The houses which have more than one story's definitely require a stair case to travel from one floor to another. When it comes to the stairs the stair railings are a very important part of course which provide support as well as beauty. One can make an extension when decorating, with wood, iron or any other material which is easy to install and will increase the overall worth of the home. Many people are also of the opinion that the stair railing is the foremost thing that people tend to see when they first enter a house. So when building or remodeling a staircase, it is important to get a good advice from someone who is qualified and will provide you with good ideas.
UK Building Regulations- Spiral staircases have their own 'British Standard' dedicated to them - BS 5395 part 2. The BS is referred to in Building Regulations part K and ensures the spiral staircase is large enough for the given application. Within the document, spirals are divided into five categories, A-E with A being a secondary domestic spiral and E being a large fully public spiral. Each category dictates the relationship between the rise (height of each step) and going (depth of each step) and 'clear tread width' (the distance from the inside of the handrail to the centre column) required for the spirals' usage. Generally, the more people the spiral is providing access to, the larger diameter and the smaller the rise height, making it safer and more comfortable to climb.
Domestic Spiral Staircases- With domestic spirals there are two generally rules to adhere with - there should be no gap between the treads or the balustrade of more than 100mm, and the balustrade should not be constructed with climbable rails. Category A and B of BS 5395 deal with the measurement requirements for domestic spiral staircases. Category A is referred to as a secondary domestic spiral and category B covers spirals used as main stairs within a dwelling. The clear tread width of a secondary spiral should be 600mm which (depending on the specific model / design) gives a 1450mm diameter when taking into consideration the centre column and the glass stair balustrade to both sides. The height of each step should not exceed 220mm and the centre going should be at least 145mm. A spiral used as a main staircase should have a clear tread width of 800mm (1800mm diameter) and 220mm maximum rise and a 190mm minimum central going. Generally the opening in the floor for a spiral should be around 100mm larger than the diameter whether the opening is square / rectangular or circular. For example a 1600mm diameter spiral should have a 1700mm square or diameter opening. This is to allow for a 50mm 'knuckle gap' between the handrail and edge of floor / wall on both sides. The top step of a spiral staircase is normally an enlarged step which connects the centre column to the edge of the floor. This top landing platform can sometimes be shaped to allow for slightly smaller openings.
Materials- Due to the ever changing demand, staircases are now available in a vast range of materials. Gone are the traditional parana pine white painted models and income models with steel stringers, glass treads and stainless steel balustrading. Indeed, timber is still the model popular choice for treads but there are glass, stone and marble options on the market. Whilst there are many modern designs you could still combine a traditional structure staircase with perhaps glass stair balustrade to give an open feel. Straight, Half Turned, Quarter Turned Spiral.
Building Regulations
If you're new staircase is for a new build or a large refurbishment it will have to comply with the current building regulations. These are park K for straight flight, quarter and half turn and BS5395 for spirals and helicals. If you do not require planning permission for the work you are carrying out, strictly speaking the stairs don't have to comply with the regulations but do bear in mind that the staircase might be inspected should you later sell the property.
UK Building Regulations- Spiral staircases have their own 'British Standard' dedicated to them - BS 5395 part 2. The BS is referred to in Building Regulations part K and ensures the spiral staircase is large enough for the given application. Within the document, spirals are divided into five categories, A-E with A being a secondary domestic spiral and E being a large fully public spiral. Each category dictates the relationship between the rise (height of each step) and going (depth of each step) and 'clear tread width' (the distance from the inside of the handrail to the centre column) required for the spirals' usage. Generally, the more people the spiral is providing access to, the larger diameter and the smaller the rise height, making it safer and more comfortable to climb.
Domestic Spiral Staircases- With domestic spirals there are two generally rules to adhere with - there should be no gap between the treads or the balustrade of more than 100mm, and the balustrade should not be constructed with climbable rails. Category A and B of BS 5395 deal with the measurement requirements for domestic spiral staircases. Category A is referred to as a secondary domestic spiral and category B covers spirals used as main stairs within a dwelling. The clear tread width of a secondary spiral should be 600mm which (depending on the specific model / design) gives a 1450mm diameter when taking into consideration the centre column and the glass stair balustrade to both sides. The height of each step should not exceed 220mm and the centre going should be at least 145mm. A spiral used as a main staircase should have a clear tread width of 800mm (1800mm diameter) and 220mm maximum rise and a 190mm minimum central going. Generally the opening in the floor for a spiral should be around 100mm larger than the diameter whether the opening is square / rectangular or circular. For example a 1600mm diameter spiral should have a 1700mm square or diameter opening. This is to allow for a 50mm 'knuckle gap' between the handrail and edge of floor / wall on both sides. The top step of a spiral staircase is normally an enlarged step which connects the centre column to the edge of the floor. This top landing platform can sometimes be shaped to allow for slightly smaller openings.
Materials- Due to the ever changing demand, staircases are now available in a vast range of materials. Gone are the traditional parana pine white painted models and income models with steel stringers, glass treads and stainless steel balustrading. Indeed, timber is still the model popular choice for treads but there are glass, stone and marble options on the market. Whilst there are many modern designs you could still combine a traditional structure staircase with perhaps glass stair balustrade to give an open feel. Straight, Half Turned, Quarter Turned Spiral.
Building Regulations
If you're new staircase is for a new build or a large refurbishment it will have to comply with the current building regulations. These are park K for straight flight, quarter and half turn and BS5395 for spirals and helicals. If you do not require planning permission for the work you are carrying out, strictly speaking the stairs don't have to comply with the regulations but do bear in mind that the staircase might be inspected should you later sell the property.