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Stairs ^_^

Introduction
A stairway is a series of steps with or without landings or platforms, which is installed between two or more floors of a building. Stairs provide easy access to various levels of the home. All styles of homes, except the ranch with no basement have stairs. Prime considerations in stair design should be easy ascent or descent and safety.

A house may have a main stairs) from the first floor to the second floor or from a split- level foyer to the first floor) and/or a service stairs. The main stairs are usually assembled with prefabricated parts and are much better quality than service stairs. They are generally made of hard woods such as oak,or maple. Service stairs are frequently constructed on location and are ordinarily made of pine.

According to it's construction, stairs are categorized as follows:


Brick Stairs:- Brick stairs used for external steps & stairs. Stone Stairs:- These are very expensive; and are rarely used. Concrete Stairs:- These are widely used in all types of buildings. These are strong, fire resistant and an can be made in a wide range of forms. Timber Stairs:- These are economical & lightweight. Commonly used in domestic buildings.

According to Usage :
Six general types of stairs are commonly used in residential construction. 1- straight long stairs 2- (L) stairs 3- Double (L) stairs 4-winder stairs 5- (U) stairs 6- Spiral stairs

General basics
Step : A step is a short horizontal surface for the foot to facilitate ascent from one level to another. Flight : A series of steps between floors of landings. Landing : A Platform between two flights. Stringer : An inclined member which if fixed to a wall may act as housing for the steps is called a stringer. Balustrade : A balustrade provides protection on the open sides of a stair. Rise : This is the vertical distance between the upper surface of two consecutive treads. Going : This is the horizontal distance between nosing of two consecutive.

To the calculate the right measurement of the slope : Slope = 2*(rise) + 1*going

Balustrade

3 flight width stairs

1- straight run stairs : The straight run stairs are the stairs used most in new home construction. Straight stairs, as the name implies, have no turns. These stairs are not as expensive to construct as other types of stairs.

You can also use the space under the stairs as shown

The L Stairs
The L stairs has one landing at some point along the flight of steps. If the landing is near the top or bottom of the stairs, the term Long L is used to describe the difference. L stairs are used when the space required for a straight run stairs is not available. They say stairs with landings are the safest..

Double L Stairs
Double L stairs require two 90 degree turns along the flight. They may be used when space is not available for either the straight or L stairs. Double L stairs are not frequently used in residential construction.

- Double L stairs

Winder Stairs
Winder stairs have pie-shaped steps which are substituted for a landing. This type is used when the space is not sufficient for the L stairs. If winder stairs are used, the width of the triangular steps should be sufficient at midpoint to provide a tread width equal to the regular steps. A winder serves like an "L" stair but requires less space (and is less safe to use)

U Stairs
U Stairs may be constructed may be either as wide U or narrow U stairs. Both have two flights of steps parallel to each other with a landing between. The difference between wide and narrow U stairs is the space between the two flights. Narrow U stairs have little or no space between the flights while U stairs have a well hole between.

Spiral/Circular Stairs
Spiral or circular stairs are gaining in popularity and the components are now manufactured by several companies. They may be used where little space is available. Most spiral stairs are made from steel and welded together, however, it is possible to construct them from wood. Spiral stairs, as a rule are not very safe since they generally have winder steps

A spiral stair twists around a center pole in one of two ways. The common spiral stair has a straight center pole with steps radiating out from it; a helix-style spiral has a curving center support that follows the sweeping twist of the stair. Spiral staircases are small and large objects do not go up them well at all. They can also be very difficult to climb. Sometimes they may simply be wanted more as a decoration that can be climbed for those that want to try climbing them. Obviously, it is best if a plan for wide stairs with low steps can be planned both for safety and comfort. However, this is not always an available option and it does not always fit the design style of the house

Helix Stairs

Stairs have come a long path since the beginning and it has come in many forms, shapes, and sizes..here are some examples of stairs that have been applied 2 design :

Somewhat an optical illusion

This design makes the stairs look light and flexible like a scrap of paper

This is a very old set of stairs from the villa savoye made in the 1930s..but because it has such a unique shape and design its deserved to be mentioned now.

Circular/curved stairs

Terraces

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