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When designed properly, a staircase can do more than facilitate the flow of movement from one floor to another. It can become a stunning centerpiece of your home.
Are you looking to give your plain stairs a makeover? Here are 14 types of staircases every homeowner should know. From modern floating stairs to elegant bifurcated (sometimes called split) stairs, there’s a design fit for every space.
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01
of 14Straight Staircase
The most common and basic stair design, straight staircases are, well, pretty straightforward. The stairs climb in a single linear flight with no curves or change in direction.
Due to their simple design, straight staircases are generally affordable and easy to build.
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02
of 14L-Shaped Staircase
L-shaped staircases, also known as quarter-turn staircases, are closely related to the straight staircase. Unlike straight stairs, however, L-shaped stairs have a half-turn (90-degree angle), usually in the middle or close to one of the ends. The two flights are connected with a landing.
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03
of 14U-Shaped Stairs
U-shaped staircases, also known as switchback stairs or half-turn stairs, consist of two sets of stairs that are joined by a landing but go in opposite directions, creating a shape that resembles a U.
Similar to L-shaped staircases, U-shaped staircases also make a turn and are good in corner locations.
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04
of 14Spiral Staircase
Spiral staircases are great for smaller apartments or homes, as the compact design take up very little space. Named for their shape, a spiral staircase has a series of steps that wind around a central column.
While they are attractive and functional, spiral staircases are not always the easiest to navigate—or move furniture up and down. So choose their location wisely.
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05
of 14Cantilever Staircase
In a cantilever staircase, the stair treads are attached to the walls, giving the illusion that the steps are floating. This modern staircase design is visually striking and can open up the feeling of any space.
The floating stairs can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, or stone.
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06
of 14Bifurcated Staircase
Bifurcated stairs, also called split stairs, are probably what you have in mind when you picture a grand staircase. This is the style of staircase you’d find on the Titanic or in Victorian-era homes. They start with one wide set of steps that splits off into two smaller sets of flights going in opposite directions.
While they make for a grand entrance to your home, bifurcated stairs are also expensive to build and require a large area to do so.
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07
of 14Double Staircase
Similar to a bifurcated staircase, an ornate double staircase makes a grand statement. But instead of one set of steps splitting off into two that go in opposite directions, a double staircase has two full flights of stairs leading to the same direction.
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08
of 14Winder Stairs
A winder staircase is a type of staircase that changes directions but without the use of any landings. Instead of a landing, the turn in the staircase is accomplished by installing pie slice-shaped triangular steps that allows for a change in direction. This type of staircase generally requires a customized design fit for your home and space.
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09
of 14Curved Staircase
A curved staircase is similar to a traditional staircase but has a slight curve, usually one that is 90 degrees or less. Compared to a compact spiral staircase, the curve in this style is generally relaxed, with steps that are easy to navigate.
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10
of 14Circular Staircase
A circular staircase rotates in a round fashion, usually turning more than 90 degrees. This type of staircase has an open center hole where a person can down through, or up at a beautiful light fixture such as a chandelier.
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11
of 14Ladder Stairs
Ladder stairs are great for small-home owners that are desperate for more useable square footage. These efficient stairs fit into tight spaces, and are great for home libraries and lofts.
Some are simpler and resemble an actual ladder, while others are stylized. However they look, ladder staircases are one of the most space-efficient ways to move between floors.
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12
of 14Stair Tower
A stair tower can be used in a multi-story home where each floor is accessed off the same stairwell. It is generally surrounded by one or more walls or windows, creating a tower-like effect.
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13
of 14Staircase With Storage
Staircases with built-in storage make an excellent solution for homes that don’t have enough storage space. The space beneath a staircase is an ideal spot to install shelves or cabinets, maximizing space in a small house or apartment.
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14
of 14Alternating Tread Stairs
An alternating tread staircase is a type of steep staircase with a staggered step design. Its installation might be difficult, but an alternating tread staircase can provide a higher level of comfort and safety for the person climbing the steps, as it allows you to put one foot on a tread at a time.
Choosing a Staircase
There are many factors to consider when choosing a staircase design. You want it to fit your home’s aesthetic but also function well with the space provided—and fit into your remodeling budget.
Determine how much space you are dealing with. If you have more room, you might opt for a more ornate or spacious staircase design, such as a grand bifurcated staircase. If you’re working with a tiny space, however, you might consider the compact spiral staircase design.
You’ll also want to look into staircase building regulations, which differ depending on where you live. Things to consider include head room required, the maximum pitch (angle) of the staircase allowed, and relevant fire regulations.
Finally, pick a staircase design that fits into your budget.
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What is the difference between a curved staircase and an L-shaped staircase?
A curved staircase has a slight curve, usually one that is 90 degrees or less. An L-shaped staircase involves a sharp 90-degree turn, usually in the middle or close to one of the ends.
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What are the cheapest types of stairs?
The easiest to build, and therefore the most affordable style, are straight staircases, which consist of a single linear flight of steps with no change in direction.
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What type of stair is common in residential buildings?
Straight staircases are common in both residential and commercial buildings. L-shaped and U-shaped stairs, which involve a turn, are also commonly found in residential buildings.
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