Stairs are an essential element of any building’s design, providing a means of vertical circulation between different levels of a structure. However, there’s more to stairs than simply connecting two floors. Numerous types of stairs vary in design, materials, functionality, shapes, and location.
In this article, we’ll explore 41 types of stairs, from the traditional to the innovative, to give you a comprehensive understanding of this important architectural element.
Types of stairs based on materials
Stairs can be made from a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, glass, concrete, and stone. The type of material used in the construction of stairs can affect their strength, durability, and appearance.
Wooden Stairs
Wooden stairs are a popular choice for residential and commercial spaces. These types of stairs are aesthetically pleasing and can be customized to fit any design style. Wooden stairs can be constructed from a variety of wood species, each with its unique color and grain pattern.
They are relatively easy to install and maintain, but they can be susceptible to wear and tear over time.
Metal Stairs
Metal stairs are a durable and long-lasting option for both indoor and outdoor use. They are often constructed from steel or aluminum and can be designed in a variety of styles, from modern and sleek to ornate and traditional.
These types of stairs require are low maintenance and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them an excellent choice for commercial and industrial settings.
Glass Stairs
Glass stairs are a visually stunning and modern option for contemporary spaces. They are often constructed using tempered or laminated glass, which is strong and durable.
Glass stairs can be designed in a variety of styles, from floating staircases to spiral stairs. However, they can be slippery when wet and require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Concrete Stairs
Concrete stairs are a durable and cost-effective option for both indoor and outdoor use. They can be designed in a variety of styles, from simple and functional to decorative and ornate.
These types of stairs are resistant to wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. However, they can be difficult to install and may require additional structural support.
Stone Stairs
Stone stairs are a popular choice for outdoor and high-end interior spaces. They are available in a wide range of natural stones, including granite, limestone, and sandstone. Stone stairs offer durability, strength, and natural beauty, making them a great choice for exterior spaces that need to withstand the elements. However, they can be expensive and may require additional structural support.
Brick Stairs
Brick stairs are a common choice for residential and commercial buildings. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, including traditional red brick and modern white brick.
Brick stairs offer durability and low maintenance, but may require additional support due to their weight.
Prefabricated Stairs
Prefabricated stairs are a cost-effective and efficient option for construction projects. They are pre-built in a factory and then transported to the construction site for installation.
These types of stairs can be constructed from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and concrete. They offer a quick and easy installation process and can be customized to fit the specific needs of the project.
Stairs based on shapes
Stairs can be designed in different shapes, including straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, and spiral. The shape of the stairs can influence the overall aesthetics of a building and the space it occupies.
Straight Stairs
Straight stairs are the most common type of stairs and consist of a single flight of stairs that go from one floor to another. They are simple in design and easy to construct, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings.
These types of stairs can be designed with or without landings, depending on the height of the space.
L-shaped Stairs
L-shaped stairs consist of two flights of stairs that are perpendicular to each other and connected by a landing. They are a popular choice for spaces where a straight stairway would take up too much room.
L-shaped stairs offer a natural resting point on the landing and can add visual interest to the design of the space.
U-shaped Stairs
U-shaped stairs consist of two parallel flights of stairs that are connected by a landing at the bottom and top of the stairs. They are a popular choice for spaces with limited floor space and can provide a sense of elegance to the design of the space.
These types of stairs can also include a central landing, creating a grand entrance to the space.
Spiral Stairs
Spiral stairs are unique types of stairs that are designed in a circular or helical shape. They are a popular choice for spaces with limited floor space, as they take up less room than traditional straight or L-shaped stairs.
Spiral stairs can be constructed from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and glass, and can add a sense of drama to the design of the space.
Circular Stairs
Circular stairs are a type of stairs that are circular and curve around a central axis. They are usually found in public buildings, such as museums or libraries, and can also be used in residential spaces.
Circular stairs add a touch of elegance to the design and can be made from different materials, including metal and wood.
Helical Stairs
Helical stairs are similar to circular stairs, but they have a more gradual curve and are less steep. They are a popular choice for spaces with limited floor space, as they take up less room than straight stairs.
Helical stairs can be constructed from a variety of materials, including metal, glass, and concrete.
Curved Stairs
Curved stairs have a continuous curve in their design and can be found in a variety of architectural styles. They are a popular choice for spaces with a large foyer or entrance hall, as they provide a grand entrance to the space.
Curved stairs can be made from different materials, including wood, metal, and concrete.
Winder Stairs
Winder stairs are a type of stairs that are designed to turn at a 90-degree angle. They are a popular choice for spaces where a traditional straight stairway is not feasible due to space limitations.
These types of stairs are usually used in residential buildings and can be designed in different shapes, including triangular and kite-shaped.
Split Stairs
Split stairs are a unique type of stairs that split into two separate stairways at a landing. The two stairways run parallel to each other, and they are usually found in buildings with a high traffic flow.
Split stairs provide a wide and spacious design that can accommodate large groups of people.
Geometrical Stairs
Geometrical stairs are designed to create a specific shape or pattern. They are usually found in buildings with a unique and modern design aesthetic.
Geometrical stairs can be made from different materials, including metal, glass, and concrete, and they can be designed in various shapes, including triangles, hexagons, and squares.
Scissor Stairs
Scissor stairs are a type of stairs that use a unique design to fold and unfold as they ascend or descend. They are a popular choice for spaces with limited floor space, as they can be compacted when not in use.
Scissor stairs are usually made from metal and are commonly found in residential buildings.
Alternating Tread Stairs
Alternating tread stairs are designed to provide a steep incline while taking up less space than traditional stairs. They are a popular choice for spaces where a traditional straight stairway is not feasible due to space limitations.
Alternating tread stairs have alternating treads that are shorter than a traditional stair tread, allowing them to be steep without taking up too much space.
Zigzag Stairs
Zigzag stairs, also known as switchback stairs, are a type of stair design that changes direction at a landing, creating a zigzag pattern. They are a popular choice for spaces with limited floor space, as they can take up less space than a traditional straight stairway.
These types of stairs are commonly used in residential buildings, commercial buildings, and public spaces.
Angled Stairs
Angled stairs are a type of stair design that is slanted at an angle rather than straight. They are a popular choice for buildings with a unique and modern design aesthetic. Angled stairs can be made from different materials, including wood, metal, and glass.
They can also be designed with open risers to create an airy and spacious look.
Types of stairs based on functionality
Stairs can also be classified based on their functionality. For example, fire escape stairs, access stairs, and service stairs serve different purposes.
Fire escape stairs
Fire escape stairs are a type of emergency staircase designed to provide a safe exit during fires and other emergencies.
These stairs are typically located on the exterior of a building and can be accessed from different floors.
Service stairs
Service stairs, on the other hand, are typically used for the movement of goods and equipment within a building. They are often located in areas that are not accessible to the public, such as the back of a restaurant or a storage area.
Service stairs are usually narrower than regular stairs and may have a steeper incline.
Attic Stairs
Attic stairs, also known as loft stairs, are a type of stair design used to access attics or lofts in a building. They are typically narrow and steep, designed to fit in a small space.
Attic stairs can be made of wood or metal and can be designed to fold up when not in use.
Library Ladder Stairs
Library ladder stairs, also known as rolling ladders, are a type of stair design that can be moved along a rail to access high shelves or storage areas.
They are a popular choice for libraries, bookstores, and other spaces that require access to high shelves.
These types of stairs can be made from wood, metal, or a combination of both (wood+metal).
Folding Stairs
Folding stairs, also known as pull-down stairs, are a type of stair design that can be folded up when not in use. They are typically used to access attics, basements, or other areas that are not frequently used.
Folding stairs can be made of wood or metal and are designed to fit in a small space.
Pull-Down Stairs
Pull-down stairs, also known as attic ladders, are a type of stair design that can be pulled down from the ceiling to access attics or other storage spaces. They are a popular choice for residential buildings where attic space is used for storage.
Pull-down stairs can be made of wood or metal and are designed to fit in a small space.
Hidden stairs
Hidden stairs, also known as concealed stairs, are stairs that are designed to be hidden from view when not in use.
These types of stairs can be folded or tucked away into a small space, such as a cabinet or closet, to save floor space.
Slide stairs
Slide stairs, also known as sliding stairs or foldable stairs, are a type of staircase that can be slid or folded up to create more floor space when not in use.
These stairs are often found in smaller homes or apartments where space is at a premium.
Ship ladder stairs
Ship ladder stairs, also known as ship’s stairs or alternating tread stairs, are a steep and narrow type of staircase that is commonly used on ships or in industrial settings.
These types of stairs have a steep pitch and alternating treads, which means that one foot is on the tread while the other foot is on the next step’s riser.
Ship ladder stairs are not typically used in residential settings due to their steep angle and narrow treads.
Double return stairs
Double return stairs, also known as double L-shaped stairs or half-turn stairs, are a type of staircase that consists of two flights of stairs that turn at a 180-degree angle.
These stairs often have a landing in the middle, which provides a place to rest and can be used to change direction.
Quarter-turn stairs
Quarter-turn stairs, also known as L-shaped stairs, are a type of staircase that changes direction by 90 degrees at a landing.
These stairs consist of two straight flights of stairs that are connected by a landing, which can be either rectangular or triangular.
Three-quarter-turn stairs
Three-quarter-turn stairs, also known as U-shaped stairs or switchback stairs, are a type of staircase that changes direction by 270 degrees.
These stairs consist of two parallel flights of stairs that are connected by a landing in the middle, which is often rectangular.
Box stairs
Box stairs, also known as closed stringer stairs or housed stringer stairs, are a type of staircase where the treads and risers are housed within the stringers, which are the structural supports for the stairs.
These types of stairs are often used for their clean, modern look and are typically more expensive to construct than traditional open-stringer stairs.
Types of stairs based on location
Stairs can also be classified based on their location in a building, such as indoor or outdoor stairs.
Indoor stairs are designed to connect different levels of a building, while outdoor stairs are designed for external use.
Outdoor stairs are often made of materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Indoor stairs
Indoor stairs are stairs that are located within a building and are typically used to connect different floors or levels. They can be made from a variety of materials and can come in a wide range of styles and designs.
Outdoor stairs
Outdoor stairs are stairs that are located outside of a building and are typically used to provide access to a porch, deck, or other outdoor areas.
They need to be constructed from durable materials that can withstand exposure to the elements.
Commercial stairs
Commercial stairs are stairs that are designed for use in commercial buildings such as office buildings, retail spaces, and restaurants.
They need to meet specific safety and accessibility requirements and are typically designed to accommodate a high volume of foot traffic.
Residential stairs
Residential stairs are stairs that are designed for use in private homes and are typically designed to meet the needs and preferences of the homeowner.
They can come in a wide range of styles and designs and can be made from a variety of materials.
Grand stairs
Grand stairs are a type of staircase that is designed to make a statement and create a sense of grandeur.
They are typically found in large public buildings such as museums, government buildings, and grand hotels, and are often made from high-quality materials such as marble or granite.
Types of stairs based on construction
Cantilevered stairs
These stairs are anchored only at one end, with the other end extending out into the air. They typically require some sort of structural support or bracing to prevent them from tipping or sagging.
Floating stairs
These stairs appear to be unsupported, with treads that seem to float in mid-air. They are typically attached to a hidden stringer or support system embedded in the wall or the floor.
Also read: Standard size of tread and riser in stairs
