Whether you want to install a wooden, steel or even glass staircase, it is essential to choose the right dimensions. It is important that your staircase fits your home exactly. There are also a number of other things to consider when installing a staircase. Read our tips here!
Information for the renovation and installation of a staircase
Let's start with a lesson in stair terminology. As with staircase renovation, there are many terminologies involved in the design of your staircase. You need to know these terms before you start:
- The step height is the distance between the lower and upper floors. - The step is the height of the step, i.e. the vertical distance between the steps. The ideal step is approximately 17cm to 19cm. - The horizontal distance between two steps is called a step. If the step is closed, the closing board is called a riser. An open staircase therefore has no risers. A comfortable step is approximately 27cm to 29cm. - On the side of the staircase there are two stringers in which the steps and risers are anchored. - The angle of the stringers determines the angle of rise of the staircase. A comfortable rise angle is between 30° and 40°. - The smallest height between the staircase steps and the ceiling above them is called the headroom. If it is too small, you will hit your head on the edge of the stairwell. - The fall of the staircase is the total horizontal space it will occupy.
What is the ideal slope for a staircase
The angle of the stringers determines the angle of ascent of the staircase. A comfortable rise angle is between 30° and 40°.
How to maintain a staircase?
The angle of the stringers determines the angle of ascent of the staircase. A comfortable rise angle is between 30° and 40°.
Maintenance of a powder-coated staircase
Most custom-made staircases have a steel base with a coloured powder coating. A powder-coated staircase can be cleaned without any problems with a damp cloth, possibly in combination with a non-aggressive cleaning agent. However, if a cleaning agent is used, it is a good idea to wipe the stairs again with a damp cloth afterwards, just to be sure. This is if there is any doubt as to whether the agent is aggressive or not. The angle of the stringers determines the angle of ascent of the staircase. A comfortable angle of ascent is between 30° and 40°.
Treating paint damage
In the unlikely event that the paintwork on your powder coated staircase is slightly damaged, it is best to treat the coating with a good professional car polish. For larger and deeper damage, a touch-up pen, possibly in combination with a spray can, is the best solution. Please note that after maintenance, there is almost always a difference in colour or shine between the base surface and the retouched area.
How are wooden steps treated?
If the staircase has not been treated, it is essential to do so within 48 hours. This way the wood will not have the opportunity to collect dirt and dust. Depending on the type of wood used, a different type of varnish or oil should be applied.
Wood is a natural material that starts to wear out over time. The maintenance of a wooden staircase therefore requires a little more attention than other materials, but this maintenance is not necessarily more difficult. A wooden staircase never stays clean by itself. A staircase often has to endure a lot and therefore needs a thorough cleaning from time to time, depending on the type of wood used. A new staircase also needs to be treated. If you maintain a wooden staircase properly, it can last up to 20 years! But how do you keep your wooden stairs clean?
How do I maintain the treads of a staircase?
Because a staircase is used every day, it can leave marks. To remove dust and soft marks from lacquered floors, all you need is a sponge or soft mop and a little clean water. It is important not to use too much water during maintenance. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or scouring sponges, as these can damage the wood.
What is the best treatment for staircase maintenance?
Maintenance with the use of varnish
By applying a layer of varnish (satin, matt, colourless or gloss), the wood is better protected against wear and tear. The varnish will never affect the natural appearance of the wood, as the varnish is deposited on the wood like a film. A good coat of varnish can stay in good condition for 20 years or more, if you choose not to walk up the stairs with shoes on. If wear and tear begins to show, the stairs can be re-varnished.
Maintenance with the use of oil
Oil is a very different material from varnish. It completely penetrates the wood and therefore has a protective, nourishing and penetrating effect. As oil nourishes the wood, it can affect its natural appearance. The colours of the wood become much warmer and you emphasise the natural marks and structure of the wood.
A staircase, with or without a banister?
Characteristics of a good ramp
First of all, a banister is there for safety, of course! It is best to have a railing made along the open side of the stairs. Secondly, a railing protects the walls next to the stairs. Without a handrail, people cling to the wall and in no time there will be fingerprints on your freshly painted wall. With a handrail, you avoid having to paint the wall every year.
What is the ideal height for the banister?
The ideal height of a ramp is between 85 and 95 centimetres above the steps. The height is measured from the nose of the step. In addition to the height, the diameter of the ramp is also important. All hands are different, but for most people a diameter of 33 to 43 millimetres and a gap of 5 centimetres between the handrail and the wall is comfortable.
Are handrails compulsory or not? Safety comes first!
Are you building a new house with more than one floor? Then you will also get a staircase with a banister. Don't think of it as a necessary evil, but as a centrepiece of your interior. What style should your new staircase exude (cool, sleek, chic, retro...) and what type of banister should go with it?
Rules for ramps
According to the building regulations, a staircase banister is only required for staircases longer than one metre. This also applies to stairs with a gradient of more than 2:3. But a banister is also recommended for smaller stairs. With a banister, every staircase becomes much safer for everyone. Design enthusiasts may prefer stairs without handrails for aesthetic reasons, but there are some very trendy ones available today.
Advantages of a staircase railing
A banister completes your staircase and makes it safe.
Some advantages of a staircase railing :
- Support when going up and down the stairs
- An additional design element for your stairs
- Available in different materials
- Numerous possible finishes
Underfloor heating and stairs
I have underfloor heating, can I install a staircase?
Our stairs are fixed to the floor with a base plate. The only exception is the floating wall staircase. The base plate of other stairs is fixed to the floor with long bolts or anchors. This means that you have to drill a number of holes that can pierce the underfloor heating.