Spiral stairs: options for designs, assembly and installation

To move between floors, stairs have been erected for a long time, and even high-speed elevators are not able to force them out. Rapid movement between two adjacent levels is possible due to the steps, because the elevator sometimes has to wait a long time. The spiral staircase, in turn, can conveniently connect several floors with a high hall at once, which is why it has been widely used in hotels. In the private domain, thanks to it, they form an attractive design without engaging a huge amount of space. The design is really less cumbersome than the direct march version, and allows for the use of the territory in the immediate vicinity. Not all spiral staircases are narrow - there are options with wide gaps to improve the aesthetics of the internal space of large buildings. Key aspects for spiral staircases are safety and convenience. On such lifts, screw-type zabezhnye steps are used.

Features of the spiral staircase in the interior

After the Middle Ages, such ladders became popular again in the 50s of the 20th century, in the era of the rapid development of constructivism and functionalism. In the modern interior is a stylish element that emphasizes manufacturability. The steps on the spiral staircase are placed radially, due to which a pattern like a threaded screw is formed. This feature of the form allows you to save a large amount of space and, in fact, displayed on the name of the structure. Spiral ladders differ in the number of turns, the size of the segments, the materials of manufacture and the type of supports. A single support can act as a vertical base of the ladder, and in some cases, support stands are additionally mounted. Some of the steps are sometimes forced, and in some cases specially fixed to the wall, if the layout of the room allows it.

Despite the fact that designers comply with the norms and standards for spiral staircases, a wide choice of uniform variations is available to customers. The designs differ significantly in the pattern of steps and the number of turns.

Advantages and disadvantages

Making the right choice begins with a study of strengths and weaknesses. The spiral staircase design will make a simple and straightforward design original, while at the same time saving precious cubic meters. The design of the twisted ladder is selected on the basis of the characteristics of the room and individual needs, moreover, less material is spent on the manufacture of a rounded construction as a whole. The location, height of steps, their number and size - all these indicators can vary significantly. There are more advantages in general, however, owners of houses and apartments with more than one floor should know the negative sides. The first difficulties usually arise at the design stage, because the manufacture of radial structures requires complex calculations with fractional numbers. It is not possible to properly operate a spiral staircase for lifting large-sized objects; moreover, it can be difficult for even two people to miss each other.

A large number of people on the lift simultaneously creates a dangerous load for the structure. The main disadvantage is that the usual steps can be climbed much faster.

Even a complex form can be mounted with a minimum amount of building materials and a good savings due to this.

Main types of spiral staircase

There are these types of spiral staircases:

• plain;
• cantilevered;
• without rack;
• classic with stand.

The simple option is closed, or rather, limited to the walls, and partially or from all sides. In this case, the narrow side steps come out of the thick support, and the wide ones abut against the adjacent surfaces. The console type of structures implies a fully open staircase, where the elements of the spiral-shaped pattern extend into free space and are most often limited to handrails for safe climbing. On the side of the rod, the steps narrow or do not change in size, corresponding to the preferences of some designers and ordinary inhabitants. Spiral and some other models are distinguished by the absence of a support column. The role of a carrier element in them is performed by a string, which is usually connected to side barriers. The classical construction represents the steps strung on a rod. It is the options with the central counter that are most similar to the structure of the screw, and thanks to them the variety is called "screw".

Components and elements of finished spiral staircases

In most cases, the spiral staircase has an ideal circular structure on the plan from above with the center in the form of a support column, as well as with steps of a meter length along the entire perimeter. Moreover, the use of steps longer than one and a half meters is unprofitable from the point of view of space saving. The screw design may consist of a support column, a bowstring, side rails, railings, balusters, support walls and steps. The central support is present in 3 types of stairs. It is thin, and can take a lot of space. In the second case, the spiral staircase is most likely envisaged initially. Railings (handrails) installed on the balusters, or provide as a whole with a side fence. Balusters or barricades are not on all stairs, for example, on miniature structures sometimes do without them. The bowstring and solid piers can play the role of support. The latter have a height of the first floor or completely hide the structure. Proceedings are performed as simple zabezhnye steps or under the "duck step".

Materials for the manufacture of stairs

The main options are:

1. Tree;
2. Metal;
3. Glass;
4. Concrete;
5. A rock.

The strength of the structure and the service life, price, installation method, compatibility with the surrounding environment depend on the material. Ladders can be performed entirely from the same material due to the design features, but in practice combined options prevail. Everything rests on the overall aesthetics and nature of the loads. Iron structures are erected in places of intensive use, and the load on the foundation is sometimes lower than from concrete and stone stairs. Made of plastic and other non-essential materials make a handrail, decorative details. A new option in the construction of stairs became available with the advent of durable glass. However, for high designs, this solution is considered risky, and the aesthetic properties of glass are not universal. Wood and stone are ideal for arranging expensive furnishings. Concrete is recognized as the most convenient material from a design point of view, but this does not limit the possibilities for building unusual staircases.

Tree

Natural wood is in demand even in modern design with its technological direction. After processing, natural raw materials have a portion of useful qualities that provide an advantage over other materials. Ladders from a tree are steady against various loadings, possess high rates of durability. The features described material keeps for decades. Resistance to moisture and protection from small pests provide special impregnation. In addition, the compositions give the coating a flawless appearance. The natural color of wood is used as a ready-made design solution, and a large selection of wood paints will satisfy the most demanding. Having skills in working with wood will help in self-assembly of a small ladder. However, the design itself is a matter for professionals. In the modern period, wood is often combined with metal, which opens up opportunities for style decisions.

Metal

Often used:

• cast iron;
• stainless steel;
• carbon steel;
• aluminum.

For any design, strength and durability is important, so some consumers do not see an alternative to metal. Cast iron, for example, is resistant not only to the mechanical loads, but also to a violation of the aesthetics of the coating. The relatively low price means that the metal is in an attractive category according to the criterion of price / quality. Moreover, the tendency to corrosion level powder dyes. The latter have a positive impact on the appearance of the material. The palette of pigments for dyeing metals includes a large list of colors and shades. Nickel plating and chrome plating will further improve coating. Metal with low weight, aluminum is used for the construction of strong spiral staircases. At the same time, it is possible to avoid excessive load on the bearing elements of the building. Aluminum is also known for its anti-corrosion properties. Stylish technological interior in high-tech, biotech, techno and minimalism styles are made using stainless steel.

Glass

Transparent glass options are found in business centers, shops, offices, spas. Using a large amount of glass at home is not the best solution, but the ability to correctly organize the space paired with the originality of the spiral staircases will have a positive effect on the room. Design glass structures mainly in the hallways and in kitchens and living rooms, if interior design allows. Transparent staircase in any case is placed in the most prominent place, other location options do not make sense. Glass itself is a fragile material, but at the same time it is hot and plexiglas is even better in strength than wood. Ladders from shock-resistant glass can be erected on many floors. Tinted versions are becoming increasingly popular. Pigmented glass will fit into the interior, originally not designed for the placement of objects made of glass.

Concrete

The ladder of this material will cost a relatively small amount, but at the same time weighs a lot. Despite the fact that concrete itself has no decorative qualities, it is this option that is recommended for use by those who wish to build some kind of special construction. The ladder is assembled from a frame with reinforced elements, with the addition of a binder solution, for example, from cement. Metal inclusions of any shape are used. Because of this, you can experiment with the bowstring configuration without making a special order. It is noteworthy that the presence of the frame is the main inconvenience of concrete structures, although it does not force developers to abandon creative ideas. Ladders have either a uniform structure with a concrete base, handrails, bowstrings and steps, or the material is used to form individual parts.

A rock

Durable and durable material. Stone steps are ideal for an expensive interior, for example, baroque or classicism. The variety of texture and color stone products are superior to all others. The surface of the stone is ideally smooth, slightly rough, with small chips, granular structure. Even an ordinary stone looks beautiful and expensive, and a large budget allows the owner to feel the beauty of the stairs of malachite, marble or other valuable species. Among the shortcomings, in addition to the high price, it is worth noting the complexity and duration of production, great weight. Massive stone stairs erected only from the ground floor. It is because of the large load structures made of stone are much less common. Designers carefully calculate the possibilities of the base under them and usually form it from brick or concrete, using metallic inclusions. The stone is used not only as the main material, but also as a decor for the steps.

Stair form

In projects, sometimes lay a lekalnuyu configuration, which provides for the use of tamping steps and has different radii or offset coils. Zabezhnye steps are screw and turning. The first option is used, including the construction of spiral stairs, and sometimes a closed spiral is transferred to an open branch. The stairs of this type between the steps is ideally round space, oval layout is rare. Spiral ladders fall into the category of curvilinear, the main feature of which is the absence of a central support. The classical spiral staircase has such a rack. Circular ladders also belong to curvilinear. In rounded stairs, steps are sometimes “diluted” in small areas. As for the pivot steps, they are necessary for the design of a bend with a right or sharp angle. Such turns and gave the name of the rectangular spiral staircase. The latter consists of a large number of marches, at least three on one level.

Some projects combine spiral and straight-line drawing into one solution - lovers of abstract design should take a closer look at such ideas.

How to design - the calculation of parameters

The design includes an account of ten key indicators, not counting the size of the blanks. The length of each individual step of the spiral staircase must be at least 80 cm. The acceptable width of the central part of the treads is not less than 20-25 cm. The size of the step is determined by the difference in width of the workpiece and the final product, length and angle. To make a project drawing, it is better to use special calculators. It is necessary to determine and introduce indicators such as the overall height of the lift, the diameter of the coil, the distance forming the inner radius. The number of steps, their key characteristics should be added to the calculations: length, width, thickness and angle (if the tread width is not the same at both ends). The height of the spans between the steps is also measured, and the vast majority of ordinary spiral and a large part of curved stairs have them. The last significant indicator for calculations is the angle of rotation of the stairs. Localization options are designed with a lot of additional data.

The optimal size of the stairs and its elements

Steps are a key part of the lift system. Their dimensions are governed by regulations and recommendations. The distance from the inner diameter to the outer edge is called the length, and the transverse index is called the width. The recommended length is in the range of 80-150 cm. The central part of the step cannot be made already 20 cm, moreover, it is recommended to divert to the widest part no more than 45 cm wherever it is located. The interval between the steps is usually designed to be zero or negative, because the gap does not add to the comfort in operating the stairs. In rounded lifts, the height of the gap between the treads of the steps is done more than in direct marches. The optimal value is 18-25 cm. It is better to place the railing at a height of at least 100 cm. The overall height of the structure is an individual moment; first of all, it is important that the building is precisely matched. The width of the place on the step, on which a person usually steps, also matters - for convenience, it is recommended to leave at least 25 cm on it.

Manufacturing of parts for the construction of stairs

The main bearing element, the support pole is made of a metal pipe, less often - of a wooden rod, bricks or concrete. The diameter of the option is made of metal with a thickness of 5 cm, the rest of 15 or 50 cm. The central stand is made with a margin of safety, based on the weight of all the elements, a few people and heavy luggage. Steps, in turn, is easy to do yourself. For this recommend taped bars. First form a pattern, and then each step is cut from the workpiece with a marked radius. The last, upper step is better to make the platform flush with the floor and with a greater width. As for the racks and balusters, it requires at least 50 × 50 mm in the section for wood and 15 × 15 mm for metal. Independent production of balusters will be an interesting occupation, we need only the minimum skills on a lathe and scheme. Railings, in turn, have a curved structure, so for all the creation options, a high level of complexity is characteristic:

1. Cutting short pieces from a solid array.
2. Gluing from thin veneer.
3. Cutting out curved parts from the block.

Features of mounting the ladder design

The first step is to establish a pillar, if such a support is provided by the project. Experts will need help, because the curvature will cause gradual destruction. Installation of the post is made on the support heel. Then the pipe is wrapped with polyethylene and steps are attached to it using special sleeves. Installation of the horizontal elements of the stairs produced by bolzami. In the process they are guided by the construction level. Instead of boltz also use posts or stubs. They are needed in heavy structures to put the load on the support more evenly. Railings are relatively easy to install. When using a bolt fastening system, metal pipes are used in the role of mortgages for racks. Handrails attach pin. Curvilinear variants without a central support are harder to assemble, and you need to accurately calculate the load on the string.

The decor and lighting of spiral staircases

Создание оригинального дизайна лучше начинать еще на стадии проектирования. Основную часть внимания уделяют форме ступенек. На готовой лестнице декорируют опорную стойку и перила. Столб можно украсить искусственным растением, перила - рисунками или даже книжными полками. In this sense, as well as in terms of security, solid railings are better. The metal lift is styled in historical motifs or as an object of industrial purpose, and the steps are decorated with wrought-iron forms. The supporting part of the ladders is also erected in the form of modules for the storage of objects, which, among other things, adds stability to the structure. Illumination for stairs is used for practical and decorative purposes. In a dark place, it is simply necessary, but on the other hand - placed on a pedestal or steps, it gives the design spectacularity and lightness. Equipped with neon or LED lighting ladder, it looks presentable and can be conveniently operated in the dark.

The decor of the spiral staircase can be successfully coordinated with many styles, including:

• American;
• constructivism;
• high tech;
• Victorian;
• Spanish
• minimalism;
• rustic.

Conclusion

The spiral staircase is an outstanding invention. The design repeats round shapes that are ideal by the standards of the natural environment and at the same time transforms or complements the furnishings. Stairs with coils erected mainly inside buildings, although they are useful everywhere. The unique advantages include small size and original look. Of the minuses, there is a reduced carrying capacity and a long climb, although compact versions with a carrier stand for the latter indicator are almost as good as straight stairs. As in the case of straight-line options, the cost of projects varies greatly. Nowadays, the stairs are made mainly in large private houses, although in the Middle Ages they were erected in places of common use - in towers and bell towers. The structure of the spiral staircase is closed, cantilever, spiral, and with the central rack. From materials used wood, metal, stone, concrete and glass. Some parts can be calculated and made by hand.