9 Different Types of Staircases for Your Home Remodel

Your interior design is distinguished by a host of elements, including your selection of stairs. Your taste, space, and design elements will all factor into your decision on which staircase will suit your home best. 

Just as a curved staircase showcases elegance with its sweeping lines, ornate railing, and premium materials, a sleek modern one boasts minimalistic elements with plenty of margins. Let’s take a look at a variety of staircase options to consider for your custom home build or remodel. 

Stylish Staircases for Your Whistler Home 

1. Straight Stairs

When it comes to straight stairs, their simple design will delight you. They feature a single linear flight of steps with no change in direction. These are a tremendous asset to homes that will include toddlers or seniors, as they are simple to use and include built-in features that contribute to safety—like a sturdy bannister and easy-to-maneuver stairs. 

2. L-Shaped Stairs

This staircase begins with the classic straight style, and a 90-degree turn is made to the right or the left after a landing. Ideal for homes and commercial buildings, this classic staircase adds visual interest and is practical when you are dealing with a limited amount of space. 

3. Winder Stairs 

Sister to the L-shaped staircase, winders use treads that are wider on one side than the other to take the place of the landing, saving space and adding visual appeal. They are commonly used as a secondary staircase. If the grand staircase is in the entryway, the winder stairs are often used as an access to the kitchen. Their compactness makes them attractive in modern and sustainable home designs. If you have a flair for simple elegance, this may be the perfect staircase for you to consider. 

4. U-Shaped Stairs

This back-to-the-basics style of staircase is similar to the L-shaped staircase, but the landing makes a full U, separating two parallel flights of stairs. Also known as switchback stairs or half-turn, U-shaped stairs fit easily into architectural plans. The flat landing gives a resting point when ascending, and they’re visually pleasing. Common in commercial spaces, but not limited to them, this practical staircase type makes moving upstairs a cinch. 

5. Spiral Staircase

This compact design centers around a single pole, so if you looked down from the top, you would see a perfect circle. Its narrow wedge-shaped treads aren’t the easiest to climb. The footing requires caution because the inner portion of each step is steep. Ideal for homes with limited space and agile occupants, the spiral staircase delivers visual interest and a practical design element. This is a perfect option for small spaces and urban dwellings. 

6. Curved Staircase

The curved staircase has no landings. The stairs are continuous and follow the bend of the banister to make a stunning, elegant architectural statement. Like spiral stairs, they follow a helical arc, but they tend to have a much larger radius and don’t make a full circle. They add elegance and are almost always located at the entry of a home where they make the best first impression. These are ideal for expansive, exquisite homes with luxurious amounts of space.

7. Bifurcated Staircase 

The grandest looking staircase of them all—bifurcated stairs include one sweeping set of steps that splits off in two smaller flights of steps going in opposite directions. If you have a taste for grandness, and plenty of space to work with, this is the staircase for you. 

8. Cantilever Stairs

Cantilever stairs are made to have the stair treads appear to be floating in the air without support. The stair stringer (which provides a framework and load-bearing support for the treads) is attached to one end of the treads and can be either hidden or exposed. These gorgeous stairs are more unique than other types of stairs and create a distinctive look, enhancing your interior design. They add interest and spaciousness to a home, and look ideal in modern, minimalist interiors.

9. Ladder

Homeowners with minimal space looking to use every inch of square footage available in their home may go this route. If small spaces need simple access to a loft area, this is a viable option. It’s a means of easy access, but building codes don’t allow ladders to serve as a primary source of access. In most homes they are found as a connection to a kitchen, library, or loft. They are the most compact way to get from one floor to the next and are cost effective. They can have wheels to move them when they aren’t in use. Be careful. They can be a little tough to descend, but they are still a practical option. 

Questions about Specialty Staircases for Your Property

How do we include child-friendly features in our staircase?

If you’re concerned about the safety of young ones on your stairs, include rounded edges, secure handrails, and cover them with non-slip materials to ensure child safety. 

If I want to make full use of the space under my stairs, which staircase should I choose?

An L-shaped staircase is a sensible choice with plenty of room under it for organized storage, amplifying its practical use. Add open shelving, medium sized cabinets, and small drawers so you can use every square inch of the space under your stairs. This helps declutter your home, giving everything a place to belong. 

What does an industrial-inspired staircase design feature? 

The use of metal, exposed brick, and reclaimed wood align perfectly with an urban-inspired staircase. 

Get Custom Renovations by Expert Designers at Whistler Builder

If your current home layout doesn’t thrill you as much as the mountains out your window, we can help with that. At Whistler Builder, our exquisite remodels offer fresh, trendy, modern layouts and luxurious amenities that complement your distinct taste and lifestyle. 
Discover the full potential of your Whistler dwelling today. Learn more about how our home renovation services can craft your property for luxury, functionality, and lasting delight. Contact us today for a consultation!