Choosing The Most Suitable Staircase For Your Home

Whether you are remodeling your existing home or building a custom home, you may be considering what type of staircase is most suitable for your space. A staircase serves the functional purpose of allowing residents and guests to easily travel between upper and lower levels. However, a staircase is a large feature, and its overall style can enhance or even set the tone for the home. Several factors should be considered when determining which staircase to install.

Space Available

One of the most important considerations to factor in to your decision is the availability of space in your house. Staircases can take on any number of styles and shapes, including spiral, circular, L-shaped, U-shaped and straight. A straight staircase and spiral staircases are best suited for smaller floor plans where space is limited. U-shaped, L-shaped and circular staircase can create a grand, sophisticated look in your home, but they also require a significant amount of square footage and open space.

Ease of Use

While space should be a primary consideration when selecting the style of staircase to install in your home, ease of use should be a secondary consideration. This is especially true in homes where the elderly, children or others who may have difficulty navigating stairs live. A straight staircase and a spiral staircase may be the most difficult to navigate, as they generally have a steeper incline. Circular, L-shaped, and return staircases may be easier and safer to navigate. Any style of staircase can be made easier to use with longer and wider steps.

Style

A homeowner may be able to reduce the number of styles being considered based on functional considerations such as the availability of space and ease of use. The overall style conveyed by the staircase should be a final consideration. Circular and U-shaped staircases are beautiful choices for sophisticated, elegant homes. These sweeping styles may be inviting as well as impressive. A straight staircase, a return staircase and an L-shaped staircase are well-suited for traditional homes or those with a conventional floor plan. While the shape of the staircase can establish or enhance the style of a home, the railing and the width of the stairs can add further style and flair to this home feature.

It can be difficult to determine which staircase shape is most suitable for your existing home or a custom home you are building. These tips can help you make a more informed decision, and you may also seek the professional advice of a home contractor or design professional for customized advice for your home.

image via LoftStairz

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