Different types of stairs,
The basic aspect found in accessible buildings comes in different types of staircase designs and tastes.
Some are a sight to behold, others are as basic as their sole use, and are designed to fill a large vertical space by dividing it into smaller vertical spaces known as steps.
In ancient days, ladders were made for several reasons, some of which were to protect the community from attacks and as a form of burglar alarm.
Also, the unexpected change of straight flight stairs from a burglar alarm would fool thieves and make them stumble in the dark to alert the guards.
Others were used in sacred rituals such as Mount Girnar in India, while others were a symbol of royalty.
Architects have coined the art of creating masterpieces by transforming dull homes into lively homes, offices and museums.
The individual’s taste, space, and financial resources are the determining factors for the types of stairs he wants.
Straight stairs
Literally, like its name, it has no bends, as it qualifies for a linear flight without a change in direction.
Straight stairs are the most common and affordable type of stairs. The design does not need any support, all it needs is an extension at the bottom and top.
The added advantage of this design is that the railings and handrails are easy to install, they are easy to move and they are friendly to young children and the elderly due to their non-steep nature.
Its simple appearance makes it suitable for simple designs.
Straight stairs with central landing
A room with a high ceiling or one with more than 16 stairs requires a 12-foot staircase with a special landing.
Its disadvantage is that it requires more space and therefore can be applied in commercial buildings compared to private buildings.
L-shaped ladder
An L-shaped staircase is basically a straight staircase with a turn or curvature, which can be either in the middle of one end close to the other.
The bend is usually 90 degrees, although it is not fixed at 90 degrees. It is also known as a quarter turn staircase as its landing is either closer to the top or to the bottom.
The L-shaped staircase uses less space and is easier to navigate due to its wider landing, as it is visually attractive and provides privacy due to the breakout barrier.
It is also safer because the central landing reduces the number of treads one can fall over.
U-shaped ladder
A U-shaped staircase is two parallel flights of stairs connected by a 180-degree landing.
Also known as zigzag or half-turn stairs, U-shaped stairs are easier to fit into an architectural plan,
The flat landing provides rest points when ascending, and is architecturally interesting.
They are the easiest to integrate into a small space and are more complex to build than other designs. The disadvantages of a U-shaped staircase are that it is complex to measure and build and requires additional support structures for the landing.
Spiral staircase
The design of the spiral staircase is centered around a column so that if one looks at it from an aerial view, it forms a perfect circle.
It’s a no-go zone for the clumsy, and it’s compact but difficult to navigate, so it’s perfect for small spaces like beach houses and city dwellings.
The middle column and platforms provide structural support for the stairs because they do not need additional support.
The disadvantage is that only one person at a time can move around because footing requires caution and the inside of each step is steep. It is also difficult to move items using a spiral staircase.