Wooden stairs are carpentry elements that not only serve a practical function by connecting different levels of a building, but also add an aesthetic and artistic touch. In this article, we will explore the various wood staircase typologies, designs, applications and essential components.
Wooden stairs are found in a wide variety of settings, from public buildings to single-family homes. Their presence in representative locations often turns them into sculptural pieces.
The versatility of wooden stairs
Wooden stairs offer exceptional versatility by integrating additional functions into their design, for example, stairs with built-in storage. In their design it is possible to integrate drawers, shelves and cabinets within the staircase structure itself, providing ingenious solutions to optimize the use of available space. In addition, the creativity of the designers manifests itself in multifunctional staircases that blend harmoniously with other elements, such as bookshelves, desks or even sitting areas. This combination of functionality and aesthetics redefines the traditional conception of stairs, turning them into key elements of contemporary interior design.
We found an interesting category of cantilevered stairs, where floating treads offer a modern, lightweight design. These stairs, generally anchored to the wall, feature massive and elegant wood pieces that not only provide an attractive visual aesthetic, but also contribute to maximize the feeling of space in the environment by lacking partitions. They also help to establish visual relationships between spaces.
The versatility of wooden stairs is further enhanced through the combination with other materials, such as glass or metal. This fusion not only provides structural stability, but also opens windows to creative design opportunities.
As for the variety of stair types, there is a wide range. Straight staircases stand out for their versatility in adjusting to different environments, either in one flight or in two, offering flexibility in terms of design and use of available space. On the other hand, two flight staircases provide enclosed options allowing effective adaptation to various space configurations and interior design.
Curved staircases stand as the ideal choice for limited spaces, incorporating circular treads that not only fulfill the necessary functionality but also add a distinctive aesthetic touch.
Finally, mixed stairs present a creative fusion of straight and curved flights, generating unique designs that not only save space, but also offer a wide variety of aesthetic options to satisfy individual tastes and particular architectural requirements.
Wood in stairs
In terms of materials for wooden stairs, the choice is crucial for functionality and aesthetics. The use of solid wood stands out in stringers, steps and handrails; hardwood species such as oak or chestnut, coniferous species such as fir and pine, tropical woods such as iroko, but also bamboo.
Laminated wood, ideal for curved and straight stringers, provides greater stability and makes it possible to generate pieces with spectacular shapes and dimensions, adding a distinctive touch to the design. Micro-laminated wood, formed by gluing veneers together, is a very old handcrafted solution that provides both durability and uniqueness.
Solid wood blockboard is also used as fingerprints and risers, standing out in elements that require solidity and beauty. Structural boards, such as OSB or CLT, provide strength and stability to the assembly and are frequently used in light-framed houses and other constructions with an all-wood structure.
Wood veneers can also accompany the design of a staircase in close coverings and handrails as long as they are used as a decorative covering without being subjected to direct wear and tear. Other auxiliary elements such as fittings, adhesives and finishes complete the construction. And in contrast to wood, glass and metal can be incorporated into the design to add a modern, contemporary touch.
A particular case refers to parametric wooden stairs. This type of circulation offers a more complex customization, commonly modeled by means of three-dimensional generation software and calculations. Elements such as steps, handrails and other components take on a more organic form, being able to use strips, boards and profiles with a more natural order. The versatility of the parametric designs makes it possible to adapt to various architectural environments, while the customized construction ensures structural stability and safety. Thus, these stairs provide a unique and elegant solution intertwining aesthetic and distinctive aspects of woodworking.
Wooden stairs can also be differentiated according to the conditions to which they will be exposed, whether they are designed for indoors or outdoors, they present fundamental distinctions that fit their respective environments. Those intended for indoors focus on aesthetics and may use more delicate woods. The finishes are lighter, and the design may incorporate decorative details, as these stairs are an integral part of the interior décor.
On the other hand, exterior wooden stairs prioritize resistance to adverse weather conditions. They receive protective treatments against moisture and insects. Their design includes features to facilitate rainwater drainage, and they focus on durability to meet the challenges posed by the outdoor environment over time.
More wooden stairs inspiration on our Pinterest board.
Consult the different types of wooden stairs in our section, as well as other entries related to this type of product:
Wooden spiral staircases? Their advantages . Parametric wooden staircase in the new offices of LVMH, Paris . Design stairs with bamboo . Staircase and storage, all in one . More than 100 ways to design a wooden staircase
