Stair types refer to the design and layout of a set of stairs. There are several different types of stairs, each of which serves a specific purpose and is more or less appropriate for different contexts.

Straight stairs are the most common type and have a uniform rise and run, making them simple and efficient. L-shaped stairs have a landing that changes the direction of the stairs, and are often used in buildings with limited space or where the stairs need to follow the layout of the building. Winder stairs have treads that are narrower on one side than the other, allowing them to turn a corner while using a smaller footprint. Spiral stairs are circular stairs that are compact and space-efficient, but can be more difficult to navigate.

Different stair types are important because they allow designers to choose the most appropriate solution for a given context, based on factors such as the available space, the intended use of the stairs, and the needs of the users.

Where are straight stairs typically used?

Straight stairs are the most common type of stairs and can be found in a wide range of buildings, including homes, offices, schools, and public buildings. They are simple, efficient, and easy to use, making them suitable for most purposes. They are often used in situations where there is sufficient space and where the stairs do not need to change direction or follow a specific layout.

Why aren't spiral stairs more common?

Spiral stairs are circular stairs that are compact and space-efficient, but they have some limitations that make them less common than other types of stairs. One of the main reasons why spiral stairs are not more common is that they can be more difficult to navigate, especially for people with mobility issues or for those carrying large objects. Spiral stairs also have a more limited capacity compared to straight or L-shaped stairs, as they are typically narrower and have less space for multiple users to pass each other.

When should winder stairs be used?

Winder stairs are stairs that have treads that are narrower on one side than the other, allowing the stairs to turn a corner while using a smaller footprint. These stairs are often used in situations where space is limited, or where the layout of the building requires the stairs to change direction. Winder stairs can be more efficient than L-shaped stairs in terms of space usage, as they allow the stairs to follow a more compact path. However, winder stairs can be more difficult to navigate.

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Stair Types Guides
Browse through our curated Stair Types Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Stair Types. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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Egress Stairs - Single
https://p3d.in/e/SZOTr
GUIDE
3D
Egress Stairs - SingleView of Egress Stairs (Single) in 3D available for downloadView of Egress Stairs (Single) in 3D available for download
L-Shaped Curved Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/aNDWX
GUIDE
3D
L-Shaped Curved Stairs3D model of L-Shaped Curved Stairs viewed in perspective3D model of L-Shaped Curved Stairs viewed in perspective
L-Shaped Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/V80R1
GUIDE
3D
L-Shaped Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of L-Shaped Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of L-Shaped Straight Stairs
L-Shaped Winder Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/jAvEY
GUIDE
3D
L-Shaped Winder StairsView of L-Shaped Winder Stairs in 3D available for downloadView of L-Shaped Winder Stairs in 3D available for download
Spiral Stairs - Open Risers
https://p3d.in/e/0PMHJ
GUIDE
3D
Spiral Stairs - Open Risers3D model of Spiral Stairs (Open Risers) viewed in perspective3D model of Spiral Stairs (Open Risers) viewed in perspective
Split Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/vWTAU
GUIDE
3D
Split Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of Split Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of Split Straight Stairs
Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/6gVR1
GUIDE
3D
Straight StairsView of Straight Stairs in 3D available for downloadView of Straight Stairs in 3D available for download
Straight Stairs - Landing
https://p3d.in/e/ZtSdz
GUIDE
3D
Straight Stairs - Landing3D model of Straight Stairs (Landing) viewed in perspective3D model of Straight Stairs (Landing) viewed in perspective
Three-Quarter Turn Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/R7L2t
GUIDE
3D
Three-Quarter Turn Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of Three-Quarter Turn Straight StairsPerspective view of a 3D model of Three-Quarter Turn Straight Stairs
U-Shaped Curved Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/f7Wuy
GUIDE
3D
U-Shaped Curved StairsView of U-Shaped Curved Stairs in 3D available for downloadView of U-Shaped Curved Stairs in 3D available for download
U-Shaped Straight Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/xTD5D
GUIDE
3D
U-Shaped Straight Stairs3D model of U-Shaped Straight Stairs viewed in perspective3D model of U-Shaped Straight Stairs viewed in perspective
U-Shaped Straight Stairs - Landing
https://p3d.in/e/zRcGM
GUIDE
3D
U-Shaped Straight Stairs - LandingPerspective view of a 3D model of U-Shaped Straight Stairs - LandingPerspective view of a 3D model of U-Shaped Straight Stairs - Landing
U-Shaped Winder Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/MNcdb
GUIDE
3D
U-Shaped Winder StairsView of U-Shaped Winder Stairs in 3D available for downloadView of U-Shaped Winder Stairs in 3D available for download
Z-Shaped Winder Stairs
https://p3d.in/e/VlBnY
GUIDE
3D
Z-Shaped Winder Stairs3D model of Z-Shaped Winder Stairs viewed in perspective3D model of Z-Shaped Winder Stairs viewed in perspective
U-Shaped Straight Stairs
Elevation illustration of a man climbing a set of Quarter Landing | U-Shaped Stairs

Quarter Landing Stairs, also called U-Shaped Stairs, are two parallel flights of straight stairs that are joined by a landing that creates a 180° turn in the middle of the walk line. They are similar to L-shape stairs, as both can be located in a corner. Some advantages include their ease to fit into an architectural plan, and the landing can offer a resting point partway up the stairs. They are visually more appealing than straight staircases, and they take up less linear floor space. However, Quarter Landing Stairs can be more difficult to build than simpler stair types.

Set of plan and elevation drawings of Quarter Landing | U-Shaped Stairs with dimensions
Quarter Landing Stairs, also called U-Shaped Stairs, are two parallel flights of straight stairs that are joined by a landing that creates a 180° turn in the middle of the walk line. They are similar to L-shape stairs, as both can be located in a corner.

Set of plan and elevation drawings of Quarter Landing | U-Shaped Stairs with dimensions
U-Shaped Straight Stairs
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Width (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Rise (Max.): 7” | 18 cm
Run (Min.): 11” | 28 cm
Landing (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Handrail Height: 34”-38” | 86.5-96.5 cm

Drawings include:
Quarter Landing | U-Shaped Stairs side elevation, side (person), front, plan

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U-Shaped Straight Stairs - Landing
Side elevation illustration of a woman climbing a Half-Turn | Switchback | U-Shaped Staircase

Half-Turn Stairs have two straight flights with two 90° turns. These types of stairs are advantageous for saving space at the base where the angle is incorporated. The center of the staircase can be left open to allow for several different configurations that depend on the space, and the turns can also be curved. This can allow for a more comfortable and safer staircase, as it reduces the tapering of the angled treads. There are three types of Half-Turn Stairs- Dog-legged Stairs, Open Newel Half-Turn Stars, and Geometrical Half-Turn Stairs.

Dimensioned set of plan and elevation drawings of a Half-Turn | Switchback | U-Shaped Stair
Half-Turn Stairs have two straight flights with two 90° turns. These types of stairs are advantageous for saving space at the base where the angle is incorporated. The center of the staircase can be left open to allow for several different configurations that depend on the space.

Dimensioned set of plan and elevation drawings of a Half-Turn | Switchback | U-Shaped Stair
U-Shaped Straight Stairs - Landing
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Width (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Rise (Max.): 7” | 18 cm
Run (Min.): 11” | 28 cm
Landing (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Handrail Height: 34”-38” | 86.5-96.5 cm

Drawings include:
Half-Turn | Switchback | U-Shaped Stairs side elevation, side (person), front, plan

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U-Shaped Winder Stairs
Side elevation illustration of a man climbing a set of 180° Winding Stairs

The 180° Winding Staircase, also known as a Winder Staircase, makes a 180° turn up toward the next level because of the addition of a landing at some point. It is an ideal staircase design for an entryway when it is combined with a mid-point landing for its space efficient qualities. The 180° Winding Staircase has an easy walk up, and it can give a home a grand appearance, and the winder adds a safety feature to help break a fall. They are usually made of wood or metal to give a space either a traditional or a contemporary feel.

Plan and elevation drawings of 180° Winding Stairs with dimensions
The 180° Winding Staircase, also known as a Winder Staircase, makes a 180° turn up toward the next level because of the addition of a landing at some point. It is an ideal staircase design for an entryway when it is combined with a mid-point landing for its space efficient qualities.

Plan and elevation drawings of 180° Winding Stairs with dimensions
U-Shaped Winder Stairs
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Winding Steps:
Narrow End (Min.): 6” | 15 cm
Tread Run (Min.): Must meet required tread dimensions 12” | 30.5 cm inward from narrow end

Width (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Rise (Max.): 7” | 18 cm
Run (Min.): 11” | 28 cm
Landing (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Handrail Height: 34”-38” | 86.5-96.5 cm

Drawings include:
180° Winding Stairs side elevation, side (person), front, plan

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L-Shaped Curved Stairs
Elevation illustration of a man climbing a flight of Curved or arched stairs

Curved Stairs, also referred to as Arched Stairs, use a wider radius than a Spiral Staircase to wind upwards to a second floor or landing. They can be varied in materials from wood to glass and wrought iron to add a traditional or modern feel. And they are great for commercial properties like retail stores, showrooms, and other public spaces, but they also add a glamorous effect in an office or residential location. It is often used as a focal point in the center of an interior space, as it draws in visitors to explore the next level.

Set of plan and elevation drawings of Curved | Arched stairs with dimensions
Curved Stairs, also referred to as Arched Stairs, use a wider radius than a Spiral Staircase to wind upwards to a second floor or landing. They can be varied in materials from wood to glass and wrought iron to add a traditional or modern feel. And they are great for commercial properties.

Set of plan and elevation drawings of Curved | Arched stairs with dimensions
L-Shaped Curved Stairs
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Inner Radius: At least 2x the width of the stair
Narrow End (Min.): 10” | 25.5 cm

Width (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Rise (Max.): 7” | 18 cm
Run (Min.): 11” | 28 cm
Landing (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Handrail Height: 34”-38” | 86.5-96.5 cm

Drawings include:
Curved (Arched) Stairs side elevation, side (person), front, plan

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L-Shaped Winder Stairs
Elevation illustration of a woman ascending a set of 90° winding stairs

A 90° Winding Staircase makes a 90° turn up towards the next level. The staircase allows the user to turn a corner and change their direction. The primary benefit of a 90° Winding Staircase over a flat landing straight staircase is that the 90° Winding Staircase saves much more space. The winders are the steps that are narrower on one side than the other, and when three steps are used to turn the 90° corner, the middle step is called the kite winder, as it looks like a kite-shaped quadrilateral. 

Set of dimensioned drawings of 90° Winding Stairs with measurements for height and width
A 90° Winding Staircase makes a 90° turn up towards the next level. The staircase allows the user to turn a corner and change their direction. The primary benefit of a 90° Winding Staircase over a flat landing straight staircase is that the 90° Winding Staircase saves much more space.

Set of dimensioned drawings of 90° Winding Stairs with measurements for height and width
L-Shaped Winder Stairs
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Winding Steps:
Narrow End (Min.): 6” | 15 cm
Tread Run (Min.): Must meet required tread dimensions 12” | 30.5 cm inward from narrow end

Width (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Rise (Max.): 7” | 18 cm
Run (Min.): 11” | 28 cm
Landing (Min.): 36” | 91.4 cm
Handrail Height: 34”-38” | 86.5-96.5 cm

Drawings include:
90° Winding Stairs side elevation, side (person), front, plan

Details & Downloads

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