A staircase is a vital part of any property and obviously provides a safe way to move from one floor to another. But a feature like this also serves as a significant structural support by helping to hold the building’s frame together.
Equally, it plays a key part in defining a place’s visual style and layout.
A great set of stairs also adds significant value to a property while determining the flow from one room to another on each floor.
Not only that, but in a space such as a hallway, your stairs serve as the area’s main design feature.
There may also be useful built-in storage in the space below the steps.
Choosing a staircase design that suits your property
When designing a staircase, you’ll need to think about the style you want, much will depend on your property type and whether, for instance, it’s a period place or a modern apartment, and who lives in your household, as well as on any other selling points you wish to highlight.
Prioritising safety when planning your staircase
It’s important to balance style and visual appeal with safety considerations, after all, steps pose a potentially significant risk, especially for children, the elderly and anyone else you live with who may be less mobile or more vulnerable.
They can even present a hazard to pets, including puppies or older animals, with a potential risk of injury.
But a staircase that everyone (including pets) can use safely doesn’t have to be one that compromises on its appearance.
It is possible to design a model that looks stunning while also being safe and functional for your home.
Here are some things to bear in mind:
- Have non-slip products on treads
This significantly minimises risks on treads – i.e. the flat part you walk on when ascending or descending a set of steps.
Carpeting offers good traction, is soft and can cushion a fall if someone does trip. But you need to fit it securely so it doesn’t become a hazard in itself.
Prefer to retain your real-wood staircase’s naturally elegant look?
Go for transparent, non-slip coatings or subtly coloured strips to suit the design of your stairs seamlessly.
- Choose the best possible lighting
Of course, it’s always important for stairs to have the right lighting to minimise risk.
Options include LED strip lights, small spotlights on every stair, motion-activated lighting or incorporating illumination within the handrails.
But it doesn’t have to be merely functional. Warm, inviting and gentle lighting creates ambience while enhancing safety.
If you have quite a traditional property, wall-mounted sconces could make an ideal choice. Meanwhile, recessed or concealed lighting lends a modern feel.
- Comfortable, sturdy balustrades
Balustrades can make all the difference in allowing everyone to use the staircase with stability and confidence.
They come in an array of styles, from sleekly minimalist to ornately traditional.
So it should be possible to identify something which complements your overall décor while prioritising safety.
Powder-coated metal and stained wood are just two examples for a contemporary look.
- Other safety features you can incorporate
Safety features could include: having strips on the edges of every stair in contrasting colours or wider steps (if you’re designing from scratch) to give greater stability.
Alternatively, you could add small, flat landings to break up longer staircases. This provides somewhere for the less mobile to rest and minimise the possible risk of a fall.
Finally, stairgates are ideal if you have small children at home or run a business such as a nursery.
- Get rid of clutter
This may sound a rather obvious one. But one of the best safety actions as far as a set of steps is concerned is to keep the area completely free from anything which could present a trip risk.
That includes making a concerted effort to keep shoes, coats, toys, bags and so on anywhere other than on the stairs. Factor in having baskets or shelves near your staircase into your design.
Finally, bear in mind that UK building regulations govern staircases; principally the Approved Document K (Protection from falling, collision and impact).
These outline the need for all steps, handrails and landings to be structurally safe and functional.
Smart-looking, 100% safe staircases from Two J’s Metalwork
Two J’s Metalwork adds style and safety to interior and exterior staircases, thanks to our skills in architectural metalwork.
We supply exceptional solutions across Sussex for large and small-scale projects, giving every job the same commitment and attention to detail – we stand ready to provide outstanding results.
