Your home's staircase material and design are very important, as a staircase can be a focal point in the home. Stairs also need to be safe and comfortable for walking, so that you don't get worn out when having to walk up and down them every day, and don't risk slips and falls. A staircase can also be a place for hidden storage if you can find a contractor who can build that into the stairs! Note a few simple but important tips you might consider when choosing staircase materials and designs so you know your home's stairs will be safe and functional, but also attractive and a good fit for the home's overall style.

Children

If you have children in the home, you want to consider the angle and width of the stairs, as children might be more likely to slip and fall on a set of steep stairs or a staircase with narrow steps. Consider adding a landing and turning the stairs, or curving them slightly, if this is what is needed to make the stairs less steep, and to add width.

Also, it can be good to opt for carpeted stairs when you have children, as these won't be as slick as timber or stone. If the home doesn't have carpeted flooring that you can extend to the stairs, opt for a thick carpet runner you can install up the middle of the stairs for added traction. A railing that is easy for a child to grasp is also recommended for homes with children, rather than a glass panel that might be too small for their hands to hold securely.

Smaller homes

If the area for the staircase is somewhat smaller, avoid having individual spindles for the baluster. These spindles can look very busy and cluttered in a small space, and detract from the look of the stairs. Instead, opt for a glass panel and a railing on top of the panel, or set inside the panel, for balance and safety. The glass will keep the staircase open and airy and not crowd a smaller space.

Storage versus open

An open staircase, meaning that the stairs float rather than having wall sections built below them, can keep a small home looking less boxy and closed-in. However, building a wall below the staircase can mean allowing for storage, as a contractor can create sliding panels for that wall area, with shelves behind the panels. You can then store books, linens, and other items out of sight and under the stairs.

For more information, contact a business such as Tarosa Stairs Pty Ltd.