Staircase full design service.
By the author of KnoStairs.com a reference site for architects, designers and contractors.
With the staircase being the largest joinery item in most houses, it is important to get the design correct before going into production, This will mean knowing how the finished staircase is going to look.
Ever had problems getting the staircase correct?
We will draw the full flight, showing all handrail and stringer transitions.
We will draw the plan views showing the spindle positions on the treads; this will ensure the spindles fit on the treads with as evener spacing as possible, once installed.
For manufacturing purposes, full 2d stretch outs of all the flights will be drawn.
When features such as curtail treads with Monkey’s tails set over are used, these will be drawn into the plans and full-size prints supplied, making sure that the handrail flows correctly.
pdf’s and cad files will be issued.
Below is an example of the drawings provided.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you.
We can get involved at any stage of the project, it is always best to guide you through from the start but should you run into problems during the project we are happy to help from any stage.
Full written specification included.
Along with the drawings we provide a full written specification so that when putting the drawings out to tender there is fully written details of the parts and finishes required.
This will allow you to get like for like pricing back in and have control over the finished product.
In the specification we will note, materials to be used for the stringers, treads, risers, spindles and handrails. the finish to each of these will also be noted, whether it be paint, lacquer, natural or otherwise.
Most of this information is required before the staircase can start to be built, designing it as you go is a rather risky business and likely to increase cost in time and money.
So make a saving and get the staircase designed and drawn properly before starting to build it.
Quick tips.
- When designing a staircase for continuous handrails, remember to think of the handrail as the house and the staircase as the foundations. Put down the foundations for a bungalow and you will not be able to build your mansion on it
- When packing a van to move, you don’t put all the small stuff in first and then try to pack the big stuff around it. The same with your house, the staircase is normally the biggest item in any property, design that first and place the doors etc. after the landings have been arranged.
Learn how to do it yourself.
Want to create these drawings yourself and require further information on the options available for stairs or how to draw a certain part.
We are creating an information website that has design and drawing techniques and tips.
Below are a few links to some of the information we are sharing.
Staircase drawing and setting out.
A guide to setting out and drawing staircases, where to start and how to proceed.
everything from selecting the component details to drawing the plans, elevations ready to create a full 3d model or the staircase itself.
Design concept.
View our design criteria sheet, this is a good starting point for the information you need before starting to draw your staircase.
Know your spindle size.
All too often the staircase is manufactured and fitted before the spindles and handrail have been chosen, this is a major problem. By working this way the staircase controls the flow of the handrail: This can lead to a handrail that does not flow correctly or has to encroach over the landings or treads in order to do so.
To find out more about why this is so important please see this article.
It is only one staircase.
Whether you are just connecting two floors or ten floors this is only one staircase, it may comprise of many flights but these all add up to one staircase. when stairs are not constructed in this manner there are generally major problems once the flights have been fitted, The only time this is different is if there is a feature tread on the ground floor or entrance hall; then the flight beneath it may be considered a separate staircase but should still be calculated to work with the staircase above it.
Only the first tread or feature treads sit on the floor.
The only time a tread should sit on the floor area is at the start of a staircase. This may be in an entrance hall or a basement, any tread mid staircase should be set within the stairwell area, normally by half a going for the handrail to work.
Find out more about feature treads and divorcing the stairs below.
Wall rail termination.
Some of the different ways the wall rail can be terminated. Both 2d and 3d options are available.
