When building or renovating a two-story house, you should pay particular attention to the size of the stairs used. The reason is that applying the ideal staircase size will support safety, improve aesthetics, and make the house feel more spacious.
Beforehand, it is essential to understand that the ideal size of a home staircase can vary depending on the country, the height between floors, the available space, and the profile of the user.
In this article, you will find a guide to the ideal staircase size for homes in Indonesia. To discover more, check out the full explanation below.
What Is the Ideal Staircase Size?
The staircase of a house is a complex component, as it determines the strength of a two-storey house in the long term. So, it is important to pay attention to all the details of the staircase, from its height to its slope.
The following is a general guide that contains the ideal size of a sturdy and comfortable home staircase:
1. Determine the Height of the Riser
In Indonesia, the ideal height of the risers is 15–19 cm, as it adapts to the average height of Indonesians, which is 150 cm.
If the size is more than 19 cm, the user will be at risk of knee pain when climbing the stairs. If it is less than 15 cm, the user will get tired easily and risk slipping when descending it.
2. Determining Tread Depth
Tread depth is the horizontal distance from the front end of a step to the front end of the next step.
Ideally, the tread should be 25–30 cm deep. With this size, users can tread their feet perfectly so that their steps are more stable, feel comfortable, and reduce the risk of fatigue.
3. Determining the Width of the Stairs
The width refers to the width of the steps and the overall width of the stairs. For Indonesians, the width of the steps or stair steps should ideally range from 26–30 cm. This size is also considered ideal for children and the elderly.
The width of the steps (antrade) means that users do not need to place 2 feet on the same step to continue to the next step. This makes steps more efficient.
The overall width of the stairs is a minimum of 90 cm and a maximum of 120 cm. This size is enough to pass 1 adult carrying goods and can save space in the house.
4. Determining the Size of the Staircase Length
The next indicator that you must understand is determining the size of the staircase length that is adjusted to the condition of the house, both in terms of dimensions and the staircase model.
Usually, the length of the stairs is determined from the slope of the stairs with the distance between the bottom floor surface and the floor deck above. Note, the slope of the stairs can be made around 24–45 degrees.
5. Determining the Size of the Staircase Border Area
The border is a flat area that is usually between the joints of the stairs and is wider than the steps. This part is very important because it can be used as a short rest area.
However, not all stairs require a border. Usually, stairs that have borders are long, straight stairs, L, U, or zigzag stairs. Meanwhile, short staircases and spiral staircases generally do not require a border.
In addition, borders are generally only used on stairs that have more than 12 steps. The ideal length of the borders is 80–120 cm.
6. Determine the Slope of the Stairs
The ideal staircase generally has a slope of 30–35 degrees. This slope is considered not too steep or too gentle, so that it is quite easy for users and can save more horizontal area.
7. Determine the Height of the Handrail
The existence of a handrail is very helpful for children, the elderly, and users who are sick so they do not have to worry about falling. Therefore, it is important to make a handrail with a size of about 85–95 cm.
Read also: Choosing the Right Foundation for A Two-Story House
What Is the Ideal Size of a Spiral Staircase?
If you want to give a modern and aesthetic impression to your home, using a spiral staircase can be the right choice. In addition to its dancing visuals, the spiral staircase is also considered more space-efficient, so it is suitable for limited occupancy.
Here are the guidelines for making a spiral staircase that you need to understand:
1. The Width of the Stairs
The shape of the steps on the rotary staircase resembles a fan shape. In general, the rotary ladder can only be passed by one person, so the width is around 750 mm only.
2. The Angle of the Stairs
Please note that the angle of the spiral stairs is very different from the angle of other models of stairs. The angle of the stairs in this model should be around 18–22.5 degrees so that the number of steps for the swivel angle can be a perfect 360 degrees.
When making a spiral staircase, it is also recommended that you position the first stair in line with the last stair.
3. Number of Stairs
The ideal size of a spiral staircase is characterized by its length, which ranges from 3.5 to 4 meters and has 20 steps. For the first stair to be in line with the last stair, the ideal trap height should range from 175 to 200 mm.
Read also: 7 Minimalist Staircase Design Ideas, Aesthetic and Safe!
Must-Have Staircase Components
In addition to the ideal staircase size, you also need to understand the components that must be present in a home staircase. These components include:
1. Cut String
The cut string is a sloping construction that holds all parts of the stairs and the weight of the user. This component is the first to be made and plays a major role in supporting the safety factor.
Therefore, the materials used in the manufacture of the mother of stairs must guarantee strength and durability. Some commonly used materials include steel, reinforced concrete, and solid wood.
2. Steps
The steps are located above the construction of the cut string and serve as the user's footrest area. If you want to provide a coating on the steps, you can use wood, carpet, or anti-slip ceramics.
3. Stair Railing
When creating a staircase with any model, you really need to add a railing (handrail) to provide proper protection for users, especially children and the elderly.
Railings can be made of wood, metal, glass, stainless steel, stone, or a combination of several materials.
If the staircase is in the middle of the room, railing placement is generally on both sides of the stairs. If the stairs are attached to the wall, the railing can be placed on only one side of the stairs, which is the side that is not close to the wall.
4. Baluster
A baluster is a component that separates the staircase from the surrounding empty area. This part is positioned together with the railing and serves to prevent the risk of users falling outside the stair area.
In the past, balusters were often designed with vertical posts. However, nowadays there are more modern and aesthetic baluster designs, such as pillar models, iron forming special patterns, or using thick glass.
Please note that the ideal size for a stair baluster is between 80 to 100 cm.
5. Stair Riser
Previously mentioned that the riser is the vertical part of the stairs, which connects the stairs. Although not visible during use, this part can be seen from the floor below, so you need to paint or coat it with ceramic tiles that match the color of the steps.
6. Staircase Borders
As explained earlier, borders are generally needed on certain staircase models only, such as U and L models. Commonly, people place plants or simple displays to improve the aesthetics of this area.
Read also: 10 Staircase Designs for Small Houses to Look Spacious
Requirements for Safe House Stairs
Since its main function is to connect one floor of the house with another floor of the house, the safety of the stair structure must be considered. Here are the requirements for the safe house stairs:
- Made by applying the ideal ladder size so that it is safe and comfortable to use.
- The size of the steps is ideal and uniform so as not to make it difficult for users.
- Using non-slip materials and anti-slip coatings, especially in areas prone to dust or water.
- Use sturdy railings that can help users with limited mobility.
- The stair area is provided with proper lighting to make it easier to use at night.
That is all the explanation of the ideal stair size to other requirements that can support stair safety. Regarding the ideal size of the house stairs, you are strongly advised to use the above guidelines so that safety is ensured. However, regarding the model, you can adjust it to your residential style and personal preference.
Understanding the ideal staircase size will make it easier for you when discussing with construction workers and monitoring its suitability with your expectations.
In addition to understanding the ideal staircase size, you should also ensure that the materials used to build the stairs and residence are of high quality because this will determine the strength of the building in the long run.
One material that is widely used in construction projects is cement. To get optimal strength, use Semen Merah Putih Watershield, which is completed with water repellent technology.
The water repellent technology in Semen Merah Putih Watershield provides triple protection against water seepage from outside, inside, and soil or capillary water, so that it is ideal for applications in concrete, foundations, castings, and skim coat, and has many advantages compared to ordinary cement.
You can use Semen Merah Putih Watershield in all building applications, from foundations, castings, plastering, to skim coat, because this product has many advantages over ordinary cement.
By using the ideal stair size and quality materials, you have taken the right steps to create a safe home for your beloved family.
Do you want to get complete information about Semen Merah Putih products? Do not hesitate to contact us immediately. We are highly committed to providing the best construction solutions for your residence!
