Alongside providing access to the different floors of a house or building, staircases are a distinctive architectural feature for any home design.
Whether you’re looking for a central feature piece or a practical design for accessing a loft or basement, it is important that you choose a staircase for your space carefully, considering the following factors…
Space
Staircases can influence the ambience, flow and spatial dynamics of your home, so the first thing to consider when choosing a staircase is how much space you have at your disposal. If you are limited on space, a straight, L-shape or even spiral staircase may work for you as these designs are known to take up less space. If you’ve got a bigger surface area to work with, you can opt for larger and more decorative staircases, like a U-shape, curved or even helical design.
Depending on what style of staircase you choose and how tight you are on space, it may be a good idea to think about including additional storage in your staircase design. Cupboards and shelving can easily be added under the stairs to make the most of valuable space that would otherwise go unused – perfect for if you have shoes, coats or children’s toys that you can never find room for!
Style
Once you have decided on the shape of the staircase that best suits your space, it is time to consider which style and materials will fit best into your home’s overall architecture and aesthetic.
For those with a traditional style home, you may want to get a wooden staircase or at least one with wooden accents that will complement the style of your house. If you’re looking to create a more modern feel to your space, try combining timber steps with metal handrails or vice versa for a modern Scandinavian style design.
If your staircase will be outside, you should also consider each material’s durability and corrosion resistance carefully. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of pounds on a staircase that will rust within weeks!
Functionality is also crucial. A well-designed staircase should facilitate a smooth people flow where people can navigate your space safely and easily, no matter how much foot traffic there is. If your staircase is in an area of heavy foot traffic, you should opt for a durable material like hardwood or timber that will be able to withstand heavy use. The bonus of these materials is that they are also easy to maintain and clean and can be customised or stained to the perfect shade for your home!
Safety
It is crucial that whoever fits your staircase is continually referring to the current building regulations and requirements to ensure the utmost safety for you and your family. It is also always advisable to contact your local building inspector yourself to discuss your requirements before you commit to any staircase purchase or fitting.
When designing your staircase, you should also take into consideration whether children or elderly people will have access to it. It is advisable that if you do have children or elderly people using your staircase, you should choose stairs with landing plates, handrails and non-slip surfaces for their safety where possible.
Budget
How much money you have to spend will affect the materials available to you alongside what size, style and shape of staircase you can get. For more complex designs, installation costs will also be higher, so if you are looking for a cheaper design, you will want to opt for a simple straight flight over a spiral or curved style.
The best way to start your staircase search is by finding out what type of staircases and materials you like and getting a quote. You will then soon find out whether the budget you have allocated to your staircase is sufficient for the type of stairs you have in mind.
When it comes to choosing the best staircase for your space, you have to make sure that you have considered every single detail before finalising your decision. Replacing a staircase is no easy feat and any late changes to your design could cause your prices to spiral. Planning your staircase carefully to fit your space, style, safety requirements and budget is the best way to choose the perfect staircase for you and your family.
