What is staircase and its types?

A staircase consists basically of a series of steps, which in turn consist of a tread (the
horizontal part, where the foot will rest) and a riser (the vertical part). Although it can
vary in its design, Good staircase designs are vital for multistory buildings; especially
low-rise ones where they could actually be used alternately with or instead of elevators.
Staircases may not merely be a means of vertical circulation but also an elegant
decorative installation for houses, hotels, shops, libraries, etc. So, what are the different
forms of staircase designs that you can fit in your home or shop or any other facility?

What are different types of stairs?

Here are 8 different types of stairs Let’s review them one by one.

1. Straight Stairs

Straight staircase, Steel-Wood – Courtesy of Made-in-China

Straight stairs are the easiest and most basic to design. They do not need further
support besides the floor’s support, upstairs and downstairs. However, they require
sufficient linear space where they can be placed, and that space could get even longer
if a landing is to be added. A landing halfway through would be necessary if the height
of the floors exceeds 12 feet (3.6m).
2. L-Shaped Stairs

L-Shaped staircase, Steel- Courtesy of The Staircase People

If you rotate the upper portion of your straight stairs, beyond the landing, by 90
degrees, you will get an L-shaped staircase. This type is a bit more complicated though
than straight stairs. For instance, the landing is necessary and it requires extra support,
usually set in the side walls.

L-shaped stairs could be more visually attractive. They are, also, safer than straight
stairs, thanks to the landing which gives a brief break to the ascendants and reduces
the harm of accidental tripping. As to where you can place them, corners would be
best. L-Shaped stairs with the landing not exactly midway but closer to the top or
bottom floor are called long L-stairs.

3. Winder Stairs
 Winder Stairs, Courtesy of stairs-siller

These are L-Shaped stairs with a twist. Instead of the landing, they have 2-3 “winder”
stairs, linking the upper and lower flights. Winder stairs are broader on one side than
the other, and their main purpose is to save space. They can are usually triangular or
kite-shaped.

Winders give L-shaped stairs a more pleasing impression by gradually and

spontaneously linking the upper and lower flights. However, the extra detail makes
them more tricky to design and harder to navigate.
4. U-Shaped Stairs

Courtesy of Houzz

Also known as the half-turn staircase, the U-shaped staircase comprises two parallel
flights with a landing in between. It is the most commonly used design in office
buildings, apartment buildings, public facilities, etc.

If the 180-degree landing is replaced by an extra flight of stairs and two 90-degree
landings, the U-shaped stairs become quarter landing or double L-shaped stairs
instead. U-shaped stairs can be easily placed in an architectural plan; however, they
require more support than straight stairs.

5. Spiral Stairs

Spiral staircase, Metal- Courtesy of Made-in-China

The steps, in this type, are wedge-shaped and they follow the form of a helix. They
revolve around a central pole, and when viewed from the top, they seem like a
complete circle, where the treads are the sectors of this circle.
Spiral stairs are compact, so they can be used when space is not much on hand. They
can, also, be used for light structures, like beach houses and tree houses. They can be
pretty attractive in look, and they do not require much support, only the central pole
and the landing.

Spiral staircase, Courtesy of kit stair systems

However, spiral stairs are not the safest choice here. The shape and distribution of the
steps make it easy to trip on them. That is why they cannot be used as primary
staircases, and they cannot also be ascended or descended with heavy objects.
6. Curved Stairs

Georgian Rebirth Staircase, Courtesy of Nathan Kirkman

This type is repeatedly mixed up with spiral stairs, and like spiral stairs, it follows a
helical path, but one with a much bigger radius. So, the steps do not eventually form a
complete circle but rather an arc of this circle.

Curved stairs can be quite graceful in look, and that is why they are often used to make
an impression, at mansions or hotels. They are much easier to use than spiral stairs,
particularly if the radius is large, but on the other hand, they are more difficult to build.
Among all the seven types reviewed here, they can be the trickiest.

7. Bifurcated Stairs
 Alabama Governor’s Mansion Staircase Via Carol M. Highsmith

These grand stairs can be used to imply luxury and grace, and so they can be
commonly found in grand mansions, palaces, or sometimes cruise ships. However, they
also have their practical purposes and contemporary finishing.

Bifurcated stairs are composed of one broad flight of steps that reaches a landing, and
then splits into two smaller ones that go in separate directions.

8. Ladder Stairs
 Ladder Staircase, Courtesy of Acadia Stairs

A ladder is a piece of equipment that has a series of steps (also called rungs) between
two upright lengths of wood or metal. It needs to be leaned against a wall or other flat
surface for support in order to use it. A ladder is portable which means it can be moved
from one place to another location.