Creating a 2 storey custom new home or a 2^nd storey home extension will require the design of a staircase.  A lot of our clients find this hard to create as most have never done one before and never really paid that much attention to them.  You may be like them or just need a little inspiration for your staircase design.

You know a beautiful staircase when you see one, it is welcoming, leads you graciously to the next floor.  A staircase becomes a functional showpiece of your home, integrating well with the entrance and the flow of the home.  This is exactly how staircase design should be.

The first thing you need to consider is the Australian building code for staircases.  Staircases can be dangerous not just for children but the elderly.  So, there are a number of safety issues your staircase design will need to follow.  Your architect can help you ensure your staircases meet these regulations.  It’s also handy to have an idea of what the building code requires before you start designing your staircase.  We don’t want you disappointed because your design ideas don’t comply.

National Building Code for staircases

We recommend you read the National Building Code listed as Stairway and ramp construction before thinking about the design of your staircases.  This keeps you a step ahead of the safety issues you need to consider.

It covers all areas of your staircase design – from barriers and handrails, step tread size, rise, ceiling height, and slip resistance, plus more!

Starting out with your staircase design

There are a lot of terms you are going to need to be familiar with, so we will explain these and their role in your staircase.  We’ll also give you some ideas of the design of staircases, to give you inspiration for your new home.

Stair tread

The stair tread is the flat part of the step that you put your foot on.  This is the part of design that most people will take note of as they are climbing up the stairs.

You can use wood, particle board and carpet, or concrete and natural stone.  Using this feature to tie in with your flooring is the usual choice.  This part of the staircase will get the most wear and tear, so consider longevity of the material you use.

You can have them open, that is, no kickboard.  This gives the impression the staircase is floating, and lightens the bulk of the staircase.

Balustrading

These are the rungs and handrails you use to stop someone from falling.  The handrail is held to steady yourself as you climb and descend.  Balustrading can be solid, or have rungs, to open and lighten up the staircases and make a feature of them. If you use the solid wall instead of a balustrade, you will still need to add a handrail to the wall.

Landing

A landing is the flat part of your staircase usually placed to carry the steps around a corner.  They are the safest option as the design provides a break for people to ‘rest’ and move throughout the corner.

If space is tight, you can also use what is called a winder, which are stair treads cut at an angle as they follow the bend in the stairs.

Room Height

There are certain heights required from the stair to the ceiling.  If your space has low ceilings such as basements, you will need to factor this is with the design of your staircase.

Windows

Staircases tucked into the corner can become dark, uninviting spaces.  However, the use of windows can change this.  If you are able to add a window to this space, even if it opens to the side of the house, some strategic planting can turn the outlook into an oasis.  Alternatively you can use frosted glass to bring light in but hide an ugly view.

Don’t forget lighting!

Lighting too can bring a whole new look and style to your staircase.  Whether this is a grand chandelier for that statement piece or a string of LED lights along your home staircase, to bring a whimsical look to the area, lighting can make all the difference.

Be sure to include your lighting ideas during the design stage as the lighting and electrics may need to be incorporated in the gyprock prior to installation.  Lighting may require specific materials so your architect will discuss this with you.

Adding storage

Staircases can be space hungry but there are a number of ways you can add storage to make them a little more efficient within the area.

The space below the treads can be gyprocked to create a cupboard or even a compact powder bathroom (toilet and basin).  We’ve seen desks and bookshelves built in and a welcoming sitting area in an entry hall.

Here’s a great idea – turn each rise into a kick drawer for storage!  Now how good would that be?

Staircase design for all types of spaces

It doesn’t matter what kind of space you have, we’ve got the answer.  Utilise your staircase design to solve all sorts of space issues.

Staircase if space is tight

Spiral staircases work well tucked into a corner or as a statement structure when space is tight.  The tight design of the spiral staircase is compact, and each of the step treads twist around the central post are neat. Keep in mind, this design is not child or elderly friendly as they can be hard to navigate – the treads are narrow and the spiral can be off putting for those a little shaky on their feet.

Another alternative when space it tight, is the foldaway staircases as shown in the images.  Our client used this design as a staircase would limit movement around the room.  This staircase is spring-loaded to fold up and down from both the bottom and top of the stairs.

Other design features to incorporate in your design include utilising an open tread as this tends to lighten the load of the staircase so it doesn’t become overwhelming in the small space.  Or you can use glass or a minimalist balustrade (such as thin wire) to again allow light to travel through the barrier.

If staircase space is not a problem

U-shaped designs use more space but provide a lovely substantive landing at the change of direction.  These are considered the safest design in stairs, especially for children.

Have a think about an elegant, curved staircase as well.  If curves are part of your custom home design, a curved staircase would meld beautifully.  You will need a large square space to make a luxurious and sophisticated curve stair.

The beauty of the curved staircase is it doesn’t require a central support post, so the space underneath the staircase is wide and open.  The radius of the curved staircases can be tightened to fit into reduced spaces.

Corner staircases

The L-shaped staircase works well in the corner of a room, as it follows the wall neatly.

Where width is tight

In situations where the width is limited such as a hallway or entry, a straight staircase is the best option.

What to consider when designing staircases

Budget

Be clear with how much you have to spend for your staircases as this will help you in your design and allow you to choose design features and materials suitable to match your budget.

Solid timber or glass stairs are generally, more expensive than steel stairs, with straight or spiral stairs more cost effective than curved staircases.  You can, however, mix and match materials to fit within your budget.

Deciding on materials

Choose materials in the staircase design that suit the space and overall design of your home.  Also, consider their longevity against its function, replacing parts of a staircase is costly.  Materials that work well for staircases include timber, metal, glass, natural stone and concrete.

Floating staircases

Floating staircases make an immense statement to the space but ensure that you have a structurally sound wall to conceal the support framework.

How wide do stairs need to be? 

The building code says 600mm but this can be quite tight and makes it hard to navigate the stairs especially when you are carrying items or walking with a child.  We recommend stair width greater than 800mm works well.

Handrails

When choosing the handrails for your stairs, don’t forget to measure from the inside edge of the handrail.  This may affect your minimum stair width in terms of the building code.

Staircase builders

When selecting your stair fabricator, accuracy and uniformity will be key to ensure the finished product is both safe and stunning.

Stuck on your staircase design or need some inspiration?  We’ve got some great ideas to pass on to you as well as some different designs to make your staircase that extra special.  Talk to our builders on 1300 676 166 and we’ll be happy to help.

Here’s some more design help –

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What are the latest custom home design trends?