What Shape Should Your Home's Staircase Be?

Stairs are a practical necessity in any home with more than one level. But what shape should your stairs be? A single style of staircase may come to mind when you envision residential stairs. But homeowners actually have a great deal of choice with modern stair styles. To help you find the right set for your home and your budget, use this short guide to the most common options.

1. Straight Stairs

Probably the most common stair layout in American homes is the straight staircase. These are budget-friendly since they require the least amount of extra materials and planning. They are easy to navigate and fit into many house plans. The lack of obstacles also makes them ideal for carrying larger items up and down. 

2. L-Shaped Stairs

Also known as quarter-turn stairs, L-shaped staircases have a landing somewhere in the middle that facilitates a (generally) 90-degree turn. The directional shift compacts the stairs and makes them ideal for smaller spaces or rooms that have an unusual shape. While a landing is the most common way to make the turn, you can also design winder stairs that use angled stairs to make the turn.

3. Switchback Stairs

Don't have a lot of space to work with? Then you may want switchback, or U-shaped, stairs. This layout splits the total length needed to move up and down into two smaller segments, saving significant space. They are also a little more visually interesting than straight stairs and may provide more privacy for both levels. Of course, the additional landing and structural changes may raise the cost of installation. 

4. Curved Stairs

Soften the look of L-shaped or U-shaped stairs by smoothing out their edges. These curving varieties look elegant and graceful. They are ideal for large open, public areas like the entry foyer or a main living room. The gentle curve may take up more space in the floor plan, though. 

5. Circular and Spiral Stairs

Circular stairs come in two main varieties. The first is a larger, gentle circle that winds from one level to the other. The second is a tighter spiral—more like a strand of DNA.

Both styles create a more compact staircase than many other styles. Spirals need the least floor space of any staircase. They are also less common and so make an excellent visual decorative feature. However, the tighter the circle, the less navigable it may be—especially for those with mobility issues.

6. Split Stairs

Bifurcated, or split, stairs are both space savers and need larger spaces. How? First, they begin as a wide base that needs more floor space and then split into two upper segments that spread out over the entire open area. This calls for more room than a traditional straight or circular staircase. However, this design might actually save space in taller rooms the same way switchback stairs do versus straight stairs.

They're also statement staircases that fill a large room and have a huge visual impact. Therefore, the space must be appropriate for this grand design.

7. Floating Stairs

Finally, there is the cantilever stair trend. Cantilever stairs look like they are floating in the air due to the lack of visible supports underneath each riser. This illusion is achieved by securing the riser to struts on the wall side which extend outward—visibly or hidden—to support it. Floating stairs are visually striking. They can be made to stand out as a decorative focal point or blend in to minimize the stairs.

Which style and shape fits your home the best? Get help finding the right staircase by meeting with the team at Assured Quality Woodcraft. Our staircase experts will work with your home layout, budget, and goals to create the best stairs possible. Call today to make an appointment.