Basics in Building Construction

Building Components And Types

Lesson 22 and 23 : Stairs

Classification Of Stairs

Turning Stairs

Depending upon the degree of turning the turning stairs are classified as

1. Quarter turn stairs
2. Half turn stairs( dog –legged and open well stairs)
3. Three-quarter turn stairs
4. Bifurcated stairs.
5. Continuous stairs

Each of the turning stairs are of three types:

1. Newel stairs
2. Well or open –newel stairs and
3. Geometrical stairs.

A newel stair is the one which has a newel at the foot and head of each flight of the stair, and in which newels are conspicuous features. In well or open newel stairs, lateral space is left between the turning flights. Open newel stairs present the best appearance and are strong. Geometrical stairs have the strings and hand rails continuous and are set out in accordance with geometrical principles. They may be circular, spiral, helical, or even elliptical. A newel may be introduced at the bottom and top of such a stair, though it is not an essential part of the construction. Geometrical stairs require care and good deal of skill in their construction. They are not so imposing as the open newel type, and are comparatively weak.