Calculation of a wooden staircase to the second floor: we carry out calculations using online calculators. Stair openings in the ceiling, features of their calculation and design Floor slabs staircase 2nd floor

The staircase opening is a kind of window in the interfloor ceilings. From this review you will learn about the types of openings for stairs, the features of their calculation and design.

4 types of openings for stairs

For comfortable, safe movement, it is necessary to select the optimal parameters of the staircase opening.

The design of the skylight that completes the rise can be very different. It depends on the configuration of the staircase and design decisions. Ceiling openings are classified according to their shape as follows:

1. Rectangular. The photo shows the standard option; it is most often chosen by owners of private houses. Design and execution in this case are the least complicated. The length of the opening varies depending on the configuration and size of the flight of stairs. The ease of use of the staircase structure depends on the correctly selected parameters of the opening.
2. Semicircular. Suitable for both marching and screw ascents. Our range also includes stairs suitable for this opening:
   The spiral staircase "Prestige" is an ideal option for small openings. Our company offers this product at a price of 73,691 thousand rubles.
3. Non-standard. This definition includes all the variety of forms. Their implementation, as a rule, is caused not by the impossibility of using standard solutions, but by the creative flight of imagination of the designer. Creating an opening in the form of a trapezoid or polyhedron is not easy, but if the result is most important, then it’s worth considering this option.

   
   Creating an opening of a non-standard shape, as in 4 photos, is not easy and only a specialist can do it

Calculation of opening dimensions

Calculating the area for the construction of a staircase has its own characteristics. When performing it, the layout of the first and second floors is taken into account. The site for installing the stairs is determined in advance and the boundaries for the opening are outlined. You can learn a lot of useful information about calculating the staircase itself and the opening under it by watching this video:

If the staircase leads to the attic or to one room, then an opening 0.6-0.7 m wide is sufficient. When you need access to a hall that unites several rooms, then for convenient movement you need an opening width of at least 0.8 m.

Features of calculating the size of the opening in the ceiling are as follows:

1. First you need to design the staircase structure itself - determine the number of steps, slope, geometry.
   

   Here you can’t do without calculating the following parameters:

   • span heights;
   • width of the stairs;
   • length of the structure;
   • riser height;
   • tread depths.
2. Based on the height of the span and the size of the steps, it is determined which step will be at the level of the top floor. A special algorithm is used for this:
   • determine the distance between the floor and the ceiling, for which the thickness of the ceiling is subtracted from the interval between the floor of the first floor and the floor of the second;
   • the height of the steps is subtracted from the result one by one;
   • stop the action when the result is less than 2 m, this means that the number of steps taken away will fit under the ceiling, and the remainder will go beyond the opening.
3. If you plan to install a turning staircase, then the width of the opening is determined by the level of the winder turning steps, and the length is equal to the length of 2 flights. The hatch for a straight staircase will be large due to the lack of rotation. For a screw structure, the opening is equal to the circumference of the staircase.
   

   
   The straight staircase "Solo" from our company takes up a lot of space and is designed for large openings. Price 70.858 thousand rubles.

Arrangement of the staircase

The technology for constructing an opening for different types of floors differs in varying degrees of complexity.

It is best when the location of the stairs is already taken into account in the house design. Then the opening in the ceiling is left during the construction process, but it happens that you want to change the project or a decision is made to install the stairs in a completely different place, then everything has to be done in the already installed ceiling.

A successful resolution of the issue depends on the following 4 factors:

This video will help you decide on the parameters of the stairs:

Staircase opening in the wooden floor of a house in 4 steps

The easiest way is to make an opening in a wooden ceiling, although there are some nuances here too. If the distance between the supporting beams is sufficient for its installation, then no problems arise, but if there is not enough space, then the procedure is as follows:

1. Remove the floor and ceiling covering along the contour corresponding to the future opening.
2. Cut 1 or 2 beams in the place allocated for the opening, but no more, otherwise the ceiling will lose its load-bearing capacity.
3. Install paired beams, the same in size as the main ones. They are needed in order to attach 2 more to them to form an opening. To strengthen the structure, transverse bars are added, the cross-section of which is equal to the cross-section of the main beams.
4. All elements are connected to each other using a metal corner profile and self-tapping screws. If the opening is adjacent to a brick wall, then one side of the beam is attached to it.

Opening in a concrete slab

It is better to leave the opening for the stairs in the concrete floor during the construction of the house. In size it will correspond to a standard reinforced concrete slab.

The staircase usually occupies a smaller area, so after the opening is equipped, the remaining space is concreted. The technological process consists of 8 operations:

To make a metal frame invisible, it is mounted 2-3 cm higher relative to the lower edge of the slab. When pouring the solution into the formwork, it will flow under the profile and hide the frame. To prevent the cement from peeling off, short metal pins are welded to the lower part of the profile, and a plaster mesh is attached to them.

If, when designing a house, the issue of creating an opening for the stairs was overlooked, then you can do it yourself using a powerful grinder, hammer drill and other auxiliary tools. You just need to do it at the junction of the slabs, otherwise you will weaken the ceiling, and the consequences can be the most unpredictable.

You need to act according to the following scheme:

Since the floor slabs will have to support the weight of the stairs and the monolithic section, it is possible to make an opening using this method only for narrow stairs. It is unacceptable to create an opening under wide massive stairs using this method.

To obtain an excellent final result, accurate calculations and adherence to basic rules are necessary. An opening in the ceiling is an unsafe structure, so its construction should be approached with the utmost seriousness. If you have no experience, please contact us. Our professional team will help you with advice, if necessary, perform calculations, and select the optimal opening option for the staircase you like.

One of the elements that supports the entire load of the floor is the beam. The integrity and durability of the floor between floors will depend on how correctly its installation is carried out and the load-bearing capacity is calculated.

A beam made of wood remains popular when installing floors between floors. But they, just like any building material, are endowed with their own positive and negative qualities. Let's look at the characteristics.

The positive characteristics of wooden beams include the following:

1. Floor beams made of wood are easy to use. Easy and quick to install.
2. They have a relatively light weight, which entails a reduction in the overall load on the base of the building.
3. They have a lower cost compared to other materials.
4. Material for production is in sufficient quantity.
5. Can, if necessary, be quickly replaced.
6. Well suited for the construction of small private houses and cottages that have small spans.
7. Wood is an environmentally friendly material.

The disadvantages of this building product include the following:

1. They require treatment with special liquids that have fire-fighting characteristics and prevent the material from rotting.
2. They have a limited load.
3. The inability to install them in rooms with large spans.

Requirements for floors made of wooden beams

When installing wooden beams, a number of requirements must be met. Violation or failure to comply with these requirements may lead to negative consequences. The requirements specify that:

• It is prohibited to use deciduous trees to make beams. Production should be carried out only from coniferous trees. Such wood has a significant margin of safety;
• the wood from which the beams are to be made must have a moisture content of no more than 14 percent. If the specified value is exceeded, the beam span may have a significant deflection;
• the wood must be cleared of bark, treated with a fire-resistant liquid, a solution against pests and fungal diseases. It is prohibited to use wood material that has diseases or defects;
• Before making beams, it is necessary to provide for a construction lift. During operation, it will level out, the floor and ceiling will remain level;
• The alignment of the beams must be carried out by installing scraps of lumber soaked in resin under their ends. It is not recommended to trim the ends of structures;
• In addition to rectangular beams with a calculated cross-section, you can use a solid log. It must be hewn and have a certain diameter. It's much cheaper than using lumber. But such logs must be stored in a dry place for at least a year before installation.

Calculation of beams made of wood

When planning to install a wooden floor, you need to calculate the required number of beams and their dimensions.

To do this you need:

• know the distance between the walls on which they will be mounted;
• calculate the expected load on the beams after they are installed;
• Knowing the indicated values, calculate the cross-sectional size and the pitch of their installation.

Determining the size of beams

The size of the beam is the sum of the total values. These values ​​include:

• distance between walls;
• the length of the beam that will be built into the depth of the wall.

The span is determined using measuring accessories, such as a tape measure. Depending on the material from which the wall is made (wood, concrete, brick, etc.), the depth of laying the beams will depend.

If the building is brick, then the margin for wooden beams should be more than 10 cm. If the building is built of wood, then specific grooves are made under the beam span for the second floor, which have a depth of 6-10 cm. In the case where wooden structures are intended to become the basis for rafter system, they should be longer than the span of the building by 5-7 cm.

Important!

The overlap with wooden beams should range from 2.5 to 4 m. The maximum span length should not exceed six meters. If the overlap exceeds this value, then structures made of laminated veneer lumber are installed.

Calculation of the load on a wooden beam

The load, like the size of the beams, consists of the sum of several elements. This is the total mass of the span elements and interior details that will be located in the room on the top floor. The elements that are included in the ceiling between floors include wooden beams, joists, insulation, floor and ceiling coverings, vapor and waterproofing. Interior elements include furniture and household appliances. This also includes the possible number of residents who will constantly use the floor. Often, load calculations are carried out by special institutions.

To independently calculate the load-bearing capacity, the following diagram is used:

1. Covering the attic space with sheathing. If mineral wool is used as insulation, then the dead load is within 50 kilograms per square meter. SNiP standards indicate the standard load for the ceiling within 70 kilograms per square meter and a safety factor for it with a coefficient of 1.3. The total load is calculated simply: 70 kg x 1.3 + 50 kg = 130 kilograms per square meter.
2. The insulation is not mineral wool, but a material with a lot of weight. Or when filing, thick boards were used. In this case, the standard load increases to 150 kilograms per square meter. Accordingly, the total load will change: 150 kg x 1.3 + 50 kg = 245 kilograms per square meter.
3. For the attic, the standard load will be 350 kg per square meter.
4. For beams that serve as a ceiling between the first floor and the second, the standard is 400 kg per square meter.

Calculation of the cross-sectional size and installation pitch of beams

Having determined the magnitude of the load that will fall on the beam and calculating its length, you can calculate the installation pitch and the cross-sectional size (or diameter). These quantities are related to each other and are designated according to established standards:

1. The cross-section of the beams is in the ratio of width and height as 1 to 1.4. Depending on the load, the beam should have a width from 5 to 20 cm and a height from 10 to 30 cm. If a log is used for the ceiling, then the cross-sectional diameter should be in the range from 10 to 30 cm. In addition, there are special tables that give exact cross-section dimensions depending on the length and expected loads.
2. When calculating the section, it is necessary to take into account that the maximum deflection of the floor beams between the floor and the attic should not be more than 1/200, and between the lower and second floors should not exceed 1/350.
3. The installation of beams is carried out in steps that range from 30 to 120 cm. Basically, a step of laying the floor is used every 60, 80, 100 cm. Often, the step is chosen according to the size of the insulation material. If the building is frame, then the step is carried out taking into account the location of the frames.

What are logs and the advantages of their use

Regardless of the material from which the floor covering will be made, logs must be installed in the space between the beams. What are they and what are they for? They can be called cross beams. The logs are installed perpendicular to the main beam floors. Serve to increase the rigidity of the floor between floors and reduce the load. Ceiling and floor coverings are attached to them.

The advantages of using logs are obvious:

• simplicity and speed of installation;
• saving building materials;
• the finished structure is immediately used;
• have excellent heat-insulating and sound-reducing characteristics;
• allow you to adjust the height of the floor covering;
• suitable for installation of communication lines;
• serve as a good ventilation element;
• distribute the load over the entire surface among the beams;
• relatively low cost;
• the ability to quickly and efficiently repair or replace individual parts.

DIY logs

The production of logs is carried out using wooden beams with a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section of the log is in the ratio of width and height, like 2 to 3 or 1 to 2. In other words, the height of the log should exceed its width by 1.5-2 times. Cheap coniferous wood is often used to produce logs. For example, pine or Christmas tree. The block is cut to the required length and a lag is obtained.

Important!

Wood for logs must be dried, free from defects, treated with a special fire-resistant solution, liquid against pests and fungal diseases.

Laying the joists correctly

Installation of the logs must be carried out in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the floor covering will be laid. It is important to correctly calculate the lag installation step. If the step is chosen correctly, the strength of the floor covering will be quite high. But, with a smaller step, the work and the cost of the material will be more expensive. If the laying step is large, the floor will sag and creak. To choose the right option, you must first take into account how thick the floor covering will be. The thinner the coating, the closer to each other the lags should be installed. If the thickness of the floor covering (boards) is about 2-2.5 cm, then the installation step of the logs should be within 30-40 cm. With an increase in the thickness of the covering to 5 cm, the step can be increased to 1 m.

Attaching the log

The logs are attached directly to the beam, to its side. This makes it possible to adjust them without using additional pads. Their slope is checked with a special level. Having achieved the required position, the logs are attached to the beams with nails or screws.

In addition, the lags and beams can be fastened to each other using iron corners. One part of the corner is mounted on the beam with self-tapping screws, and logs are attached to the second parts of the corners. In addition to the corners, brackets in the shape of the letter U, which are commercially available, can be used to install the logs.

Conclusion

When building your own house or cottage, floors made of wooden beams will be a good replacement for floors made of concrete. The installation work can be done independently, without the use of special equipment. The presence of joists in the interfloor slab will increase the rigidity of the slab. Their presence will give reliability to the entire structure. If everything is calculated and done correctly, then the interfloor ceiling on wooden beams will last a long time.

Interfloor ceiling in a house made of aerated concrete

Wooden floors in a timber house: what not to do

Modern trends towards rational use of territory, more than ever, encourage building houses not “width”, but “height”. This applies to private buildings, but even apartment residents are trying to organize a multi-level layout, thereby expanding the usable area. To combine the upper and lower spaces, it becomes necessary to build a staircase to the second floor, the features of which we will dwell on in more detail.

Types of stairs by design

When designing a staircase, first of all you will have to focus not on the design, but on the area of ​​the room in order to select the ideal product in terms of design and size. There are two main types:

Marching stairs

A common version of stairs, designed taking into account the biomechanics of movements and providing comfortable, safe movement. They consist of marches ranging from 3 to 15 steps. If the maximum number is not enough, the height is divided into two openings, between which a small platform or winder steps are installed. Such structures are already called two-flight.

Marching stairs vary in shape and can be straight, rotary (L-shaped or U-shaped) or curved. When determining this parameter, it is necessary to rely on the area of ​​the room, the height of the ceilings, and the location of the second floor.

Based on the type of supporting structure, there are two types of marching products: on stringers and bowstrings. In the first case, the steps are laid on top of the beam, and in the second, special grooves are made on the inside of the supporting element.

You will also have to choose the type of steps. Parts with risers look more massive and will fit perfectly into a classic interior, while those without them are suitable for a modern home due to their lightweight design.

In general, staircases are presented in a wide range, and even for small ones you can choose a suitable example or combine it with other items.

Spiral staircases

The principle of such structures is very simple: steps are attached to an installed rod, which rise upward in a spiral. They do not take up extra space and are quite compact.

The main reason why spiral staircases are inferior to marching ones is the difficulty of moving due to the lack of solid support. It is not recommended to install such an instance in a house where children or elderly people live. The following parameters are considered optimal: the central width of the steps should be at least 20 cm, and the widest part should be no more than 40 cm.

In other cases, spiral staircases can be considered an excellent option for both modern and classic styles. Thanks to their spiral shape, they become a key element of the interior, and products of different shapes - from square to octagonal - will help diversify the design.

Stairs on rails

It is not possible to install this type of staircase in the center of the room - it is supported by a load-bearing wall, to which the steps are attached using bolts. Collected into one system, they form a single load-bearing element, giving the structure a light, almost weightless appearance, thanks to which it is often used in modern interiors.

Despite the visual fragility, the products can withstand from 500 to 1100 kg, depending on the material and manufacturer. In addition, the bolts allow you to adjust the height of the steps after installation.

Staircases on rails with railings, which take part of the load upon themselves, are popular. You can experiment with the base, shape and lighting to create a unique look for your home.

Choosing material for the stairs

Stairs are made from different materials, which give them certain aesthetic and practical properties.

Wooden stairs

When imagining a staircase in a house, an image of a solid wooden structure with curly railings and a beautiful deep texture immediately appears. It can be luxurious wenge, oak or minimalist wood of simple species. Ash, walnut, and beech are considered the best options, but pine is not strong enough to withstand the required load. The varnish coating will protect against the negative effects of the environment, but it will have to be updated regularly.

This material is suitable for any designs, but looks most organically as marching products. For country or American style, such a solution is indispensable.

Metal stairs

Metal structures will serve you for half a century, maintaining their original, neat appearance. To do this, choose items made of stainless steel, which does not corrode, since chrome-plated or painted options have a limited service life - no more than 6-7 years.

The plasticity of the base allows you to give the staircase and its parts any shape. Metal is often combined with other materials, such as wood, glass, concrete. It makes elegant wrought iron handrails.

Concrete stairs

Unlike more natural materials, concrete does not have lightness or sophistication; in its pure form it is unlikely to fit into a classic interior, but instead will give a feeling of solidity and integrity.

Such structures are quite reliable, can withstand high loads and do not deteriorate over time. Unfortunately, they are difficult to install yourself, but the low cost of raw materials makes up for this drawback.

An important advantage of concrete stairs is the possibility of decorating them: with stone, wood or even tiles. The unique rough texture will not be noticeable, but you will get an aesthetic design at an affordable cost.

Stone stairs

Marble has a stunning deep texture, but as a stair covering it wears out quickly, within just a few years. Granite or quartzite have the opposite properties. Much cheaper artificial analogues also cope well with their role.

Stone stairs are often combined with metal handrails, and by adjusting the decor you can fit them into many styles.

Glass stairs

If design, which does not require ten years of service, comes first, glass structures have no competitors. Steps are made from this material, which are attached to bolts or used on spiral staircases. It acts harmoniously in tandem with metal, enhancing the gloss effect and adding reliability to such a fragile product.

Indeed, glass stairs can be damaged by a strong impact, but even without it, noticeable scratches appear on the surface over time. For greater strength, it is better to take hardened or laminated varieties. Acrylic glass is considered the most reliable, but tends to darken over time.

Styles and design

Because of their shape, stairs often stand out among the interior ensemble, while remaining an organic part of it. To do this, when developing a design, you need to focus on the basic style of the premises.

Staircases in a modern style

Modern aesthetics loves laconicism and restraint, the use of practical materials, and their combination to create a more complex look. Preference is given to pure geometric shapes, lines, and smooth surfaces.

The style works with the characteristics of the space, so the type of staircase design can be any, the main thing is that it looks good in the interior.

Classic style stairs

As mentioned above, classics are characterized by the use of three materials: wood, metal and decorative stone, among which the first is clearly the leader. Initially, you need to choose rooms with a large area, since even the staircase here has a massive appearance.

Often these are marching products on stringers or bowstrings with closed risers, divided into several spans and fenced with strong railings, often with characteristic carvings.

Loft style stairs

Concrete stairs to the second floor harmoniously interact with the style of the loft, emphasizing its industrial character. However, other bases would also look appropriate.

The staircase should have an extremely simple design, ensuring comfortable movement. Since the loft interior, according to the rules, is located on large areas, you don’t have to worry about the size of the structure.

Stairs in minimalist style

It is desirable that minimalist staircases attract attention to themselves as little as possible. Ideally, they should fit into the overall volume of the room, forming a single functional whole with it.

Means of expression are kept to a minimum: the texture of the material, smooth lines, natural colors. An excellent solution is steps on rails.

Art Deco staircases

Elegant and multifaceted Art Deco strives to emphasize its “status” in all details - from the base of the stairs to the railings. The latter can repeat complex, intertwining patterns inspired by floral images.

Marching staircases will look monumental and noble; spiral staircases, due to their spiral shape, themselves correspond to the Art Deco style, but bolt-on fastenings will seem too simple.

Where to post: basic rules

Installing stairs to the second floor is a very personal process that depends on the size, layout and height of the ceilings in your space.

The most popular place for a staircase remains the hallway, especially in spacious mansions. Thus, upon entering the house, you immediately have access to all rooms without wandering along the corridors.

The second most popular place to place a lift is the living room. This is convenient for buildings with a medium area, if the second floor leads to a private room, for example, a bedroom. In the hall combined with the kitchen, the stairs can be used for zoning.

To somehow compensate for the impressive size of the staircase, it can be combined with another functional item, using the empty space. This applies to marching structures located next to the wall. The construction of such products is more complex and requires detailed measurements and careful planning, but the final result will allow you to make maximum use of every square meter of the room.

The under-staircase area can serve as a frame for cabinets. The solution is relevant in the hall (storage of clothes and shoes) or living room (for a home library and household items).

The staircase can be organized in the form of a wall in the living room, along the protruding parts of which movement between floors is carried out.

Connoisseurs of quality drinks can arrange a large collection of wines by enclosing it with glass doors and installing lighting.

In the resulting niche you can put a small sofa, create a cozy place for relaxation and privacy, and install shelves on the side walls.

The space under the stairs is suitable for creating a separate room - a storage room, a study or a mini-workshop. Any child will be delighted with such a secluded children's playroom.

Using these ideas will allow you to take a different look at stairs in the house, which will turn from a bulky object into a functional solution.

Design of the staircase to the second floor - photo

It is difficult not to notice the staircase even in the most spacious interior, which is why so much attention is paid to its design. Even more diverse shapes, decor options and layouts are in our photo selection. Enjoy watching!

Building a two-story private house, cottage or summer house is a profitable solution that allows you to expand your living space. To save usable space, small-sized stairs are installed in such buildings. Such designs differ in the number of steps and the shape of the marches. At the same time, a compact staircase to the second floor must meet the requirements of practicality and safety.

Stylish and compact staircase configurations

Small stairs are installed to save useful space. When making them, they make sure that the steps are located as close to each other as possible, but it is convenient to move along them. It is necessary to carefully select a model in order to install the safest possible structure in your home.

Even such a compact staircase can look very organic

Of particular importance is the shape of the opening and its width. The choice of the type of design of small dimensions depends on these indicators. The dimensions of the steps are the main data that should be taken into account. It is important to understand what types of structures are best suited for small spaces.

Single march

Single-flight models are the simplest. However, when installing such stairs to the second floor, you can save space. The minimum required space for a 3-meter floor height is 80x180 cm.

For this purpose, designers decide on various non-standard solutions. For example, these include models in which the treads are narrowed on each side.

Staircase structures with one flight can also be folding and retractable.

Rotary

Models with march turns are installed in a corner or against a wall. The platforms in them play the role of an element necessary for a turn. Turns are performed 90° or 180°. Double-flight stairs do not take up much space, but it is quite convenient to go up and down them. Winder steps in such cases are simply irreplaceable. The minimum required space for a 3-meter floor height is 160x180 cm.

A good corner solution for a small area

Thanks to the installation of such a structure, the narrow passage to the second floor becomes more elegant. Compared to straight marches, when moving you have to change the direction of movement. There are other differences:

1. Compactness. They do not take up much space, and the parameters remain optimal.
2. Convenience – it is convenient to move around them even with a large object in your hands.
3. Aesthetics. Corner products look interesting and neat.
4. Safety. According to this indicator, rotary products are safer than screw ones.

Screw

Small-sized screw models are popular today. These structures are installed both in multi-level apartments and in country houses. The ease of operation of such structures lies in compliance with the rules of ergonomics - movement up and down is carried out comfortably, and no dead zones are created under the steps. It is more profitable to place such a staircase to the second floor of a house in a small area. The minimum dimensions in plan for a floor height of 3 m are 130x130 cm.

The steps are attached to the vertical post in a spiral. One of the main advantages of screw products is the elegance of their forms. They are made of metal or wood - in any case, they can fit into a modern interior.

However, screw products also have their disadvantages. For example, if a person is carrying a large object in his hands, it will be uncomfortable to descend. Wooden models give the house a cozy atmosphere.

Folding

If you have to go upstairs infrequently, it is better to install a folding-type structure in a country house. It is great for the attic. Its advantage is the ability to fold if necessary. Small retractable models are attached to a hatch in the ceiling. You can easily fold the structure back and then push it back. For attic maintenance, a folding design is an ideal option.

This model can be installed in any area of ​​the house. Its choice depends only on the location of large-sized furniture. In addition, installing a folding model does not affect the interior.

There are several types of such products:

• telescopic;
• retractable;
• folding;
• sectional.

The width is usually close to that of conventional attached structures. As a rule, it is 60-65 cm. With a large slope, you can only go down it backwards.

When choosing the appropriate type of structure of small dimensions, they look at the overall design of the room. The main thing is that it is durable, ergonomic and safe. Such a small staircase for a summer house is installed where the attic is rarely used. It is effective to install such structures in houses with ceiling heights of up to 3 m.

Small solutions

If it is necessary to install a staircase that would not “conceal” the space and be as comfortable as possible, pay attention to small-sized structures. There are several types of such products that can meet the requirements of practicality and reliability.

Modular designs

When installing modular lifts on the second floor, you can experiment with the interior and choose different assembly options. You can make them yourself, which is the main advantage. Modular designs are screw, spiral, L- and U-shaped. They can also be rounded. The modular system allows you to give the staircase any shape in plan, and adding the required number of elements allows you to gain any height.

They are installed in openings of different widths and lengths. It is important to install the modular staircase correctly - the safety of residents depends on it. At the same time, attention is paid to the residence of persons with disabilities - children and the elderly - in the house.

Choose a modular staircase with a small opening to the second floor in accordance with the following recommendations:

1. Before choosing, measure the area of ​​the room and find out the dimensions of the opening.
2. It is better if the structure is equipped with railings that will ensure safe movement.
3. For ease of ascent and descent, choose stairs without risers - this ensures comfort when placing your feet.
4. The design of the structure is created taking into account the overall style of the room.

Thanks to small platforms and compact turns, it is easy to save living space. First, they pay attention to the safety of the product and only then to its appearance. Modular structures are installed in a house where you need to move between floors quickly. Often this design is chosen for installation in a bathhouse.

Goose step staircase

Among single-flight structures, it is worth highlighting the “goose step” staircase. It does not take up space, but also does not restrict movement when ascending and descending. When changing the size of the march, it is important to maintain the optimal step width and slope range. If, even when choosing extreme values, it is not possible to create a rise to the second floor, it is not worth saving space for constructing a staircase.

The difference between the design is the alternate narrowing of the tread on each side. This allows you to create comfort when moving, while keeping the length of the march relatively short.

This design can become the highlight of the entire interior.

The goose step staircase is designed for comfortable movement in confined spaces. For such models, the optimal slope is 50° - 60°. Their width is reduced to 60-80 cm. Moreover, the ratio of the height of the riser and the width of the tread in such structures is quite unusual. If you transfer it to a regular one-flight staircase, moving along it would be unsafe.

Important convenience and safety issues

When installing a staircase to the second floor of a small house, it is important to combine the design with the background style of the interior. There are still some requirements to consider:

• compact dimensions;
• safety;
• comfort of movement.

The design should not be too steep - no more than 60°. The slope is calculated based on the possibility of its use by children and the elderly. It is better to equip the structure with railings. The coating is chosen so as not to slip on it when moving. If the staircase is made of polished stone, you can lay a carpet on it.

Often structures have to be made with a large slope - up to 75° degrees. In this case, the steps are set to a fairly large depth. You can increase the convenience and safety of the stairs by installing handles that you can hold on to when ascending and descending.

Safety regulations:

• starting from the first meter, the stairs are equipped with a fence 90 cm high;
• the gaps between the railing posts should not exceed 10 cm;
• the width of the tread should be sufficient for comfortable placement of the foot - 25-30 cm;
• for ease of grasping by hand, the handrails are created with an optimal diameter of 32-60 mm;
• all steps must be the same height.

Optimal sizes of fences and handrails

When designing a staircase to the second floor, it is important to take care not only of its ergonomics, but also of functionality. Therefore, such structures are created according to individual drawings. You can perform the calculations yourself using free