When calculating the bearing capacity, the elements of the stairs are divided into statically determinable beams - cantilever or single-span, and are calculated according to the appropriate formulas. Since the stairs are subject to dynamic loads, increased requirements are imposed on the rigidity of the supporting elements: their deflection should not exceed 1/400 of the span. Loads acting on flights of stairs and landings should be collected by adding the own weight of structures and temporary loads: in residential buildings - 300 kg / m².
When lifting, a person spends about twice as much energy as when moving horizontally (Fig. 2). It has been established by practice that a ladder is comfortable and safe if the double height of the riser, folded with the width of the step (tread), is equal to the average step of a person. The stride length of a person on a plane is approximately 600–640 mm. Based on this, the tread and rise are determined by the formula: 2а+b = 600…640 mm.
Fig.2. Calculation of the height and width of ordinary steps
Alternatively, you can use another, easier to remember, formula: a+b = 450 ± 20 mm, where a is the height of the step (riser), b is the width of the step (tread).
The width of the tread should ensure that the foot is supported by a full foot, that is, it should not be less than 200 and not more than 320 mm. The optimal height of the riser is 150, and the width of the tread is 300 mm. With a strong increase in the width of the tread, you will certainly go astray, and with a strong decrease, the descent will be difficult. When designing winder steps, it must be taken into account that the minimum width of the steps from the narrow end should be at least 100 mm, and the overhang of the tread over the bottom step should be no more than 50 mm. Also, the overhang of the upper step over the lower one is done when it is not possible to increase the width of the tread in other ways, in this case the overhang should not exceed 30 mm for wooden and 50 mm for reinforced concrete steps.
The most convenient angles for climbing stairs are in the range from 23 to 37 °. The steeper the staircase, the less space it needs to install in the house, and accordingly, the more flat the staircase, the more space it needs to provide for it. If the angle is less than 23 ° - the ladder can be replaced with a ramp (flat inclined platform), if it is more than 45 °, then the ladder becomes attached or folding (Fig. 3). The optimal angle of ascent of spiral staircases is 25–35°. The most difficult process with a flight of stairs steeper than 40° is the descent from the stairs, and at angles of more than 45°, the descent can only be done backwards.
rice. 3. Normative dependence of the size of the steps on the steepness of the stairs The number of steps depends on the height of the floor and the angle of the stairs. Knowing the location of the stairs in the plan and the height of the room, the number of steps can be (and easier) set graphically, and then, using the safety formulas, determine the width of the tread.
To graphically build a staircase on graph paper or checkered paper, you need to draw a flight of stairs on a scale (Fig. 4) commensurate with the height of the floor.
rice. 4. An example of a graphical calculation of the number of steps and the height of the riser. Table of heights for steps in buildings with standard floor height The height of the floor is the difference in the height marks of the levels of the finished floor of the lower and upper floors, that is, the thickness of the clothes of the floors must be included in the height of the floor. For example, the floor of the lower floor is lined with ceramic tiles, and the floor of the upper floor is lined with parquet over logs and plywood "black floor". All layers of these floor structures must be included in the floor height calculation: at the bottom - the thickness of the leveling screed, tile adhesive and tile; above - the thickness of the log, plywood and parquet. In Russia, since the time of the existence of the USSR, the height of a floor has been a regulated value. Usually the standard floor height is 2.8 or 3 m, less often - 2.7 or 3.3 m, which allows you to design a room height (distance from floor to ceiling) of at least 2.4 m. This floor height allows you to easily enter stairs with step sizes that meet the requirements of the safety design formula (Fig. 4, table 2). If your floor height differs from the standard one and is not a multiple of 3, then the height of the steps must be calculated (rounded) to the nearest one millimeter, but so that the heights of all risers are the same. It is better to distribute the calculation error resulting from the rounding of heights on the lower frieze step, and make the remaining steps of the march the same height.
Steps of different heights lead to the construction of a traumatic staircase. This staircase becomes especially dangerous during the descent at night. Going down the stairs, muscle memory tells us that there should be a step. The weight of the body is transferred to the leg, and there is no step under it ... It is lower! And only two or three tens of millimeters, and the leg was twisted ... and it’s still good if they didn’t roll head over heels down.
In houses with a non-standard floor height, to equalize the height of the steps, it is allowed to lower the level of the finished floor of the upper floor platform slightly lower than the level of the finished floor of the rest of the floor. It is better not to make a threshold, but to make the floor of the floor area in the form of a ramp, that is, inclined. It will take only a few millimeters to trim the height of the steps so that the slope is unlikely to be very noticeable. Alternatively, if the landing is enclosed by walls with doors, the floors between these rooms can be made with a small threshold. This solution is well known to everyone: the level of floor areas in apartment buildings, as a rule, is lower than the level of clean floors in apartments. We don't break our legs here - we're used to it.
Table 1 of Figure 3 shows the dimensions of the steps for "compacted" stairs suitable for country houses. Often, in the layouts of these houses, there is so little space left for the stairs that in order to make the stairs shorter, one has to sacrifice the width of the tread. So, for example, in a staircase with a riser height of 200 mm, the width of the tread is 250 mm. An adult person cannot lean on such a tread with a full foot and he has to go down the stairs sideways or backwards. Table 2 of Figure 4 shows the riser heights for standard floor heights. It will not be difficult to calculate the width of the tread using safety formulas. But there is another way to determine the size of the steps - graphic.
This ergonomic method is based on the fact that a person, freely making a step of 620 mm on a horizontal plane, can just as easily raise his leg to a height equal to only half this value, that is, 310 mm. Therefore, if on the horizontal axis of the graph (Fig. 5) we plot a known number of parts, each equal to one step (620 mm), and on the vertical axis - equal to the height of the leg lift of 310 mm, then this construction makes it possible to obtain the dimensions of the rise and the width of the steps for stairs with any slope. To do this, you need to plot the slope line of your ladder on the chart (its height and length are known) and draw perpendiculars at the points of intersection with the grid of the chart. This is the optimal height and width of the step for a given slope of the flight of stairs. Moreover, you can use this method and build a staircase specifically "for yourself." For example, by setting the step to 600, and the rise, respectively, to 300 mm, or by setting the step length as you see fit.
rice. 5. Graphical method for selecting the optimal step sizes (dimensions in mm) Viber
Online calculator for calculating stairs
- - Double-check your measurements and order details. Click on the "Next" button and the "Order" button. Fill in the fields on the order form. Click "Submit Order". Wait for a call from our designer to clarify the details of the order.
With the help of our online LADDER DESIGNER YOU CAN:
Send an ORDER to us for MANUFACTURING ONLY DRAWINGS of all details for your stairs. We design your stairs in a licensed design program - quickly, and most importantly, accurately! All parts made according to our drawings are ideally suited to each other, and do not require fitting, sawing on the site.
- - send an ORDER to us for the MANUFACTURING of the entire staircase. We will make the stairs EXACTLY according to YOUR SIZES - and it will fit perfectly into your room. You get a high-tech product, with an exclusive design, at an extremely attractive price. Compare our prices for OAK STAIRS with the prices in your area!
- Our ladders are designed for self-assembly, accompanied by a detailed assembly drawing. Assembling our stairs can be done by two people and is no more difficult than assembling an Ikea cabinet.
li span.video-2").toggle();toDown(".video-2-btn");"> Watch the stair assembly video
x
No matter how the imagination builds the appearance of the stairs, calculating its design according to the required type and load is a task of a completely different class of complexity. All sorts of calculators and programs for designing stairs help well in this matter, and we will talk about them today.
PRO100 - simple visualization
Almost any staircase, no matter how complex it may be, can be represented as a collection of simpler steps, bowstrings, railings and risers - boards, in other words. Therefore, it will be most simple to draw up a staircase project for those craftsmen who have experience in furniture creation programs. The notorious PRO100 is well suited for these purposes: you can sketch out the design of the simplest staircase in it in 30-40 minutes, even a beginner will not be difficult to get used to this program.
Of course, furniture programs work mainly with primitives - details in the form of a parallelepiped. It can be very difficult to display carved handrails and posts, specially shaped steps and other artistic delights. But if the goal is to determine general parameters, such as height, number and layout of steps, then the means of furniture and general-purpose programs for three-dimensional modeling will be more than enough.
Of course, not if you take on the independent drafting of a project, which will be brought to life by another master. Here it is necessary to pay attention to details and, in the end, the customer receives exactly what he was able to portray, but no more.
The main disadvantage of PRO100 (as, indeed, of most furniture "constructors") is the lack of any automation for working with stairs. There is no possibility, for example, to specify the dimensions of the span, the step and the height of the steps, so all the work is done from scratch. However, for most amateur projects, standard means of manipulating objects are quite enough: grouping, copying, moving, and others like them.
It should be agreed that the goal of designing a staircase can be either only a general idea of \u200b\u200bthe design and basic parameters, or a complex visualization with all the curls and carvings, the shape of turning and the details of fastening all elements into one beautiful one-piece product. In the latter case, you must have practical experience with stairs, otherwise the project may not be feasible in principle.
Online services for obtaining drawings
You should start your acquaintance with programs for designing stairs with all kinds of online services and calculators. Their capabilities are severely limited by the web platform: although there are ways to carry out detailed calculations and visualize the product in high quality "without leaving the Internet", the development of such software is too expensive and almost never justified.
And yet, such programs have one plus: they provide the user with the opportunity not to install additional software, but to carry out preliminary calculations on the go. One of the popular sites lesenka.com offers a schematic representation of a staircase - a plan and a section of steps - according to the set of parameters you entered. It is possible in just a couple of minutes to generate schemes of stairs, both simple single-span and spiral, and with platforms, and with winder steps.
Another popular site is lascalagrande.ru. Free input of parameters is not available here, but the parameterization form is quite “smart” and will itself offer valid options for the user to choose from. It is possible to choose one of six types of stairs (including multi-flight, rotary and with a complex shape of steps), as well as calculate railings and balustrades, resulting in a drawing with basic dimensions and an isometric sketch. The site stairshop.ru is almost a complete analogue of the previous one, but it has a rare possibility of a three-dimensional view of the designed staircase, although with a very primitive display quality.
Sites of this kind have a number of nice features. Most of them belong to companies professionally engaged in the manufacture and installation of stairs. Therefore, it is possible to get acquainted with the photo gallery of finished products and roughly estimate the cost of the project.
Features of working in Staircon
Online design tools greatly limit the freedom of action when designing stairs with a unique design. If you need a more individual approach, you will either have to use CAD programs (Autodesk, SketchUp), or pay attention to specialized software.
The Staircon program is a very, very good option even for a one-time use. Despite the abundance of functions, this product is quite easy to master, even when using a non-Russian version. Almost each of the settings windows has a small preview, which clearly shows the nature of the changes being made, plus all customizable parameters are immediately applied to the main scene. All work is carried out by parameterizing either the staircase as a whole, or individual platforms and spans, or even each step separately.
There are three main views in the program: general plan, sketch and three-dimensional model. Moving sequentially from one to another, the user first sets up the parameters of the ladder pocket, then the overall configuration of the stairs, for which there are several dozen built-in templates. And finally, the work is completed by working out small details, such as fences or handrails, and choosing materials (including metal and glass).
As a result, the user receives design documentation, a list of parts and materials, or a render of a visual scene with quite acceptable quality.
Calculation of physical and mechanical parameters
Many are interested in the question: how to use programs to calculate the stairs according to the load. With a closer acquaintance with Staircon and similar tools, it turns out that the calculation of technical parameters for the load is already built into the depths of the program, and it simply will not offer to use material sections and design of nodes that do not correspond to at least an average level of through load.
As with everything, an individual calculation may be required here, especially when fixing steps to the wall on only one side, when working with suspended stairs or calculating concrete spans with a large dead weight.
Unfortunately, these calculations will have to be done manually: no matter how perfect the program is, you should not rely on standard algorithms. No design tool can take into account the bearing capacity of the walls, as well as the strength of individual materials for the execution of the staircase itself.
Should You Learn CAD and 3D Modeling?
If you do not have development experience in Autocad or 3ds Max, you should not pay attention to this class of programs only for designing stairs. The only exception is when you need to create a really high quality visualization or fit a staircase into the overall interior visualization plan, which is quite rare in amateur practice.
But if you are already familiar with programs for three-dimensional modeling and drawing production, familiarity with special software for stairs can turn into a waste of time. As we have already said, CAD programs do not know how to space steps at the same distance or automatically adjust the line of fences to changes in the configuration of the span.
However, in reality, such capabilities are needed when developing only very large projects. In other cases, you can use the standard snapping and grouping tools, or find the appropriate plugin for working with stairs.
Staircase may be original
The staircase structure in the house is a necessary part that connects the floors. Choosing a ladder design is not as easy as it seems at first glance. The house needs not just an element for descent and ascent, but a convenient and aesthetic structure.
The selection of a ladder structure is not an easy task. Before you decide on any model, once again return to the project and layout of the interior. It is quite possible that you have overlooked some important aspects: where the flight of stairs will go, how many there will be, whether the chosen model fits the design of both floors and many other questions.
Different types of staircase design: photo
We offer you to get acquainted with different options for design solutions for stair structures. Before you start learning programs for calculating stairs, consider the appearance of the structure. To do this, we present to help you photographs showing successful decorative structures.
Do not rely too much on fashion trends. The focus should be on the style of your home itself.
Main technical parameters of stairs
Any building has its own standards. There are such norms for stairs. If you deviate from them during construction, using the structure will be inconvenient at best, and simply dangerous at worst. The list of parameters includes the height of the riser and the width of the steps of the stairs, the slope, the height of the railing.
The dimensions of the steps of the stairs take into account the allowable height of the riser, which is 80 mm: the minimum value is 120 mm, the maximum is 200 mm. The depth of the tread is made between 235 and 355 mm. The angle of inclination depends on several factors, but the acceptable values are 24-50 °. If the slope exceeds 45°, then the steps become too steep and uncomfortable. Proper slope forms the height of the rise in a certain ratio to the width of the tread.
The choice of arbitrary values can violate the technical qualities of the design. In addition to the above parameters, they take into account the dimensions of the stairwell, the length of the march, the number of lifts (preferably no more than 18), the total distance from the floor of the first floor to the second.
On average, the step length of an adult is 63 cm, and when lifting, this number becomes 30–32 cm and increases or decreases depending on the slope of the march. As for the fence and railings, the standard indicates 90-120 cm. The critical height of the stairs is also an important parameter, therefore, in the plan of the house, it is worth considering the height of the ceiling of the second floor to prevent head injuries. Finally, we add that the ladder that is able to withstand weight up to 250 kg, and the railing - over 100 kg, will be safe.
The main types of stair structures
You can rejoice at the variety of staircase designs. Their main types are taken into account in programs for calculating stairs. The convenience of marching stairs lies in their practicality, spiral staircases - in their sophistication and elegance, as well as saving usable space. The advantage of combined structures is the successful combination of elements of all other structures and the maximum level of interior design.
Mid-flight staircase Spiral design Combination of elements of all designs
Stair structures take into account load-bearing elements, namely stringers, which can be one or two, bowstrings, bolts, a combination of elements. Do-it-yourself calculation of stairs to the second floor can be a difficult task when designing complex structures. It is important to remember that any calculations must be based on building codes for your convenience and safety.
The main materials from which ladders are made, and the nuances of their calculation
The use of any material must be selected taking into account building codes. The ladder structure has a weight that should be included in the design. Each design is individual, this is emphasized not only by the features during construction, but also by the choice of material for its construction. So, what materials for the manufacture of stairs are especially popular:
- Wood is in first place. Wood is a traditional raw material for any structures. The aesthetic qualities of wood and its technical characteristics are at the highest level.
- Stone almost as popular as wood. Stone structures serve for decades without changing their original appearance and without needing painting.
- glass stairs are in demand in modern home interior designs. Glass is perceived easily, although its technical characteristics include strength and considerable weight.
- iron structures can be simple and massive, or can become a real work of art thanks to forged elements.
- Reinforced concrete stairs add grandeur to the design.
Many designers do not follow the canons, and boldly combine different materials, combining everything in incredible proportions. Of course, the cost of such a staircase increases not only due to the work of the designer, but also because of the difficulties associated with the construction process. And, of course, do not forget about the combined options, when part is made of metal, and part is made of glass or wood. Some designers even embark on bold experiments, combining wood, metal and stone. As a rule, such structures are installed in rich houses.
Calculation of wooden stairs
Tradition and classic - that's what we can say about wooden stairs. These are trendy designs that fit into many styles in design. Wood needs to be treated, as this material is prone to rotting processes, termite attacks and is not fire resistant at all. A wooden staircase will organically fit into the house from any combination of wood. This will be the best and environmentally friendly option. A combination of different types of wood, a special texture, aging and varnishing are welcome.
The most popular stairs in the construction of houses are structures made of pine, beech, oak and ash. The program for calculating wooden stairs differs from others precisely in the qualities and properties of the material.
Calculation of metal stairs
This material, cold to the touch, was not previously on the list of popular ones and was used in office flights of stairs. But it is almost impossible to resist a variety of curly designs with exquisite patterns, bronze elements.
Metal stairs to the second floor can also be calculated online using special calculators.
Determining the required geometric dimensions of the stairs
So, before you open the calculator for calculating the stairs to the second floor online, carefully calculate all future parameters. Without the dimensions of the height and width of the steps, the fence, the distance between the floors and the angle of inclination, the program will not produce any results.
An example of calculating the length of the stairs, the height and width of the steps
We remind you that all staircase parameters comply with SNIP and GOST standards!
We point out only the most basic points that play a role in the safety of people operating the staircase. This list includes the total number of steps, which can be from 3 to 18, not taking into account parity. The height of the steps should not be less than 12 cm, and in no case exceed 20 cm with a total width of 23-25 cm.
Approximate drawing of a straight staircase
Let's try to model a marching staircase on stringers. Given: landing, length - 6000 mm, width - 3000 mm, height between floor levels - 3300 mm, distance between marches - 100 mm. We make a calculation in which we take into account that with a distance between floors of 3300 mm we make two marches.
So, (the width of the landing is 3000 mm - the mid-flight gap is 100 mm) / 2 = 1450 mm. To determine the height of one march, we divide the interfloor height in half and get 1650 mm. The size of the steps is defined as 150 mm height multiplied by 300 mm.
The number of risers in a march is calculated by dividing the height of one march by the height of the riser and get: 1 650 / 150 = 11 (pieces). The upper march will have one step less, 11 - 1 = 10 (pieces), which means that there will be 11 risers in the march, and one less tread. The length of the march is calculated by multiplying the width of the tread by the number of steps, multiply 300 mm by 10 pieces and get 3000 mm.
The standard value of the width of the stairwell is 90 - 110 cm, although in rare cases it is permissible to reduce this mark to 80 cm. All dimensions on the plan and drawing must be transferred to the walls and all components of the structure must be noted. To do this, use a plumb line and a lined cord.
Determination of the required angle of inclination of the stairs
Many recommend a tilt angle of 29° to 37°, as a larger angle saves space, but only at the expense of comfort. In the calculations, do not forget about the location of door and window openings, columns, arches.
Calculation of stairs of various types
If, after all of the above, an independent calculation of all the nuances of a staircase seems to be a difficult task, then you can not risk either the safety or the quality of the future structure, but trust a special online staircase design program. When calculating stairs of any type, you will need to enter a lot of your measurements. The program offers a calculation for all types of stairs, no matter if you want a spiral structure on stringers or a ladder with winder steps.
All data is automatically processed and a drawing with all the exact parameters is produced as a result. The output data includes information about the materials spent on the construction of the structure. Programs that offer 3D visualization are especially interesting, since you can not only get a drawing and the required amount of material, but also work on a design.
With 90° winder steps
The unique modern layout or the small size of the house often add to the complexity when choosing standard staircase designs, a straight staircase will not fit everywhere, as well as platforms for rotary structures. The solution was found in the process of architectural searches for a new successful option. As a result of the need, stairs with winder steps arose. Such structures solve the problem of moving between the first and second floors for any layout and spatial volumes of the premises.
Please note that due to this design, there is a significant saving of usable space with an external elegant appearance.
Such structures are not traumatic, since all staircase parameters must be observed during construction. The usual material in the manufacture of such L-shaped ladders is wood or metal, mainly aluminum. This is the most practical solution for building a compact interfloor connection. Here are more options for such staircases.
With 180° winder steps
The design of such a ladder is called U-shaped because of its external resemblance to this letter when viewed from above. Two straight flights of stairs are connected by a small platform convenient for passage. A U-turn is made on it, and the movement begins in the opposite direction.
This option is also in demand and popular with architects and designers. This is a very convenient transition between floors, which can fit in a very small space. Designers have tried and carefully worked in this direction, making such designs very stylish in the interior. When calculating this design, you need to pay attention to the height between floors, since incorrectly calculated parameters will make moving up and down extremely inconvenient due to hitting the ceiling with your head.
Straight ladder
This is the most traditional type of stairs, where all parameters are closely interconnected. The angle of inclination plays a big role. The width of the steps and their height depend on it, which decrease or increase depending on the change in the value of the angle of inclination.
But in any numerical scenario, the length of the entire staircase will turn out to be rather big - 3-6.5 m. This value depends on the combination of all parameters, including the thickness of the interfloor overlap. The calculation also includes taking into account the length of the platforms in front of the entrance and exit to a direct march. Thus, the length of the staircase increases even more, and usable space is lost. The minimum length of the platform in front of and after the stairs is 80 cm and must be identical to the width of the stairs.
A two-flight staircase on stringers with a 180° turn. online calculator
With a large distance between floors, a two-flight staircase structure is installed. Another platform will not only change the direction of the ascending or descending one, but can also be endowed with other functions, because it is a support for the entire structure. A variety of two-flight stairs are taken into account in the calculations.
The owner should decide whether the design will be open or closed. With the open type, the gaps between the rises will be visible, and with the closed type, it will be safer to climb, because such ladders have deaf risers. Platforms can be single-level or two-level, where there is an additional step. The design itself can be clockwise or counterclockwise or just straight. Our calculator will help in calculating such a design.
Three-flight staircase on stringers with a 180° turn
This design is similar to the letter "z". Three marches are obtained at the expense of two intermediate platforms, and the middle march is noticeably shorter than the others. The size of the platforms should not exceed the width of the steps. Such landings are convenient for many people, especially for those who find it difficult to immediately run up the stairs.
To make the correct calculation, take into account the height of one march. To do this, the interfloor distance is divided by 3 and all risers and treads are calculated in one march with a step size of 300 × 150 mm. Take into account the height of the march and steps, as well as a smaller number of treads by one, due to the location of the last tread on the second floor landing. Typically, this design is used in houses where the interfloor distance is over 3 m.
Calculation of a spiral staircase
Beautiful and practical design saves space and is a great decorative element. Such a ladder can be chosen for any style. The design is complex in its form. Its many wedge-shaped winders must be located at a certain radius.
There are four types of such stairs with their own characteristics: with or without support on the walls of the house, with or without a supporting pillar. The calculation includes the angle of rotation (270°−360°), ceiling height (2 meters or more), step end width (from 40 cm) and narrow end width (from 10 cm).
Straight staircase on bowstrings
The classic type of construction is especially popular in office buildings. The difference from the stairs on the stringers is the insertion of steps into the grooves, called the bowstring. Such designs are open and closed, the difference lies in the use or absence of risers. It can be single-flight or double-flight ladders with any form of landings.
Programs for calculating stairs online. Calculator with drawings
In the presence of programs for design, you can still experience difficulties in calculations and drawings. Therefore, our editors offer a calculator where you need to enter the specified values and get the result. Building drawings will help adjust the wishes of the owner of the house. If you have already chosen the design option and material, then the most important thing remains - to correctly measure all the parameters of the future staircase. All data after entering into the table windows will be processed, and you will see the result.
Where to order the manufacture and installation of turnkey stairs - prices, catalogs
Numerous companies specializing in the construction of stairs offer their services not only for the construction phase itself, but also for various design solutions. You can find many interesting offers from designers and manufacturers.
The price of an L-shaped staircase with a 90 ° turn made of different types of wood with a minimum opening of the second floor (920 × 2700 mm), an inclination angle of 42 ° and 15 steps costs from 35,000 to 150,000 rubles. Prices for spiral staircases start at 55,000 rubles, although some manufacturers offer to purchase a finished metal spiral staircase for 40,000 rubles. The cost of a U-shaped staircase also depends on the material and starts at 90,000 rubles. The price of the selected staircase will depend on all the parameters, material and installation.
If you have any questions, please write them in the comments.
Private country houses and cottages in two or more floors- have long ceased to seem like a curiosity. This approach to planning their properties allows owners to achieve the maximum possible usable area of housing even on "modest" in size plots for construction. It is clear that both the design of a building on several levels and its construction are seriously complicated. In particular, in addition to the usual architectural and interior elements inherent in any house, it is necessary to think over the creation of interfloor transitions. Most often this role is played by stairs. And if we consider the statistics of individual construction, then the undisputed "leaders" in popularity are
Nowadays, there is no shortage of ready-made projects of staircase structures. You can find on the Internet and special applications that carry out the necessary calculations. But it is quite possible to carry out an independent calculation of a wooden staircase to the second floor. For many, this will be even more interesting and understandable, since in the course of the calculation, the owner of the house delves into the many nuances of such a structure, trying them on for his possessions.
Let's go through the steps of the basic calculations of the stairs in this publication. You will see that everything is not so prohibitively difficult.
The main structural elements of a wooden staircase
First of all, what are they - wooden stairs on?
- The simplest option is a single-flight straight staircase. Such designs are relatively simple in calculations and installation, they are distinguished by high reliability and comfort in operation.
A significant disadvantage of such a staircase can be considered that it "eats" a lot of usable space. And a decrease in its size (meaning its projection onto the floor plane) leads to an increase in the steepness of the ascent and descent. Which, in turn, makes the flight of stairs inconvenient and even unsafe for movement, especially for children or for people with disabilities.
- If the space available in the room does not allow for a single-flight staircase, or it turns out to be too steep, it is divided into two or more flights, changing their direction to perpendicular or opposite.
It is clear that the total length of the marches, with the same height of rise and its steepness, will not decrease. But this approach allows, so to speak, to optimize the space. For example, flights of stairs are located in the corner of the room along the walls, and it does not clutter up the room. Or, under the interfloor passage, a small separate room is completely allocated, turning it into a compact stairwell with an oncoming march.
- Stairs with two or more straight flights may also vary. And this difference lies in the features of ensuring a change in direction of movement. So, between the marches there can be a horizontal transition platform. Another option - marches connects a curved section with a smooth change in direction, with steps of a characteristic trapezoidal shape. Such steps are called running.
A staircase with a running section, of course, looks more elegant in the interior. And due to the fact that the rise does not “stop” anywhere, including at the turn, there is a gain in the overall dimensions of the structure. But a winder ladder is much more difficult in calculations, design and installation, and in operation it is not as convenient and safe as a similar one, but with a transition platform. So it is better to weigh all its advantages and disadvantages in advance.
Prices for wooden stairs
wooden staircase
- The design allows you to place the interfloor passage literally "on the patch". And one cannot but agree that such a staircase in the interior looks very vintage (sorry for the pun). However, this is where its virtues are limited.
But her shortcomings - more than enough. The complexity of calculations and installation largely limit the possibilities for independent creativity - the construction of such structures is still the lot of professionals. Moreover, many models use curvilinear, bent parts, which are completely impossible to manufacture on their own without special equipment and without knowledge of technology. From the point of view of convenience and safety of moving along the spiral steps, the staircase generally loses to all its “brothers”. And yet - just imagine that you need to raise to the second floor (or lower down) some dimensional piece of furniture or household appliances!
- From the inside, the steps can be closed with riser panels (pos. 5). However, this element is not mandatory, and often the risers are not installed either for the sake of giving the structure visual lightness, or in order not to create an obstacle to setting the foot (this is typical for stairs with a pronouncedly steep rise).
For the manufacture of risers, a board with a thickness of at least 20 mm is used (recommended - 30 mm). This part can be located and attached in different ways, and this must be taken into account in advance, since its position often affects the “working” width of the tread.
The figure above, just as an example, shows two different principles for connecting treads to risers. It is quite obvious that on the left fragment the position of the riser does not affect the width of the step. But on the right, where the riser is installed in the selected grooves, you will have to adjust the width of the tread panel so that the calculated step width does not decrease.
Prices for stairs
- The first step of the lower march (pos. 6) may not differ from all the others. But sometimes its configuration is varied (while trying not to change the height), they are made wider, with rounded edges, so as to facilitate the approach to the flight of stairs from the left or right side. Such a step is called a frieze.
- An important element of any wooden staircase is the design of the railing. This is both security and an additional decorative "highlight" of the interfloor transition. The basis for the installation of the fence are powerful posts (pos. 7), which should be at the beginning and end of each march. On the transition platform, such a column becomes common to both marches. If the entrance to the stairs is made frieze, then the lower pillar can be shifted to the second or even third step.
Between pillars, with an equal pitch, which should not be more than 150÷180 mm, (pos. 8), forming a common balustrade. From pillar to pillar, railings (handrails) (pos. 9) are launched, which, along the march, rest on the upper ends of the balusters.
As a rule, pillars and balusters are given a beautiful configuration - the details are turned on a lathe. There is no shortage of such products now, and it is quite possible to order a kit in a carpentry workshop. In the same place, railings of the desired shape in section will be made. Some recommendations on the shapes and sizes of the design details of the staircase railing are clearly shown in the diagram.
By the way, it is the position of the railing system that determines the width of the flight of stairs - it is calculated between the wall and the handrails, or between the handrails on both sides. From the point of view of convenience for intra-apartment stairs, a march with a width of 900 to 1000 mm is considered optimal - not too wide so that the space is not “eaten up”, and quite convenient for moving one person and transferring furnishings. However, the upper limit in width is not indicated anywhere - this is at the discretion of the owners. But the minimum size is strictly stipulated by fire safety rules. In any case, the staircase is considered as one of the evacuation routes, and its width cannot be less than 800 mm.
It is clear that models of stairs can combine various elements, including those that were not shown in the proposed diagram. But since our article is intended for beginners (experienced craftsmen have long known all the intricacies of calculation and installation), it is better not to spray, but limit ourselves to analyzing the most affordable options.
The principal device of the stairs is considered. You can choose the type of construction that is most suitable for specific conditions and proceed to the calculations.
The main steps in the calculation of a wooden staircase
Stairs can be attributed to structures of increased complexity, however, nothing is impossible for a real owner. The main thing is that the created structure should be convenient and safe in everyday use, be distinguished by high reliability and durability. Plus, no one ever, as a rule, discounts the aesthetic component, since the staircase should fit well into the intended interior.
And they begin to carry out calculations with an assessment of the place where the ladder is supposed to be installed. The steepness of its rise directly depends on this.
Calculations the main general linear parameters of the ladder structure
Although the owner is free to “experiment” within his home, he will have to adhere to certain rules when creating the design of the stairs. And above all, this applies to the steepness of the flight of stairs, that is, the angle between the direction of ascent and the horizontal plane.
The ladder should be both convenient to use and safe. Therefore, there are certain limits to its steepness. So, the rise should not be too gentle - this is both inconvenient for a person and takes up too much space in the room. Less than 20 degrees of slope in residential buildings, stairs are not made at all, but it is still better to consider 24 degrees as an acceptable lower limit of steepness, although this is also somewhat small.
The most optimal a range of approximately 27 to 33 degrees is considered - such marches are the most convenient and safe. But often in cramped conditions at home it is difficult to come to such values, and stairs are made with a slope of up to 40 degrees. Well, the top one. the critical boundary for a staircase in constant use to the second floor can be considered an angle of 45 degrees. But for individual family members, even such a bias is already becoming quite difficult to overcome.
It is clear that the more gentle the staircase, the more space for its installation will be required. Therefore, it seems appropriate as a first step to assess the steepness of the march and the size of the horizontal projection - how it will "fit" into the space of the room, which can be allocated for its installation.
So, we consider the interdependence of the steepness of the stairs and the space required for its installation.
This dependence is expressed by the trigonometric relation:
D=h/tga
Below is an online calculator that already includes this trigonometric function. And come to the calculation, with a known lifting height (and it is calculated “from floor to floor”, that is, taking into account the thickness of the ceiling), you can do it in two ways:
- It is planned to create a staircase with a precisely selected flight steepness angle. The calculation will show what place she will have to allocate in the room.
- The dimensions of the area under the stairs are strictly regulated - you need to determine what angle the march will get, and whether it will fall into the allowable range. For this calculation, it is only necessary, by varying the slope in the input field, to achieve the required value of the projection length at the output - all this will take a few seconds.
If there is not enough space for a single-flight staircase (and this most often happens in a small private house), then it should be divided into two flights, as already mentioned above. In this case, for each of the marches, you can carry out your own calculationby changing the height of the transition platform. But at the same time, not forgetting that the angle of inclination is necessarily maintained the same for all marches. This is a strict rule, which is unacceptable to break!
