Don’t Waste the Space under the Staircase

Extra space is always welcome in a home. Modern design has come up with a vast number of space saving storage ideas. But one part of a home which in most cases lies unused and wasted is the area under a staircase; it is never used imaginatively or is just taken as a place to dump unwanted things like a broken table or chair. There is a lot you can do with that space; so think about the way you can use it when you remodel or build a new home. Here are a few ideas for you to consider.

• An entertainment center: The space is ideal for installing a built-in entertainment center with a large flat screen TV, receptacles for DVD players, gaming consoles, drawers for remotes and whatever else you want to add. There will be enough space to have a cabinet to store your DVDs, and maybe even a small bookcase to keep your entertainment related reading material. 
• A reading nook: A banquette under the stairs with a nice mattress and lots of pillows can make a great place to read in peace or just lie back and do nothing. A nice light and a small shelf along the wall to keep a few books will complete the picture. Cabinets at the base of the banquette will give you extra storage. 
• A display area: Why not create an alcove under the stairs to showcase your treasured keepsakes? Give the alcove a different paint and some special lighting and you have a display area that may even detract from the items on show. 
• A place for the kids’ stuff: Kids always need space to dump things, especially when coming home. Hooks along the walls, a bench with cubbies under it, with baskets for keeping their things in and a mat to place wet/dirty shoes on will keep the clutter under control and the rest of the home looking tidy. 
• A work space: A built-in table, below table cabinets and drawers and a few small shelves along the wall is all you need to make a nice little workspace. Remember to put in outlets for the computers and other gadgets you use.  
• A pet space: Your dog will love to have a space to call his own. A washable mat, a bowl for water is all he needs. Put in a few shelves to keep his toys, leash and other accessories and both you and he are organized and happy.  
• A bookcase:  If your staircase is narrow with not-much-depth under it, a books case is a good idea. It will maximize the vertical storage space and free up other areas for other uses.

Use it as you want

These are just a few ideas to think about. You can use the space under the staircase for almost anything. To maximize the potential, have your staircase built or remodeled by a company that specializes in staircase design and construction. They will be able to give you designs and ideas that only a professional will know. That way you not only get a staircase that enhances the look of your home, but also gives you the extra space you always wanted.

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Feng Shui And Your Staircase

At the outset, let’s be clear – no one is asking you to believe in Feng Shui. Whether you believe in this ancient Chinese belief or not is your choice. However, you should know that many people today adoptits principles in designing their homes. Why don’t you spare a few minutes to look at what it says about the designing of buildings? 

Feng Shui is the belief and practice of positioning buildings, rooms and objects to achieve harmony with nature. Designing of buildings should respect balanced patterns of yin (the negative, dark, and feminine) and yang (the positive, bright, and masculine). When this is done the flow of chi (the vital force) will be unimpeded, which is essential for good health. Here are the 4 basics of a good staircase according to Feng Shui.

• It is Better to Avoid Open Risers: Staircases without risers (vertical parts of stairs/steps) are incomplete. Open risers lead to the dissipation of Chi, as it moves through the home. In a two story house, the second floor will not receive the energy flow it should: those who spend a lot of time there will be affected by this loss of positive energy.
• The shape and location of the staircase is important: Spiral staircases that look like they are boring into the house have a negative effect on the Chi.  A curved staircase helps the energy to flow freely through the home. A staircase located at the center of the house allows for energy loss, especially that which helps to create wealth. It will also affect the wellbeing of all those who use it regularly.  Stairs on the side of a room and along walls are the best.
• Where the staircase ends matters: A staircase should not end at the front door. This results in draining out of energy from home. The same problem applies to stairs, ending at or near a bedroom door. Those sleeping in the room will have their positive energy drained away.
• Scissors style staircases affect relationships: A split or scissors style staircase acts like a pair of scissors. It cuts ties and affections and relationships between those living in the home. It is worse if the stairs are facing the front door as is seen in many split-level houses. To counter this, a long strand of ivy, or any similar vine (real or artificial) can be wound around the handrail. This will act to bind the residents of the home together. A plant placed where the stairs split will also serve the same purpose.

Whether or not you believe in Feng Shui, the staircase is a critical feature that affects mobility in the home. Believers and nonbelievers alike should bear in mind  three important factors: – safety, ease of use and appearance. Whether you are building a new home or remodeling one, the right staircase will impact the look and feel that it has. A company that specializes in staircase construction and remodeling will be able to work with you to create a staircase that will add to the appearance and comfort of your home.

How You Can Make a Staircase Senior Friendly

Being old does not mean losing mobility. In fact, the elderly are often very jealous of their independence and freedom to move where they want. However, statistics show that almost one third of people over the age of 65 and half of those over the age of 80 will trip and fall once a year. Many of these mishaps occur in staircases. If you have a senior living in your home, there are things you can do to make the stairs safer for them.

10 Ways You Can Make a Staircase Safer for  Seniors

1. Good Lighting: Ensure the stairs are well lit. Install light switches at the top and bottom at positions convenient for an elderly person to reach.
2. Safe steps: Make sure that there are no uneven steps, jagged edges or nails/screws sticking out of the steps that a shoe could get caught on.
3. Safe carpets: Thick carpets  with pads make stable footing more difficult, especially for the elderly. If installed, remove them.
4. Lightly waxed floor: Make sure the floors, specifically the ones near the stairs, are not highly waxed. Not only will this increase the chances of slipping on, but could also form a film on the underside of the shoes making them slippery and unstable.
5. No small rugs: Do not place small rugs near the top and bottom of the stairs.
6. No kids’ things in stairs: If there are young children in your home, ensure that toys, crayons and other play things are not left lying on the stairs.
7. Phone upstairs: Install a phone extension upstairs so that the senior does not have to keep climbing up and down to use or answer the phone.
8. Safe handrails: Install an easy-to grip-hand rail at a height of about 36 inches and encourage the senior to use it always.
9. No heavy/bulky things: Ensure that the senior does not carry heavy, bulky or difficult-to-see-over items on the stairs.
10. Use of Stair climbing cane: Consider using gadgets like the stairclimbing cane. This is a cane with a strong small plastic platform a few inches high at the base. It can bend in such an angle that it provides support while using the stair. It is placed on one step to help reduce the height to be climbed. On reaching the next step, the cane is placed on it and the process repeated.

Other Things You Can Do

A stair lift is not usually difficult to install and is very easy for the elderly to use. Most have seat belts to prevent accidental falls and a safety cut off that stops them if anything obstructs the staircase. Get a clinical checkup done to see if the senior has a condition like an inner ear infection that could cause dizziness. Also do not allow seniors who are on medication that could affect their stability from using the stairs. A senior with limited mobility will normally do exercises to control the problem. Help them pay special attention to leg and balance exercises that can make using the staircase easier and safer for the senior. Give the senior a room on the first floor and keep as many things they need as possible on that floor to reduce the amount of the use of staircase. A company specializing is staircase construction, repair and remodeling will be able to offer many suggestions of making your staircase safer for seniors.

Making a Staircase Safe for Your Kids: 3 Dangers You Must Foresee and Avoid

Thousands of children get injured every year due to slipping and falling down a stairway. You may not have children as yet, or they may be all grown up. But sooner or later, there will be children or grandchildren in your home. Experts have identified 3 major design flaws which if corrected, will make your staircase much safer for your children. 

The Top Step Flaw

Every step on a staircase should be of the same height. When you take the first step, you automatically assume that the rest are of the same height and your legs move accordingly. If the top step is different in height from the rest, it’s easy to trip and fall when you step on the next one. This is bad enough for adults. It is worse still for children who tend to race up and down or carry things they shouldn’t.

How does this happen? Many staircases are prefabricated. When they are attached to the floor above the measurements should be exactly right. The top most step has to be modified to make it a little higher or lower to fit the floor above. Yes, it is a serious building code violation, if the correction is not carried out. You would be surprised at the number of contractors who are not aware of this structural danger. Once the staircase is installed, there is nothing that can be done about it.

The Big Railing Risk

A staircase is central to the ambience of a home. Many homeowners give therefore priority to the look of the railing, but not to the grip it provides. Thick heavy railings can often enhance the look of the staircase, but it can be difficult for children to get their hands around to have a strong hold. If they slip, the hold is lost and a bad fall can result. This is a factor that many contractors overlook or ignore. If you already have a thick railing your options are to replace it or install a thinner one on the opposite wall, if possible.

The Gate Danger

A gate at the top of the stairs is the best way to keep small children away from it. The problem is that many people opt for the pressure mounted type that is inexpensive and easy to install. The danger is that in many cases the design of the home does not allow the gate to fit flush and tight against the wall. A child falling against it may cause it open and fall down rolling.

If you have very small children at home, go in for a gate that is bolted to the wall. Whether you are building a new home or remodeling the one you live in, the staircase should be given due importance. It is a busy traffic area everyone uses many times a day. And, it lurks with danger for everyone, especially your kids. The best thing that can happen to you is to have your stairway built by a company that specializes in stairway design and construction.

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Staircase & Handrail Specifications – What you need to know

The staircase is an integral part of your home and you want it to look as good as possible. It is a major consideration when you are building a home or remodeling an existing one. While there are a wide variety of materials and designs to choose from, did you know that the state of California has laid down detailed specifications for residential staircases and handrails? The aim is to prevent unsafe construction and design that could lead to loss of life or injury. If your staircase is being built or remodeled by a professional, he will know what needs to be done so you do not have to worry. Still, it’s a good idea for the home owner to know the specifications. Here, in brief, are a few of the key provisions of residential Stairway and Handrail requirements as defined by the 2007 California Building Code. 

• The rise and run of steps shall be uniform in size, shape, and the variation cannot exceed 3/8 inch in the total run.
• The maximum rise of steps shall be 7 3/4 inches; the minimum tread depth shall be 10 inches. The minimum winder tread depth at the walk line shall be 10 inches; and the minimum winder tread depth shall be 6 inches.
• The minimum width of stairways shall not be less than 36 inches. The minimum dimension of all landings shall be 36 inches.
• Stairways should have headroom clearance of a minimum of 80 inches measured vertically from the line which connects the nosing edge.
• The mounting of handrails shall be such that the completed handrail and supporting structure are capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point along the top of the rail.
• Handrails shall be continuous for the full length of the stairs, from the top riser to the bottom. Handrails are only permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a landing.
• Handrail height, measured above the stair tread nosing, shall be uniform, not less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches.
• Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1 ¼ and not greater than 2 inches or shall provide equivalent grasp ability.
• Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall, a guard or walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight.
• Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. A handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp objects or abrasive elements.
• Projections into the required width of the stairways at each handrail shall not exceed 4 ½ inches at or below the handrail height.
• On the open side of the stairs, intermediate railings shall be provided and installed so that a 4.375 inch sphere shall not pass through.

These are just a few of the specifications to be followed. A lot of the technical jargon contained in the code has been left out. Understanding them, let alone ensuring that they are complied with, is a job for professionals. That is why it is important that your staircase is constructed or remodeled by a contractor with a background in construction and specialization in staircase design and fabrication. This will ensure that you get the staircase you want without compromising on safety or violating the provisions of the Code.

Basic Staircase Designs

A staircase is not just the link that connects different levels of a house. It is a hugely important architectural, design feature that plays a major role in defining the kind of home you live in. Whether you want a modern, traditional, elegant, rustic or any other look to your home, there is a staircase that can add to the effect. It does not matter if you are building a new house, adding another level to an existing building or remodeling, the staircase cannot be taken for granted. There are a huge variety of staircase designs to choose from and the personalization of whatever concept you choose can make your staircase, and your home, truly unique.

The best way to get started on choosing a staircase is to begin with the 5 basic designs and then go on from there.

Curved Stairs

Curved stairs are by nature, very dramatic. The kind of impact that it makes will depend on the concepts and design features you decide to adopt. You could have a dramatic incline. It could be free standing. Or it could nestle against a curved wall. A curved staircase can be designed to suit the dimension of both large and small spaces.

Spiral Stairs

A spiral staircase can add a special visual effect to any home, and is a sure fire conversation starter with first time visitors.  These stairs can be built from a wide range of materials including metal, wood and even glass. The material used should complement the décor of your home to maximize visual impact. It is important to note that this staircase design is not suitable for everyone and the elderly or those with some physical disabilities may have problems in using them. If you are in doubt about the ability of family members and visitors of using these type of stairs, it may be better to opt for another design or to use the spiral staircase as a secondary stairway in the home.

Circular Stairs

If you want to add a dramatic touch to your home, circular stairs may be the way to go. If the space available is large, circular stairs can add a sweeping and sophisticated aura to a home. It is important to ensure that the size of the staircase does not overshadow the rest of the home. You could consider having the stairs curved around a center post or perhaps cushioned against a wall to give it a free standing look.

Flared Stairs

Flared stairs are a great way of adding elegance to your home in a subtle and understated manner. It can be very effective when space is limited but a special staircase is needed to give the home a unique feel and look. 

Straight Stairs

As the name says, a straight staircase is one that has no turns, landings or curves. It goes straight up and down and is often the right choice where space is limited. Just because straight staircases are the most common, that does not mean that they have to be boring. The wide range of materials and railing options allow you to create a stairway that is not only unique to your home, but also one that fits any available space. 

When deciding on the type of staircase you want in your home, the advice of an experienced and reputed staircase manufacturing and installation company is vital. They can help you find the concept that will give you the look you want and also help you to decide on the materials to be used. The best companies are those with extensive construction and design experience that enables them to ensure that the staircase in your home not only looks great, but is also stable and safe.