A staircase is an important part of a house. Its main function is to get into other places or different levels in the house. It works as a linking tool that enables you to traverse one floor to another, especially to those floors located at the upper levels. Aside from its practical use, it also provides an impressive style factor to the entire design of the home. There are many different types of staircases available out there yet you have to be careful when selecting the type of staircase to use, because not only is it challenging and costly to build one, it is also a waste of materials when you try to create one and end up realizing that it’s not the perfect fit for your needs and that of the rest of your family’s.
If you are still in the planning process for your own house, you may find these tips helpful in selecting the kind of staircase that will suit your house and lifestyle best.
Budget
A determining aspect that one needs to look into when selecting a staircase design is the budget. Setting a budget is important as various types of staircases are set at different price ranges. When you set a budget for this project, you will be able to narrow down your choices more quickly. In order to get a good idea of how much you may need to spend, it is best to window-shop at different home design or hardware stores in your area and consult for the costs.
Safety
One of the important factors to consider is the safety your staircase provides. Staircases with a landing are usually considered to be the safest. Although these types of staircases are oftentimes utilized in public places such as hotels, schools, and hospitals, they can be great for the home too – depending on the interior design and space of your house. Some homes don’t require staircases with landings especially when the space available is small or when the levels between the house aren’t that high.
Space
Consider the space in your house. Do you have a small space or do you have enough room to have a grand design? Choose a design that will not use up a lot of space especially if your house is little. You can also opt for a bigger and more attractive staircase if your place is bigger. Don’t compromise the area around your staircase to be tight, in case of emergencies, you don’t want your path to be hampered.
Lifestyle and Needs
As the homeowner, you and your family members are the people who will be mostly using the staircase every day. This means that your situation needs to be prioritized as well. For example, do you have a baby in the family? Or do you have a senior who lives with you? Do you have little kids too?
These things need to be taken into consideration as you would want to provide comfort for yourself and your family as well. You wouldn’t want to choose a staircase that only showcases a fabulous design yet fails to provide convenience for you and your family. When choosing a design, have a discussion with your family members first so you can best decide which design suits all of your needs.
Materials
There are many types of material that can be used for making staircases. You can opt for wood, stone, metal, or even glass. Modern homes often use metal or glass, while conventional homes go for wood or stone. Whichever it is you choose, see to it that the materials fit the overall interior design or theme of your home. Also, consider the durability of the materials – you wouldn’t want to spend a huge amount of money only to then find out that the materials used wouldn’t last long.
Staircase Design
Apart from the materials, you can also choose from different staircase designs. There are various designs to choose from – straight, spiral, or half-turned. The design you choose should depend on the home area and the interior design of your home. A spiral staircase can be used to save a lot of space but is sometimes harder for older adults.
Building Codes and Regulations
You have to abide by the building codes and regulations that have been set for your area. There may be regulations pertaining to the height and depth of your stairs. Before finalizing your staircase, make sure to look into these codes. This plays an important role in ensuring your safety and to avoid any problems.
Handrails and Balustrades
You may also need to consider some factors in designing a staircase with handrails and balustrades. See to it that these are sturdy and durable enough to carry tons of weight. It also needs to go along with the home’s design.
There are different staircase designs you can select from but it is not just about the design that is essential, you also have to take into consideration functionality and safety. We do wish that you will be able to get the right staircase design for your house. If you are looking for contractors to help you build your staircase, remember we are always here to help!