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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36”-74" | 91-188 cm (Typical)
Stair Widths
188.000
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Stair Widths
Egress Stairs - Single
https://p3d.in/e/SZOTr
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Z-Shaped Winder Stairs3D model of Z-Shaped Winder Stairs viewed in perspective3D model of Z-Shaped Winder Stairs viewed in perspective
Split Straight Stairs
Side elevation illustration of an elderly man climbing a set of Split | Bifurcated Stairs

Split Stairs, also known as Bifurcated Stairs, have one sweeping set of wider steps that split off into two smaller flights going in opposite directions; these ultimately reach the same horizontal level. The two more narrow flights start at the mid landing, and the railing of the stairs starts at the base of the wide stairs and continuous up to the top of the narrower flights. These stairs are suitable for the interior of public modern buildings at their entrance hall to create a very grand appearance.

Collection of plan and elevation drawings of Split | Bifurcated Stairs measuring height and width
Split Stairs, also known as Bifurcated Stairs, have one sweeping set of wider steps that split off into two smaller flights going in opposite directions; these ultimately reach the same horizontal level. The two more narrow flights start at the mid landing, and the railing continues from the base.

Collection of plan and elevation drawings of Split | Bifurcated Stairs measuring height and width
Split 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:
Split | Bifurcated Stairs side elevation, side (person), front, plan

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Three-Quarter Turn Straight Stairs
Side elevation illustration of a woman climbing a set of Three-Quarter-Turn Stairs

Three-Quarter Turn Stairs change their directions through 270° by the time the stair reaches the next floor. The direction is changed three times through three right angles, with the upper flight crossing the bottom one. In this type of construction, an open well is formed. This type of stair is normally used when a space has a greater vertical distance but a limited length. Some flights have very few risers, and the landings can provide a place to stop and rest during ascension.

Dimensioned plan and elevation drawings of Three-Quarter-Turn Stairs measuring height and width
Three-Quarter Turn Stairs change their directions through 270° by the time the stair reaches the next floor. The direction is changed three times through three right angles, with the upper flight crossing the bottom one. In this type of construction, an open well is formed.

Dimensioned plan and elevation drawings of Three-Quarter-Turn Stairs measuring height and width
Three-Quarter Turn 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:
Three-Quarter-Turn 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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Spiral Stairs - Open Risers
Dimensioned elevation and plan drawings of Spiral Staircase with measurements for width, height, and stair risers

Spiral Stairs follow a helical arc, and the treads radiate around a central pole. They are often found in industrial contexts, and the reduced tread width allows for a very compact design. However, this can be a disadvantage as it can be very steep. A Spiral Staircase typically has a handrail on only the outer side; the inner side just has the central pole. As the central pole provides the structural support for the stairs, it does not need many additional support structures, which makes installation easier than other types of stairs.

Spiral Stairs follow a helical arc, and the treads radiate around a central pole. They are often found in industrial contexts, and the reduced tread width allows for a very compact design. However, this can be a disadvantage as it can be very steep. A Spiral Staircase typically has a handrail.

Spiral Stairs - Open Risers
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Drawings include:
Spiral Stair elevation (person)

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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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