Stairs Basics

Getting to know stairs basics
By Marjorie Gilbert Stairs serve the basic function of allowing one to walk from one floor to another, or gain access to platforms previously out of reach. Building stairs does not mean just building wooden stairs, but they can be of stone, concrete, aluminum or steel stairs. Neither do they have to be straight, but curved or spiral, becoming less purely functional and more a work of art.

Learning stairs basics will help you learn more about stairs and their function, as well as help you to choose the stairs that would best suit your needs.

1. Explore spiral stairs.

2. Look at industrial and outdoor stairs.

3. Consider custom stairs.

Enjoy the sinuous curve of spiral stairs

Spiral stairs wind their way up the insides of tall towers and lighthouses, and can spring, seemingly unsupported, inside your home or business. The traditional metal spiral staircase can be steel or aluminum, with treads that are either metal or wood. Less traditional spiral stairs are also available, such as architectural stairs that can appear to float or be complex. The homeowner can even make these house stairs. Spiral staircase kits are available that allow the homeowner to construct one's own stairs without hiring a professional.
Try:  Mylen Stairs creates beautiful spiral stairs as well as the more traditional kind. Precision Pine supplies spiral staircase kits, as does Arkè Stairs.

Rely on the industrial steel stair and outdoor stairs

Both of these stairs are built to last. Outdoor stairs can be an aluminum staircase which with withstand the elements and be low maintenance. They can also be steel or galvanized steel. Industrial stairs can fit any environment, and can be anodized aluminum. Outdoor stairs can also be a steel staircase--even spiral stairs.
Try:  JOMY Products manufactures outdoor stairs made of aluminum, where as Karnel designs industrial stairs. You can also check out the galvanized steel exterior spiral stairs from Salter Industries.

Go with custom stairs if you don't find designs you like

Custom stairs can be whatever you like them to be: spiral, steel or even a concrete spiral staircase. These staircases can be traditional or architectural, like usable sculptures. The choice of materials you can use for them can be endless: metal, concrete, wood or a mixture. Adding cast iron balustrades or other details can customize your staircase even more.
Try:  Stairsmiths.com and Arcways are two companies that create custom staircases.

• If you like the designs that a company offers, but don't find the exact one that suits your needs, talk with the company. They can work with you to design your own custom stairs.