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• Spiral A spiral stair has a central point that could be a pillar or any other object that will enhance a circular illusion. The idea of this art is more decorative than functional; and when one looks up, there seems to be no end to the building. It draws attention to the center of a room or building, and sometimes gives a false impression of a lot of space. It is mostly used on apartments and libraries where there is bound to be human traffic. It can be made from steel or wood, but the former is more popular. This design is not recommended for homes with children as it requires high level of responsibility.

• L shaped An “L” shaped staircase creates an image of having to land eventually. It is common and predictable unlike spiral that seems to carry a story with corners. It is labeled ‘L’ due to its 90 degrees creation that connects at every landing. It is not steep and seems to determine how steps are taken by any user. The advantage of this stair case is that it provides a good tool for exercise due to its predictability or consistency. However, precaution should be taken by fitting it with hand rails.

• U shaped A “U” shaped stair is made of double parallel cases. The landing is rectangular in shape and extends down from the upper stair treads and the cycle continues. When looking at it, it gives the impression of continuity and no break stops. However, not all stairs of this type are similar; the difference is created by the space between the treads, steepness and landing breaks.

• Pulled down stairs They remain to be the better option for smaller houses, but can also be fitted on spacious ones. They are also known as disappearing stairs since they are folded up when not needed. They are very convenient especially for homes with attics and children. They are more of stylish ladders and would be fun for a home with college kids or people who value fun and privacy.

Stairs are accessories and it all boils to personal preference. When settling for a design, consult with the provider or architect and share your ideas; the person must be good enough in the job to be assigned. At the end, the main reason to have a stair should be to serve the immediate need. Remember; the best for an individual may not be the same for all.

As far as railing and stairway matters are concerned, the technical aspects to put emphasis on include:-

• Headroom The acceptable headroom requirement is not less than 2000mm. Headroom space refers to the distance separating the steps and the ceiling. Adhering to this regulation will guarantee maximum functionality in terms of movement.

• Stair width The width of the stairs is not a constant aspect. Here, there is flexibility to a certain extent. Naturally, all or most homeowners are intent on economizing space. That, however, should not compromise the convenience of using stairs. The recommended width is at least 900mm.

• Railing height The height of any railing is determined by the local regulations. Therefore, it is advisable to check out those which are specified for your state. The choice you make must offer maximum safety and convenience while moving up and down the stairs. A stairway that hinders movement is a threat to the ambiance of your home. One should always consider the surface floor when determining the height of stairways. A carpeted floor a flat surface will have an impact on the height. Therefore, you should not disregard these aspects of the floor.

• pitch When looking at the issue concerning stair pitch, the height of the riser together with that of the gong can not be ignored .comfort should be considered when deciding on the dimensions of the pitch. An adult’s foot should comfortably be accommodated on the going with ease. The riser should neither be too low nor too high.

The above technical aspects are subjected to various guidelines that dictate the designs of stairs and railings, either kina specific state or the whole country in general. It is upon you to address these aspects with maximum attention. Remember, the functionality and efficiency of any staircase is primarily dependent on these.

Another important and significant factor to look into is the design. The overall outlook of the stairs and railings should be considered appropriately.  There are two readily available choices that you can decide on- curved and geometric stairs. Geometric stairs are not complicated; designing and constructing them is easily done. With kthe curved stairs, it essential to ensure uniformity in radius and pitch throughout. Consequently, the design of these curved ones calls for skillful architectural skills. All the same, the building of these stairs should be elaborate and precise.

Whats The Advantage Of Wood Stairs 

Using wood guarantees more safety than concrete stairs. Someone who has fallen on a concrete staircase is likely to suffer serious physical injuries such as bone fractures, dislocations and bruises. This is a safety hazard especially when you bring kids into the picture. On the other hand, wood has a cushioning property. In case of a fall, the likelihood of incurring a grave injury is low. These wooden stairs are therefore friendly in homes where kids are part of the traffic in the stairways. Here, wood has an upper hand over concrete with regards to safety of the users.

Wood is the best alternative for the interior stairs. This material works effectively in completing the overall outlook of a home. Stairs made of timber add a sensitive touch and give off an elegant vibe. Though concrete stairs are suitable for the corporate offices, wood could be the missing ingredient in the recipe.

A wooden staircase is likely to cause less. Moreover, renovation and replacement is much quicker when compared to concrete version of staircases. When a staircase is made of timber, the builders find it easy to fix them. The repair process of these stairs does not involve a lot of procedures. In fact, homeowners can undertake the repair of creaky stairs on their own without necessarily calling an expert to do the same. If your wooden staircase is worn out or has developed some defects, do not get worried about that at all. Make a visit to a local depot that deals in stair parts and present your order. Alternatively, you can go online and check out suppliers of spare parts in order to procure the best parts at a price that does not compromise your budget.

What About price

However, we cannot dispute the fact that the price of stair parts made of wood is quite high. The cost of maintenance can not be underestimated. These stairs consume more in terms effort, money and time. Wooden surfaces are vulnerable to stains, cracks and scratches. Ensuring that the polished surfaces retain their original outlook is quite a hard task. These wooden stairs are associated with extra expenses when in ensuring that they remain beautiful all the time.

Their is a option of prefabricated stairs , they are inexpensive and last extremely well built . They can also save you thousand of dollars since the remove the need for a stair contractor . If you want to check out some of our prefabricated stairs just go here

• Safety  A stair safety is considerate of the user which is the basis of determining whether it is good. Firstly, the age group using it differs in regard to flexibility and navigation. A safe stair is characterized also by its level of sturdiness and the quality of material used in designing it. For example, rails stair with spaces may not be the best for the elderly and children.

• Person for the job  Next, the choice of a carpenter determines the design of a stair case in regard to creativity. A good carpenter will advise a client on the materials to be used such as wood, metal or glass and pick one that suits their lifestyle. Moreover, a good designer will use the space available to the best advantage of all needs being met. It is good to look out for carpenters who try to impose ideas on designs simply out of preference rather than delivering a purposeful staircase..                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Also, the treads should be leveled and consistent as users step on them. A stair is a great accessory, but dangerous if not properly fitted; and in some cases, it causes death. It should also be accompanied by a hand rail for support and be positioned in a well lit area or installed with light.

• Cost Designs come with differing costs and one has to choose one that fits the intended budget. Cost is usually calculated in terms of material being used and the level of expertise applied. Rates vary with the builders and it is an individual’s choice at the end of the day.

• Style Styles are dependent on details such as the existing architecture, environment and personality. Any form of art usually has the goal of creating harmony with the available elements. A good carpenter should be able to capture all these as a stair without style is worthless no matter how costly it is initially. However, the best designed stairs are those that serve their purpose without endangering the users.

• Perfect finish A stair case without the incorporation of a perfect finish is simply a job half done. It is important to note the color schemes used and how they are painted. On the other hand, the finish is the height of a carpenter’s skill and it is one way of knowing if the right person was hired for the job. For instance, a plain wood stair can have metal details added or a strip of carpeting running down through it.

Lastly, settling for a design that can be easily maintained in terms of cleanliness is advisable as it determines how long it lasts.

Choosing the design of the staircase is not as hectic as some people tend to believe. The process only calls for determination, effort, patience and ample time. Your taste and preference together with the set up of your home will effectively collude in helping you to determine the type of the most suitable design and then you can choose the right stair contractor in Manhattan.

Firstly, you should measure the dimensions where the stars are to be placed. Measuring in advance will spare you the trouble of buying and returning the items to the stores. Having taken the measurements, undertake your mission by heading to the nearby warehouses that deal in stairways. There, you will come across a variety of designs. Scout for those designs that are in rhythm with your taste and within your budget. The staircases are prefabricated based on the average building requirements. After identifying the desired design, measure it before you purchase in order to avoid any possible inconveniences likely to arise as a result of wrong measurements. When you arrive home, scrutinize the bought staircase; this inspection will help in detecting broken parts on the item if any.

Glass staircases are known to unleash an elegant message, a factor that makes them popular in spite of their high cost. Those who invest in glass staircases fully understand their importance in preventing accidents and adding an aesthetic tough to the home. Quality stairs of this type have won the trust of people who have the discreet look of advocates

Feature staircases are very common in expensive homes, villas and mansions. These stairs take centre stage when describing the outlook of a room. Most of them have elegant and prominent banisters. They are mostly installed in the living rooms and the give out the impression of a palatial residence.

Where stairs are needed to provide a way up to the attic, the right choice is a spiral staircase. The versatility of these staircases is suitable in cases less spacious buildings. Townhouses and apartments gain great benefits from this staircase in terms of functionality. They are made of materials such as glass, steel, and even wood. Such stairs are not best for homes due to the safety risk they pose to children.

You can search for these spiral staircases online. Many companies manufacture and ship these items to various parts across the divide. Even when the hunt is on the internet, taking the dimensions beforehand is very important to ensure that it will fit the space in question.

]]> http://www.discountqualitystairs.com/how-do-i-repair-my-wood-stairs.html Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:52:47 +0000 http://www.discountqualitystairs.com/?p=992 Click Here for More Info]]> A creaky staircase is a disturbing nuisance loathed by many homeowners. When the noise becomes unbearable, the best course of action is to repair them right away.  Mark you, this mending exercise can be executed in the same breadth as repairing a floorboard. It is moiré or less the same. These creaks in the staircase are a direct result of the dual rubbing together of wooden pieces. As they rub against one another, noise is produced.  Repairing this mess does not call for usage of specific tools; it can be handled just like the other DIY tasks. Patience on the side of the homeowner is greatly needed. Also you can check all our prefabricated stair options

What Should I Do First

First and foremost, you need to trace the source and origin of the creak. To accomplish this assignment, a lot of uncovering will be done. You will have to remove floor covering and then stepping in various points over the tread of the creaking stair. After identifying the source, you can go ahead and mend the staircase.

However, a challenge arises when the lower side of the stair is enclosed using plaster. This means that you can not access the underside. If this is the situation, you should drill the frontage of the step. Countersink the tread using screws to bind the planks together. Use at least three screws to undertake a repair of this nature.

Where Do Those Creeks Come From

In most cases, creeks are common at the tongue and groove joint. Take glue and squeeze into the open gaps. These gaps are likely to be seen between the joint separating the rise and the tread of the stair. Force along the joints by means of bladed knife. If the underside is accessible, repair the creek using a triangular prism. Bond the tread and the riser by fitting an adhesive block in between. This will effectively hold together of the riser and the belly of the tread.

When risers and steps start lessening in size, they are to become loose from the joints where they are attached to the staircase. By accessing the underside, you will, be in a better position to visualize these treads and risers are joined using triangular wedges. A creek in the stairs can be caused by a wedge that is loose. You should remove these wedges and get rid of the weak adhesive. Fill the spaces with new wedges and apply a little glue to ensure they are attached firmly.

At times, the nosing of your stair might be occasioned by worn out steps particularly at the central part. This situation can be remedied by using a jigsaw. Cut the portion that has worn out while ensuring that you perform angled cuts on either side. Be careful enough to avoid extending the cuts into the riser. Using a piece of hardwood, fill the recess. Fit the wood by gluing and screwing.   Wait till the adhesive has firmly held the wood and then smoothen the surface of the step using a plane.   Sand the fresh wooden material until you attain a uniform tread.

1)   You must have the right tools for the job and in this case, wood stairs. You will need a hammer, nails and wood glue. On the other hand, dressing up for the job is important to avoid self injury.

2)   Next, inspect the stair case and find out which of the treads is broken; it is unrealistic to have the entire case broken unless it was a shoddy job done initially. Inspection saves you the need to install a new one as its time and cost consuming. Again, if it is beyond repair, hiring an expert for the task maybe required as there are regulations that should be up to standard.

3)   Afterwards, buy treads that match your stair and you can always find them from the carpenter that installed for you. Ensure that you have the right measurements; otherwise, they will not fit the stringers

4)      Once you have identified the broken tread or rail, unscrew or remove the nails that hold the tread in place. Check under the treads for any other problems before concluding that the activity is done. Failure to get the entire details, you may be required to redo the task all over.

5)   Lastly, you fix the new tread to your stringer using the wood glue and nails and you will have completed your task. Ensure that you drill holes deep enough to hide the nails and screws on the surface.

 NB: Warnings

It is an easy experience but it also requires time and psychological dedication. Lack of concentration may lead to issues such as:

• Cutting the treads wrongly, not fitting the nails and screws properly; this could endanger the users who have the impression that a repair was done.
• Always watch out for squeaks when walking over the steps; they are a great pointer to what treads could be problematic.
• Take precaution when walking on the new tread just in case you missed doing something right; this prevents you from fatal accidents associated with stair cases.

Identifying people who can handle this job is essential, as you may need to consult when working or further clarification. As stated earlier, these instructions do not work for all types of stair cases and doing a background research on the type you use is helpful. The best reason for  doing a repair on your own is because it is less costly, but it is more important to be safe than spend less and do shoddy job, especially if you do not have basic knowledge in fixing and repair.

Always create an interest on your wood stair to ensure it serves you well and for a lengthy period of time; they say old is gold and stair cases hold memories.

Components of stairs include posts, railings and balusters. These are the major elements that ensure good functionality of your stairs. Ever wondered about the relevance of railings on stairways? The importance of railings can not be underestimated even for a second. The safety of stairway users is primarily dependent on railings. For instance, when someone loses balance while ion the staircase, s/he will attempt to hold onto the railings. Vulnerable people here include the elderly, those with disabilities and drunkards. The presence of railings guarantees safety to the disadvantaged individuals. They are certain to ascend and descend the flight of stairs without any worry.

Usage and full utilization of stairs and the railings plays several roles. It guarantees safety of the user and also adds beauty to the home. Generally, homeowners do not enjoy the sight of slipping and falling on the stairs. How do you feel when an aged person lands on the staircase with a thud? Walking up and down the stairs should be convenient to everyone.

Little children are susceptible to accidents in the home setting. The safety of these children can be addressed by ensuring that the house accident –proof. Strong and solid railings are necessary. There is no short cut about this. In fact, the railing should cover the whole length of the stairway from the top to the bottom. As we all know, the movements of children in and around the house can not be contained. Therefore, having such railings will help to ensure that they do not get injured as they move around.

The building of stairs requires adherence to various safety guidelines. During construction, the guidelines should be followed to the later. The recommended width of stairs should not exceed 44 inches. On the right side, a handrail should be fixed. It is also advisable to install another handrail at the uppermost section of the stairway railing.

Internal hand and stair railings should be properly secured. The side on the wall can also accommodate an extra rail for balance. This additional rail should not be to close to the wall. A little space should be left on the wall.  This space is the allowance for the hand to be able to have a good grip on the hand rail. Leaving two inches is enough space for that.

Installation of handrails should be done while following the appropriate procedure. The height of the banister is first measured, and then a mark is put beyond the treads on either side; top and bottom. Balusters are vital in the railing of stairs. Their importance calls for proper spacing. The recommended spacing is four inches apart. This spacing prevents accidents especially where little kids are concerned. Children can not stick their heads in-between thus it is friendly to them.

]]> http://www.discountqualitystairs.com/how-to-clean-your-wood-stairs.html Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:33:58 +0000 http://www.discountqualitystairs.com/?p=978 Click Here for More Info]]> Stairs add to the beauty of a home, depending on how they are designed and the type of wood used. However, the task lies in ensuring that the stairs last for a long time. The challenge would mostly be in cleaning as it’s a décor that is used on a daily basis. Depending on a home set up, the stairs could be relatively clean or extremely dirty, and this is what determines the cleaning plan. It is not surprising to find clean stairs without a trace of mildew and hint of ever rotting.

There are simple steps on how to clean wood stairs and it can be exciting activity.To begin with, one will need a broom, hand gloves and an abrasive specially made for wood. Hand gloves are important as stairs are continuously stepped on with dirty shoes. A broom on the other hand is good for sweeping off dirt before using water to lessen the cleaning hurdle. An abrasive simply makes cleaning easier in dealing with stains.

1)      Sweeping

The first step should always be sweeping the dirt off. The bristles should be strong enough as sometimes stairs can accumulate mud or micro particles. This applies to all types of wooden stairs irrespective of whether they are used interior or exterior.

2)      Dressing for the task

Next, it is good caution to put on an apron and hand gloves, preferably rubber ones in order to mix the cleaning agents. Some abrasives are harmful to the skin and may cause reaction to it due to the chemicals used. Again, stairs collect all kinds of dirt which is a hygiene risk; hence, gloves are majorly for personal safety rather than the cleaning routine.

3)      Cleaning agents

Notably, wood stairs should be cleaned using warm water and it is important to follow the instructions labeled on the cleaning agent in use. For mild dirt, a normal cleaning detergent is equally effective.

4)      Wetting the stairs

Water should never be poured on the stairs; the steps should just be wet with a cleaning sponge. Pouring water is hazardous as they get slippery and consistent practice of the same may destroy the wood by weakening it.

5)      Scrubbing the surface

Scrubbing the wood is allowed to achieve the desired results as it deals with tough stains.Thereafter, the stairs can be left to dry naturally and it is advisable to do the cleaning when there is less house traffic.

Alternatively, cleaning services are available and knowing how wood stairs are cleaned can go a long way in determining which clean service to employ. Sometimes, stairs are carpeted and cleaning can get tedious. On the other hand, having basic knowledge ensures sound monitoring when having outside cleaners in a home.

Cleaning wood stairs is an exciting activity that can also facilitate team building in a home; everyone can get involved as they all use the stairs. Again, stairs are beneficial for work out and therefore, cleaning them is a way of ensuring that as an exercising tool it lasts for long.