideal for homes with children and elderly people. However, it can be a bit pricier and requires maintenance to avoid creaking noises.

• Ceramic Tile Stairs:
  Ceramic tiles are the most affordable, low-maintenance option. They come in many designs and are slip-resistant, but they can become slippery when wet. If installed incorrectly, the tiles may crack or peel off.

• Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) Flooring:
  A cost-effective alternative, SPC flooring offers a variety of patterns but doesn’t have the same tactile sensation as real wood. It is more resistant to dirt but is less durable than wood or laminate.

6.Staircase Skirting
The materials for skirting typically include ceramic tiles, wood, or metal. The most traditional method for tiling involves cutting tiles at an angle, which requires skilled labor but results in a seamless look. Alternatively, straight-edged skirting can be used for a simpler effect.

If you want a simpler visual effect, you can skip the skirting and use adhesive to seal the edges. If you're worried about the walls getting dirty, you can apply a clear finish to match the skirting height.

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