Different Types of Stairs: A Complete Guide

different types of staircase
Apr 29, 2022

A fundamental point of any building is its detail and design. The overall structure of your house is determined by the details of each and everything in it.  

The staircase is one of the most necessary components of any home with multiple floors. The primary purpose of the staircase is to provide access for the people to move from one floor to the other one without any difficulties. 

In terms of architecture, stairs are one of the vital transition components. Staircases are one of the oldest and most important aspects of the architecture of the buildings. As mentioned, staircases have been a significant aspect in every era of human history.

Talking about the history of the staircase, it has evolved and been changed all along till the modern era we are living in. There have been various designs, and types of the staircase invented all this time. 

So, here are a few designs or types of staircases you can choose from.

Types of Stairs

There have been various types of the staircase that have evolved from the ancient era to the modern era. So, let’s start talking about the staircases from the ancient era to now.

1. Ladders

Ladders are one of the oldest historical types of the staircase from the ancient era. Ladders have been used as a climbing tool for various purposes in the home, in the construction areas, and so on since an early age.

Advantages of Ladders 

  • Ladders are very versatile and very easy to carry.
  • It is very efficient and effective to use. 
  • They are really cost-efficient solutions and are more practical.
  • Ladders are handy for various things or multipurpose.
  • It is one of the best alternatives for the staircase and is one of the excellent climbing tools.

Disadvantages of Ladders 

  • Being a handy tool, it can also be a safety hazard.
  • Almunium and steel ladders can conduct electricity.
  • Ladders can’t be used as the primary staircase.
  • It is not appropriate for use for children or older adults.

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2. Straight stairs 

A straight staircase is one of the most common types of staircase design used. These kinds of the staircase have straight-line stairs without changing any directions. It is one of the most commonly used staircase designs in both residential and commercial areas.

Advantages of Straight stairs

  • Straight stairs are really easy to use and also typically easy to build.
  • Not any kind of support is needed as it goes straight and only needs to get connected from top to bottom.
  • It is really flexible and safer than the other types of staircase designs.
  • They are really suitable and work well with every type of interior and exterior household design.

Disadvantages of Straight stairs

  • Straight stairs can occupy a lot of space.
  • Straight stairs don’t provide you any privacy as they have no visual barriers.
  • This type of staircase can be hazardous sometimes, as you can fall from the top.
  • It doesn’t have any partition between the different steps.

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3. Winder Stairs 

Winder stairs are similar to the L shapes staircase designs. It is one variation of the L-shaped stairs with triangular or pie-shaped stairs instead of the flat ones. The winder staircase designs are used most commonly in offices or old houses.

Advantages of Winder Stairs 

  • Winder staircases occupy a small space compared to the other types of staircases.
  • It is mainly used in houses or offices as the secondary staircase.
  • Winder stairs are attractive and eye appealing.
  • Winder stair creates a visually seamless transition.

Disadvantages of Winder Stairs 

  • Winder stairs are continuous in the different landing steps and have no landing steps.
  • Winder staircases are complicated to construct in comparison to the L-shaped stairs.

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4. L-shaped Stairs

L-shaped stairs are the type of stair design almost similar to the straight stairs but with a bending point after a few steps. L-shaped stairs are the quarter landing stairway, forming a 90-degree angle between the quarter steps.

Advantages of L-shaped stairs 

  • L-shape stairs offer privacy by having two points between the floors.
  • Visualization of these types of stairs is fascinating. 
  • L-shaped stairs offer some safety and comfort for children and older people.
  • It can be suitable for any small corner according to your preference in design.

Disadvantages of L-shaped stairs  

  • Making the handrail or railings for L-shaped stairs can be time-consuming.
  • As for some interior designs or the basements, they might not be suitable. There can be some difficulties in moving in and out the large items.
  • L-shape stairs might have more difficulties during construction than straight stairs.

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5. U- shaped stairs

U-shaped stairs, also known as the Half turn stairs, are among the different types of staircases. The type of staircase makes the 90-degree angle within the half-turn steps in the parallel position. It consists of the large turning point between the steps.

Advantages of U-shaped stairs

  • U-shaped stairs fit perfectly in the architectural designs.
  • Such a type of staircase design offers an eye-appealing visual or appearance.
  • It offers a resting point in between the steps.
  • The U- shaped stairs also add privacy points.

Disadvantages of U-shaped stairs

  • U-shaped stairs are somehow complicated to build compared to the other types of stairs.
  • It takes a lot of time, effort, and the help of the architecture while it’s installation.
  • It can occupy a lot of space and isn’t preferred in the case of small spaces.

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6. Spiral stairs

Spiral stairs are the type of staircase design that the people mostly prefer for big houses, pubs, and restaurants. It complies with a helical arc and consists of that one central point through which all the steps adjoint in an upward direction. It gives a centric viewpoint from the above part. 

Advantages of Spiral stairs

  • Spiral stairs are suitable for any small corner of your commercial and residential area.
  • Various kinds of handrailings can be used to make it look even more attractive.
  • The installation process is easy and direct.
  • The central point or the pole is enough for the structural support.

Disadvantages of Spiral stairs

  • These stairs are much more challenging to navigate than any other staircase design.
  • It can create difficulties to move a mass of people downward and upward together.
  • There might be safety hazards while moving any heavy items.

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7. Curved stairs

Curved stairs are the type of stairs which are mostly preferred at the entrance of any premises. Curved stairs follow the helical arc just like the spiral stairs. This type of staircase design doesn’t make a full circle and has a much radius. 

Advantages of the Curved stairs 

  • It is a lot easier to navigate than the spiral designs.
  • Curved steps in it make it easy to move up and down.
  • Curve stairs have exciting and great visuals.

Disadvantages of the Curved stairs

  • The construction process of this type of stair can be challenging and time-consuming.
  • It can be costly to construct compared to the other type of staircase designs.
  • Large items can be tough to move from this type of stairs.

Thank you for reading till the end. I hope the article was valuable and helped you find the perfect staircase design for your space. You can contact any architect or builders near you for more information.