The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Stairs

Stairs are a necessary element of any building with many levels. Stairs are a quick and painless method to progress from one level to the next. However, while planning a new construction or renovation project, it’s critical to think about the sort of staircase that will be utilized.

To best match the space, purpose, and aesthetic of your project, staircases may be constructed in an almost limitless combination of different forms and kinds. Stair architecture comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and takes up varying amounts of area. Some stair styles are more frequent in residential contexts, while others are more common in commercial and industrial environments.

The components of a staircase might also differ based on the function or aesthetic. Here are some of the latest staircase designs ideas with advantagesand disadvantages as well:

Straight stairs

This is simply a single flight of steps that connects two floors. It is the simplest to build and the most frequent form of staircase seen in homes. This staircase style often leaves a lot of room beneath it, which may be utilized for a number of purposes, such as a pantry or a tiny water closet.

Pros:

• Because of the simpler building procedures, the straight flight staircase is significantly easier to construct than the other stairs.
• A straight staircase’s simplicity may be highly appealing. Feel free to experiment with materials, treads, risers, and balustrades to build a basic yet attractive design.
• Straight staircases provide an unobstructed view of the other end of the staircase. With no sight obstacles, the stairwell is slightly safer.
• With easy and quick construction procedures, this is without a doubt the easiest staircase to build.

Cons:

• A continuous sequence of stairs leads to the top of the level on the straight flight stair. Due to the lack of a landing, however, this might make climbing exhausting.
• Because of the huge number of stairs, straight flight staircases have been known to cause the most accidents. It’s possible that slipping on one may send you crashing down the entire level.
• While these stairs give excellent visual connection between floors, they also compromise privacy. These stairwells aren’t ideal for separating two floors based on activity, with one demanding greater seclusion than the other.

Cantilever stairs

The stair treads on cantilever stairs appear to be floating in the air with no support. The stair stringer can be concealed or visible and will be linked to one end of the treads. Cantilever staircases give any area a sense of depth and openness.

Pros:

• Compared to other forms of stairs, cantilever stairs offer greater visual appeal and are more distinctive. 
• The stringer is usually placed to one side or concealed in the wall, allowing for additional headroom.
• Cantilever staircases give the space a more open and expansive feel.

Cons:

• To support the cantilever stairs, the structure’s design must be taken into account.
• Tread supports must be able to hold the weight as well as possible torque.
• Because of the additional structural requirements, cantilever stairs are more expensive than standard mono-stringer steps.

Staircase with Geometrical Shapes (Spiral, Elliptical or Open-Well Circular)

The term “geometrical staircase” refers to stairs with treads that taper in the plan. Helical (spiral) stairs, open well circular staircases, or even elliptical staircases are all possibilities.

Pros:

• These stairs take up less space than traditional staircases. The more gradual the ascent, the more space it takes up, although it takes up far less area than, for instance, a straight flight or an open-well staircase.
• These stairwells give the area they’re in a sculptural feel. When properly installed, these staircases may become the focal point of a room.

Cons:

• These types of stairs are best avoided if you want a comfortable climb. The constant change of direction and tapering treads are difficult to manoeuvre.
• Spiral staircases may be expensive to build and maintain due to their unique and complicated design. If you’re on a limited budget, avoid these stairwells.
• Constructing these stairs may be difficult due to their geometrical patterns, making them time-consuming and prone to errors.

Split staircases

Split Stairs, also known as bifurcated steps, consisting of a broad series of stairs that begin at the bottom and finish at a landing halfway up the flight. At the landing, the stairwell divides into two narrower sets of steps that travel in opposing directions.

Pros:

• Split stairs make one staircase work as two by heading up to various portions of the structure, making either end of the top-level accessible.
• They provide the structure a striking architectural design statement.
• As a Grand Entry, it’s usually seen in big houses or commercial structures. They are suited for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cons:

• Split stairwells need a substantial amount of room. This space need will have to be factored into the building’s design.
• Split stairwells are more costly than most other types of stairwells.

L shaped Staircases

The L-shaped staircase deviates from straight stairs by having a bending point after a few steps. It’s also known as a quarter landing stairway since it forms a 90-degree angle between quarter steps, depending on the building’s infrastructure.

Pros:

• The visual representation of these l-shaped staircases is fascinating.
• Because these stairs are built within the walls, they serve to reduce sound transmission from one level to the next.
• When compared to a straight staircase, these steps are safer in the event of a fall down the stairs with the turning point.
• There is a rest spot on these steps, which is beneficial to elderly persons.
• These stairs may also be built in the corner, depending on your interior design.

Cons:

• The design of the railings and handrails might be complex or time-consuming at times.
• These stairwells require support for the upstairs hallway. It is difficult to transport goods from one level to another in a house or workplace with two or more stories. 

Architectural Ladders

Ladders, like steps, can be used to gain access to a higher level. On the other hand, building codes prohibit ladders from being used as the principal means of entry.

Pros:

• Because of their basic design, they are highly cost-effective.
• Ladders with wheels or that fold up can be used to move them out of the way or to limit access when not in use.
• They can be utilized to reach shelves that might otherwise be too high to reach.

Cons:

• Ladders are harder to manage than steps, particularly while descending.
• Ladders are not suitable for use as major stairwells.

Staircases may be a beautiful aesthetic feature as well as one of the most used sections of a home. So, before you choose the different types of staircase designs, remember to give your staircase design plenty of attention and time.