Remodeling

Remodeling your stairs is a great way to freshen up the look of your house, but remodeling should go beyond design – it has have function that equals its form. There some factors we tend to overlook, and for that, we’re providing your with tips and other guidelines that can help you on your next stair remodeling project,

How a Custom Staircase Can Makeover Your Home

Staircases are one of the most versatile pieces of your home’s structure. In some spaces, they are the showcases of a grand entrance hall. In others, they are simply a required element in the home that blends into the rest of the house.

No matter how you incorporate your staircase’s design, you want it to enhance your home. There are a few things to think about when it comes to custom staircases.

Space: When you decide to build a custom staircase, you first have to look at the space that is available to you. If you have a small area, a spiral staircase might be your best bet. If you have a large front entry you have a lot more space to be able to put wide stairs with a number of different types of railings for effect. Having a spiral staircase in the corner of a small room can add texture where a blank corner would have just looked drab and empty.

Access: After determining the space allowance for your stairs, you need to look at the access to your stairs. In smaller access areas, you aren’t going to want huge banisters that make it difficult to maneuver around. You will need to go with something sleek and more minimalistic to fit in the area allowed. Again if you have a small access area, going with no railing might be an option to open up the access area. There are lots of different ways to design around your access point. Adding flair and paying attention to detail in your access points can really make your staircase a true focal point. Especially if you have a large access point, having a large staircase with an impressive banister can open the area up and really draw your eyes to your staircase.

Material and Design: When deciding what type of material and design you want for your stairs, it is wise to look around and figure out what the design of the rest of your house is and fit your custom staircase into that design scheme. If you have a country style house, you aren’t going to want an intricate metal railing. You would want to go more with a wooden type banister to fit in with the rest of the wood in your house. If your house is more modern there is a large variety of new designs and colors available to truly customize your stairs to your surroundings and your personality. This is where you can truly make the area of your house with your staircase a showstopper. There are so many different materials available these days, and the designs are endless when customizing.

Economic: Staircases can range from the low end of cost with DIY pre-fabricated kits, to very high-end expensive hand crafted. Being aware of your budget and what you are able to afford will help determine what material and design you will use for your custom staircase. If you choose the DIY route, be aware that if anything breaks it is up to you to fix it. Most staircase companies offer some type of warranty. This can be very helpful in the future if something breaks or is not how it was intended to be.

Versatility: Staircases can be used for more that just walking from one floor of a house to another. Staircases can be transformed into bookshelves, or moveable walls that lead to hidden rooms. You can cut a hole in your floor and add a spiral staircase tucked away in the corner that leads down to a wine cellar, or basement when there is limited space available for a larger staircase.

There are many different design options available when customizing your staircase that allow you to create a beautiful stair that you would be proud to show off.

Top Traits of Modern Railing Systems

A beautiful staircase has the potential of becoming a stunning focal point in any home. In fact, the staircase is an accent piece by nature. It has been an eye-catching element from the beginning and, as its design evolved over the years, its status never changed. In fact, it became more and more important and interior designers have made it the star of many of their projects.

A beautiful staircase is defined by several different aspects. The design is, of course, very important. But, most often, it’s the handrail that makes it stand out. The handrail has gradually transformed from a simple element designed to provide safety and protection to a wonderful and chic design detail. In the new modern design it does goes without says that less is more when designing your railing. Minimalistic designs can still be chic and provide an elegant focal point. Many modern staircase railing designs incorporate industrial materials such as glass and steel. Simple color palettes, open spaces, and geometric elements are common modern design aspects as well.

Using a modern stainless steel handrail system, that can compliment free-standing stairs, can be very beneficial if you have a small living space. Using this open riser construction concept can allow unobstructed vies across your space. The steel bars can also allow additional openness and add to your space’s modern appeal.

Another option for free-standing stairs is to have a sleek glass railing that is of course designed and constructed for ultimate safety and quality. Using glass can further open your space and help to make your space appear larger than it really is.

Using a cable rail is an excellent way to accent a straight stair. These unique staircase systems can include a combination of open and closed risers, with the upper segment open and transitioning to closed risers below. The parallel lines of the stainless steel cable railing offer a simple contemporary look.

The staircase is also a design element that provides you with the opportunity to add an artistic touch to the décor. Even though they are quite rare, staircases that are entirely made of metal can be an interesting focal point. They usually have an industrial-inspired look. You would want to make sure that the rest of your house was designed in the same fashion so your staircase doesn’t look random and like it doesn’t belong in the space.

A very common combination in the case of modern staircases is that between wood and metal. That’s because the resulting design is usually somewhere between classical and contemporary. If you are remodeling and want to do something new to your staircase, this is the easiest option. Tearing out a railing but keeping wood stairs is an inexpensive option to turn an old staircase into something breathtaking. Wood staircases can easily be stained or painted to match the rest of the house, while the railing can be torn out and changed to add some personality to your staircase.

Whatever you decide to do to your staircase, make sure that it includes your personality and flair, because you will be looking at it everyday!

Choosing Between Spiral and Straight Staircases

Straight or spiral staircases?: Which design is the best choice for your home

If you’re moving into a new home, or are remodeling your house then chances are that you have already thought about how important the staircase is to complete your home. And since there are a number of staircase designs and materials to choose from, you want to make sure that you find a staircase that fits the style of your home and the needs of your family.

Two of the more popular staircase designs are straight and spiral staircases, each of which have their own pros and cons. To help you learn more about straight and spiral staircases and what the advantages and disadvantages of both types are, we have compared some of their features below.

Pros of spiral staircases include:

  • Spiral staircases offer a modern and space-saving alternative to the inefficient layout of other traditional stair designs, providing more efficient floor access than the average layout.
  • A traditional flight of straight or winding stairs can eat up lots of area in a room, making it difficult to perform the full range of activities that you would like to in your home. A spiral staircase on the other hand, virtually cuts the amount of space being taken up by the actual stairs in half due to the corkscrew design.
  • A spiral staircase can be placed in any corner of your house, unlike a traditional staircase which has a limited amount of placement options.
  • Moreover, the spiral staircase design is safe and timelessly attractive. A spiral staircase can be implemented in almost any small space, inside and outside.

Pros of straight staircases include:

  • Straight staircases can be designed for any interior design style; 3 of the straight staircase designs made primarily from metal include:

-Single stringer (also known as mono stairs): straight staircases made with single stringers are usually the most popular among straight stair designs, and for good reason too, as a single stringer staircase is incredibly durable, and precisely engineered.

-Double-stringer: this staircase design is ideal for creating an open, unique look that is also an economically sound option for homeowners.

-Pan-type: a pan staircase design can be designed as an architectural addition to your home, or simply used as an industrial set of stairs for a garage or workshop, and can be filled with stone, cement, or tile treads.

Additional factors to take into consideration:  

  • Materials: While a professional staircase contractor can engineer stairs out of most construction materials, contemporary spiral staircases are typically made with steel or plywood, while straight staircases are more than often made from hardwood with carpet on the treads. The key is to choose a staircase material that will fit with your interior design, your budget, and your family’s needs.
  • Safety: Spiral staircases are by no means dangerous and when engineered and installed by a professional staircase company, they are just as safe and secure as any other stair design; however, homes with small children or people with mobility issues may find a straight staircase a better fit for their needs.
  • Space: As previously mentioned, a spiral staircase is particularly efficient when it comes to space-saving, which is why it’s always a good idea to make sure you have the necessary floor space and plan prior to committing to a straight staircase design.

Please feel free to get in touch with your Sacramento stairs contractor, iStairs, if you have further questions about the differences between straight and spiral staircases.

Your Staircase Can Complete Your Home’s Décor

When redecorating the interior of your home, it’s easy to forget about incorporating the staircase into the design because we don’t usually think of the stairs when planning home improvements projects. It’s time to start rethinking the way we look at role our staircase can have in completing the overall décor of our homes. After all, the staircase is a focal point of the interior design of many homes so it makes perfect sense to use your staircase as a way of completing your home’s décor!

One of the first things you need to understand when deciding on what style of staircase will best complement your decor is the differences between the main types of design that staircases are modeled after, namely modern, contemporary, and industrial.

Modern: Often referred to as Mid-Century Modern because the style harkens back to the 1920’s-1950’s, a staircase in the modern design would be one that is simple, sleek with straight lines and basic geometry in the curves and angles. A home with a modern sense of decor can be complemented by a functional staircase, with clean lines, and neutral colors and materials.
Contemporary: Contemporary design on the other hand refers to a style that is always in flux based on what is in ‘in’ at the time, so whereas modern design is based on a specific time period, a contemporary decor focuses on bold color, neutral elements, and basic shapes and forms. Contemporary staircase trends include stainless steel and glass features.
Industrial: One style that is on the rise in popularity is industrial interior design, and there are many creative and unique ways to complete your home’s overall industrial decor with a strong staircase design. The industrial look is often characterized by the use of rough and earthy metal and wood, utilitarian objects, and a combination of other styles to create a sort of warehouse, manufactured appearance.

Once you understand the difference between what the various styles have to offer in terms of your home’s interior decoration, you will then have a better feel for what type of staircase can best complement that design. A professional staircase contractor can also help you figure out a staircase design to complement the interior features and accents of your home, so don’t hesitate to ask for help before choosing a design!

Another option that is always available when it comes to improving the interior decor of your home is creating a custom staircase. Choosing a custom staircase is ideal for completing a redecorating project because you can design a custom staircase in any style that you desire, be it modern, contemporary, or industrial. A custom staircase design gives you the opportunity to make a unique statement with the interior of your home, and whether you are looking for a modern wooden open staircase or an industrial steel spiral staircase, working with your stairs contractor will give you all the opportunities you need to make the right choice for you and your home.

Contact iStairs for more information on how you can get the perfect stairs to go with your decor!

Guidelines to Create a Beautiful and Functional Staircase

How to Choose the Right Staircase for Your House

Your Staircase Can Complete Your Home’s Décor

Anti-Skid Products for Stairs

Whether in your home or your office, safety should always be a top priority. Stairwells are inherently dangerous places as nearly everyone fall down a staircase at one point or another. Today, there are many ways of injury-proofing a staircase to make it a safer place and protect your friends, family and coworkers. Here we will review some of the simplest ways to make your stairs skid proof.

Anti-skid products are not too expensive and they are very simple to install. Such simple products are capable of preventing very serious accidents.

Anti-slip tape is an industrial-strength liner especially designed to increase the traction on any surface. This tape is designed in all varieties of shapes, widths, colors and textures, and you can apply it to almost any material. Although this tape is not always the most aesthetically pleasing addition it reducing danger greatly. This durable tape is a common choice for public staircases, such as schools and local government buildings. Any tape can be custom cut to fit perfectly to your staircase.

Another common option are rubber treads. These anti-skid treads are molded of top quality rubber and designed for mostly commercial and industrial use. These treads can also be trimmed to match the exact size of each step, but each Easily trim rubber treads on site to the exact size of each step. The tapered nosing allows for a better fit while the smooth rear border allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. This makes them an ideal option for use in heavily traveled public stairways including office buildings, condominiums, apartment buildings and retail stores.

Perhaps, you do not want to cover your entire stairs because, although you want to ensure safety, you are proud of your stairs and still want to show them off. For these circumstances, there are non slip nosing options. Nosings come in a variety of materials, including carpet, concrete, rubber, adhesive tape and even glow in the dark sightline material. These various treads fit just along the outer lip of each stair to provide traction and protection without compromising the beauty of your staircase.

Possibly the most aesthetically pleasing option is something relatively simple. There are certain paint products that rather than drying slick like an acrylic paint, they produce more traction once they dry. These final finishes can be applied after a staircase is completed to add an extra layer of protection. This serves the double purpose of improving safety for people and also extending the useful life of the stairs by shielding them from everyday use.

The process for applying this traction paint to a staircase is relatively simple and can be accomplished in only a few hours. Using a 3/8″ nap roller, evenly apply the paint to the treads and allow it to dry. The risers usually require a slightly different style, using an angled brush to evenly apply the paint. However, many people choose to only paint the outer lip of the treads to apply sort of a nosings effect. This is effective because it calls attention to the border of the stairs by expressly defining where the edge of the stair ends. This way, not only are the stairs equipped with more traction, but people are more aware and alert, which helps eliminate falls.

Why Balusters are Important to Staircases

If you’re currently in the process of having a custom staircase designed or installed in your home, then you are going to come to the point when you need to decide between installing your painted balusters at the same time as the stairs, or after.

First and foremost, you need to understand what these are, why they are an important component of your stair system. The balusters are the vertical shafts, sometimes called the stair spindle or stick, made of either metal or wood which stand on top of the unifying footing, while supporting the handrail of the stair system. Sacramento Staircase contractors and designers implement a variety of styles when creating balusters for custom staircases, so there are many looks to choose from.

If after choosing your staircase design and materials with your Sacramento stairs contractor you have decided to have a stair system with balusters in a contrasting material to that of the handrail and footing, then your Sacramento stairs contractor will need to know when you prefer to have the finished balusters installed, either with the staircase as a whole, or after they are painted and finished? In other words, if for example, you want an oak staircase with painted balusters, do you want it installed with the stair already pre-painted, or after once the stairs have been finished?

Installing Balusters

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you might want to have these installed at the same time as the stair for your custom staircase.

Basic structural strength of the staircase:

Staircase engineers will tell you that the structural integrity of the rail is at its optimum when the rail is set directly onto the balusters, rather than gluing the pre-finished balusters onto the rail after the stair has already been set into place. Having the balusters installed at the same time as the stair also helps to prevent dangerous, unnecessary rail movement, as well as allows for the proper amount of cure time before the staircase is used.

Safety concerns:

When you have it installed after your stair is finished, you run the risk of having an accident happen since there is a temporarily an empty spot where those should be.

Additional construction means more time:

Having the balusters installed after the stair also means that you need to remember to schedule additional time near the end of construction (i.e., when the painting process is about to start) to have the balusters installed, which basically just means more steps added to the process.

Consider the finished result:

The rails will need to be removed and then re-set if it is to be installed after the stair is finished, which means that much of the handy work, like the sanding off the joints, will also need to be redone.

 

Now you know just how important it is to the staircase unit as a whole, and you can be sure to ask your Sacramento stairs contractor and engineer the right questions regarding balusters and your custom staircase design. Call iStairs today to find out how we can help you build the perfect stairs for your home!

 

Benefits of a Metal Staircase

A metal staircase is alluring and unique, sure but did you also know that one of the main benefits of having a metal staircase is related to the versatility and durability of the material itself?

That’s right folks, a metal staircase is indeed beneficial in more ways than one, and even allows for a wide range of designs and styles!

To gain a better understanding of the benefits of metal staircases, take a look at some of the reasons listed below, and get in touch with your stairs contractor, iStairs, if you have further questions!

  • Extreme utility: The versatile nature of metal lends itself well to the construction of stairs, and as such, there are a number of unique shapes, sizes, and layouts that are possible to make when creating a metal staircase.Homeowners are also pleased when they learn that there are any numbers of styles on which to build a metal staircase, whether that style is traditional, simple, modern, or elegant. A metal staircase is also an ideal model for both indoors and outdoors, no matter how big or small the size.
  • Cost-effective installation and labor: Relative to other building materials, a metal staircase is one of the cheaper stair products to produce and install, which means that you end up saving money while still benefiting from the high-quality staircase made and assembled by professional stair engineers and contractors.But more importantly, you won’t have to compromise on style just to save a few bucks with a metal staircase.
  • Minimal maintenance and upkeep: Also unlike most other staircase materials, a staircase made of metal is incredibly easy to clean and maintain, a feature that will continue to benefit you for as long as you live in your house.As compared to a traditional wooden staircase upholstered with carpet that needs constant maintenance and care just to look presentable after a few years, a metal staircase requires very little cleaning other than the basic dusting and sweeping every so often.Many families also come to appreciate the fact that having a metal staircase is much less noisy to move around on than say, a wooden staircase.
  • Longevity and durability: Yet another reason why having a metal staircase is beneficial is the fact that they are very durable and will last as long, if not longer, than any other building material.A metal staircase will be a solid investment for your home, and with just the right design to complement the individual character of your home; such an investment can even add value to your home as well.

Now can you understand a little better just why metal staircases remain such a popular choice among both homeowners and contractors alike? And given the fact that your chosen professional stair contracting company will work to deliver a product that suits your unique style and taste, while also providing the benefits listed above, what’s not to love about a metal staircase?

For further help on how to make this become a reality for your home, contact iStairs, stairs company today!

A Custom Staircase can Make Over Your Home!

Are you looking for a unique and creative way to makeover your home but aren’t exactly sure which project will create the aesthetic appeal that you are searching for?

While many homeowners are likely to choose some new paint or other interior decorating changes as a way to makeover their home, one of the most overlooked yet powerful makeovers a home can have, is a makeover that includes the addition of a custom staircase.

A Custom Staircase designed by you with the guidance of a professional stairs contractor can be exactly what you are looking for when it comes to making over your home! But why are custom staircases so appealing and what is it about a truly unique set of custom stairs that can set a home apart from the rest?

Unlike traditional straight or Spiral Staircases (Related blogs: History of Spiral Staircases, Choosing Between Spiral and Straight Staircases, and History of Spiral Stairs), a custom staircase design has the ability to express a family’s unique styles and tastes in ways that other home makeover projects just can’t compare to.When you enter someone’s home for the first time, open the front door are greeted by a staircase design that you have never seen before, it can really leave a lasting impression of class and taste.So just think about what kind of a statement your home will make, with the addition of an original custom staircase design built and installed by a professional stairs company that has been making custom staircases for homeowners for years.

Another reason why homeowners tend to gravitate towards a custom staircase when looking to make a statement and add character to their home is because a custom staircase made right really is a piece of art. A custom staircase also has the potential to make over your home in more ways than one; in fact, custom staircases can even add value to your home in addition to providing architectural appeal.

Custom staircases are also the perfect home makeover endeavor because the process of choosing and planning the design alongside a professional stairs builder is not only rewarding and fun, it also really allows homeowners to gain the new perspective with regard to their homes and how much they value them.Additionally, the process of designing a custom staircase gives homeowners the opportunity to explore new design elements and themes that they would not have otherwise explored without choosing to make a custom staircase.

Finally, once you have decided upon pursuing a custom staircase project to makeover your home, there are a few different ways in which you can go about it, depending on what your preferences are.While your stairs contractor will obviously walk you through every step of the process, it really is up to you when it comes to choosing your desired staircase style and product.

Remember that this is not something that you want to rush and jump into, and that’s why your trusted contractor is there to remind you that this is just as much as an investment in your time as it is in your money, but also that your patience is guaranteed to pay off when your custom staircase is completed to perfection.

Guidelines to Create a Beautiful and Functional Staircase

How to Choose the Right Staircase for Your House

Why Do Customers Love Round Staircases?

When you walk into a home or a building for the first time, what’s the first element of the space that grabs your attention? More often than not, it is the staircase that stands out immediately when walking into space and the reason is simply that staircases are eye-catching by nature of their design, they draw our attention upwards, and they can instantly reveal a home’s sense of style. Now when it comes to a specific design of staircase that is especially captivating to everyone who sees it is the round staircase design. But what are the reasons behind the popularity of round staircase designs among today’s homeowners? Let’s take a closer look at a handful of reasons why the round staircase is the choice of homeowners looking to make a statement with their home.

  1. The First Impression: Nothing is quite as wow-worthy when it comes to staircases, as is the round staircase, and that’s partially due to the dramatic element that comes along with such a design. The first impression made by someone entering into the foyer of a home with a round staircase is one of strength and beauty. In addition to making a statement to all of your guests, the round staircase serves as one of the essential focal points of your whole interior design scheme.
  2. Functional Charm: Round staircase designs, including the spiral staircase design, are often more efficient than traditional staircase layouts as far as space is concerned, allowing you to maintain functional movability in your home without compromising style or charm. Moreover, there are numerous ways in which to design a spiral staircase or similar design, in a way that uniquely compliments the style of your home.
  3. That Classic Southern Feel: It seems that one of the most common images conjured up by people when thinking about a home with a round staircase is that of an elegant home in the South somewhere, with high ceilings and a sense of elegance and tradition, probably because that’s exactly what round staircases represent-style, elegance, and charm.
  4. The Perfect Sense of Curvature to a Home: Another reason why homeowners are so attracted to round staircase designs is simply because of the shape and curvature of the lines in a round staircase. A custom round staircase has the potential to add the exact amount of curvature and shape you are looking for to complement the interior of your home.
  5. Craftsman’s Touch: The professional homebuilders and architects of today will often use a round staircase as a signature statement for their residential projects, giving their clients that one-of-a-kind feel to really make their house stand out amongst the rest. And what better way of making a statement than to have something as original and stylish as a custom designed and built round staircase for your home?

Now that you know some of the specifics of what makes round staircase designs so popular among today’s homeowners, be sure to get in touch with your Sacramento staircase contractor, iStairs, today to discuss all the available options for your very own custom staircase!

Understanding the Key Dimensions of a Spiral Staircase

The unique design of spiral staircases makes them timeless and visually striking. However, the spiral staircase size plays a crucial role in both its appearance and functionality. If you want them to perfectly complement your space, you must consider essential circular staircase dimensions, such as the floor-to-floor height and diameter. Let’s delve into these critical aspects to help you make an informed decision.

                 Want a beautiful spiral staircase for your home? Contact us now!

Floor-To-Floor Height: The Foundation of Your Design

The floor-to-floor height is arguably fundamental when it comes to spiral staircase dimensions. This measurement defines the distance from the base floor to the upper-level floor, and miscalculations can lead to your spiral staircase falling short of its functional purpose and posing a safety hazard to your loved ones.

To ensure your spiral staircase fits perfectly, avoid the common mistake of only measuring from the floor to the ceiling; you must take into account all the factors that influence this height. Consider the following elements:

  • Underlayment and Subflooring: These foundational layers can add significant height to your upper-level floor. Be sure to account for them in your measurements.
  • Floor Coverings: Carpets, tiles, or any other floor coverings add thickness. Make sure to include their thickness in your calculations.
  • Safety Regulations: Building codes often dictate the ideal rise and run dimensions. To meet these regulations, you may need to adjust the height of your steps and the number of steps in your spiral staircase.

Safety regulations stipulate that the treads of your staircase should have a 30-degree rotation. To calculate the number of treads required, you will need to determine how many 30-degree rotations fit within your floor-to-floor height. 

Diameter: Making the Right Space for Comfortable Passage

The second dimension to consider is the spiral staircase diameter, which determines how wide your staircase will be.

Choosing the right diameter for your staircase depends on several factors, such as its intended use (will you be transporting items up and down the stairs?), frequency of use (daily, monthly?), as well as your budget. Regardless of the diameter you select, the minimum finished opening for your staircase should be at least two inches larger than the staircase itself.

Think also about both aesthetics and comfort, as these factors will greatly influence your overall satisfaction with the spiral staircase.

  • Available Space: The space where you plan to install your spiral staircase is a major determinant of its diameter. If you have ample room, you can opt for a wider spiral staircase. A more generous diameter not only looks more elegant but also enhances the comfort of navigating the stairs.
  • Comfort Factor: A smaller diameter may save space, but it might not provide enough room for easy passage. If your spiral staircase is going to be a frequently used access point, consider a wider diameter for a more comfortable experience.
  • Well Space: The diameter of your spiral staircase also influences the size of the well, which is the space on the upper floor where the staircase ends. To ensure that the handrail has adequate space, the well should be at least two inches wider in diameter than the spiral staircase itself.

Designing Your Perfect Spiral Staircase

If you need a spiral staircase plan dimensions for your home, floor-to-floor height and diameter should be at the forefront of your consideration. Once you’ve taken them into account, you’re ready to design the ideal spiral staircase that adds elegance and functionality to your living space.

We also recommend that you look into the following additional factors to enhance your spiral staircase design:

  • Materials: Choose materials for the steps, handrails, and balusters that match your home’s aesthetic. Whether it’s wood, metal, or glass, the material you choose can greatly impact the overall look of your staircase.
  • Style: Select a style that complements your home’s decor. From classic wrought iron to modern, sleek designs, there are numerous options to fit your taste.
  • Color: The color of your spiral staircase can either blend seamlessly with your interior or stand out as a bold design statement.

Create the Staircase of Your Dreams Today!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to iStairs for all of your spiral staircase inquiries. Whether you need assistance with planning, installation, repair, remodeling, or any other aspect related to spiral staircases, we’re your trusted partner for creating the perfect staircase you’ll love and be proud of! Contact us today to learn more about the spiral staircase minimum dimensions for your home.