Installing or renovating a staircase inside a home is something that many will have to face sooner or later. Houses on several levels necessarily see the various floors connected by stairways of various types and types, which over time wear out and must be replaced, perhaps even as a matter of design. In new homes, on the other hand, it is possible to choose the type of scale you want from a really wide range of possibilities, where it is not always easy to find the best solution.
When choosing an internal staircase, you need to know what kind of material you want to use is certainly the most important thing, since the final result depends on it. Today we will clarify the wood, which thanks to its characteristics is one of the most appreciated materials in the realization of the internal stairs .
Why choose a wooden staircase?
Wood is a natural material, certainly the most natural that can be used in the construction of a staircase, offering multiple advantages. It is warm and with its presence it manages to convey warmth and welcome. Furthermore, its veins, which differ according to the types of wood and workmanship used, are highly appreciated from an aesthetic point of view, so much so that they are often reproduced in artificial materials.
With wood it is possible to realize any type of staircase, open, cantilever, spiral or helical and there are no limits in this sense. The price of a wooden staircase is also often more competitive than that of other materials, especially if we do not opt for particularly refined woods.
Which wood for our internal stairs?
As mentioned, one of the choices to be made and one of the elements to be evaluated in the purchase of a wooden staircase is precisely the choice of the type of wood to be purchased. Not all woods are the same, not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a purely practical point of view: ease of processing, durability, impact resistance, are just some of the factors to consider when choosing wood to make a ladder.
First of all it must be said that in the construction of a staircase only hard woods are used, also called strong woods, suitable therefore to support the stresses that the load-bearing structure of a staircase undergoes every day. Remember that by law a ladder must be able to withstand, at a minimum, 400 kg per square meter. Hardwoods are therefore wood with a very compact fabric.
Analysis of the most used woods for internal stairs?
One of the most used woods is the beech, yellowish in color, sometimes tending to rosy, it lends itself very well to bending, typical of spiral or helical staircases. It also has a medium / high hardness and excellent flexural strength. Finally, its discreet impact resistance makes it one of the most practiced choices in various types of wooden stairs.
Oak is also widely used, often because it is cheaper than other woods. Despite this it boasts an extreme hardness and a very good durability and impact resistance. The only defect of this wood is the very evident veins and the tendency to darken the color over the years, something that everyone might not like.
Maple wood is rather universal, having more than good characteristics in all fields, both in terms of hardness, medium-high, and impact resistance. This makes it a wood that is surely possible to use in scales used daily and several times a day. Its yellow pinkish color is also very appreciated as it transmits heat to the environment.
Finally we have the iroko. This is a brown wood, with darker streaks, very high durability and extreme stability. Its ability to withstand bending and especially moisture make it a suitable wood for very humid climates, where other types of wood could eventually be in trouble.
Maintenance of wooden stairs
Unfortunately, even using very long and impact-resistant woods, at least a minimum maintenance must be carried out sooner or later. This is in fact the main problem of wood, especially when used in stairs used a lot every day and throughout the day. It is typical of this material to begin to hear creaking, which is accentuated over time. Furthermore, shocks can damage the wood, at least superficially, undermining its aesthetic appearance.
Thus scratches and dents fall within the category of only aesthetic and easier to solve damages, while crackling and ruined steps are among the most serious structural problems. Cosmetic damage can easily be repaired even at home. A special pencil with a restoration wax that is slightly lighter than the wood on our ladder is sufficient to cover normal scratches. The deepest can instead be corrected with the application of shellac of the color of the scale. In the case of structural damage to one or more steps, however, if it cannot be repaired clearly, the only alternative may be the complete replacement of the step in question.
Ideas and inspiration wooden stairs
The contemporary design highlights the horizontal lines very much. In this example, the initial steps in dark oak emphasize the white painted risers accentuating the contrast. Steel cables add a touch of modernity and the elegant niches add a contemporary decorative touch.
A metal beam in the center of the steps gives balance to the structure, making its design lighter. The first and third floors close the composition, turning into shelves and acting as a decorative element.
Wonderful modern staircase with wooden steps and steel riser. Idea suitable for those who have a staircase in their home in a discreet position, but would like to enhance it.
The details make the difference and this is a good example of how perfect finishing adds value to the product.
Another perfectly finished wooden staircase. Room and staircase are covered with wooden panels in a unique design. The horizontal and vertical lines that create the steps and the simple metal railing stand out.
Wooden staircase design similar to the previous image. The big difference is the original solution of the lower cupboard, part of the staircase, which makes it possible to exploit a space that is sometimes little considered. This original corner of the house is enhanced by the use of the same wood to create a staircase, a piece of furniture, and a portion of the ceiling. The glass railing adds value to the entire project.
Simple idea but of great impact. Why not let the stairs take up more space and also become shelves and seats? Note also the design of the parquet that continues on the risers.
Inspiration for creating a staircase in a small space. The lower steps turn into a useful bookcase.
Perfect solution for reading fanatics. This scale allows you to have books at hand and the design is truly original. Brilliant and practical idea to creatively enjoy the space under the stairs for storing books.
This unique ramp ramp made of teak becomes the focal point of the house. It is visually and physically connected to the full-wall bookcase and acquires a practical function in furnishing.
A perfect way to create a multi-functional staircase and gain a lot of space, through the creation of a bookcase along the ascent route.
Particular wooden staircase with integrated space-saving drawers, ideal for perfectly organizing small rooms. The basement becomes a space in which to store clothes and various objects, to keep your home in order. Ever thought of such a scale?
A brilliant solution adopted to exploit a space of reduced length. Long wooden panels create a stable staircase with some openings containing decorative objects. A locker and a practical shoe rack have been made in the corner.
In a very small space we have a staircase, a bookcase and a desk. A home office in less than a couple of square meters. With a good design and structure, even plywood or less valuable woods, like the pine in the image above, can be a solution to create a practical and resistant staircase.
And here is another example of how scales can be multifunctional. This has a bookcase and an integrated slide and the children are not the only ones to enjoy using it. The stairs can be used as a reading angle. They are quite comfortable indeed.
Wooden staircase anchored to the wall that seems to float in the room. Reduced to elementary elements, with its lightness and elegance, it meets the highest aesthetic requirements of the avant-garde architecture. The exclusive design with noble woods in combination with stainless steel makes it very special.
Modern wooden staircase, reinforced with an internal metal structure. The central part was anchored to the ceiling through the tempered glass railing. State-of-the-art structural and architectural design, with attention to the smallest details.
In this modern-scale design, steel and wood combine to perfection. The minimalist handrail and the banister of essential lines created in a modern and current style.
The steps of this staircase are created with the same wood as the adjacent wall, apparently without any obvious connection. The supporting structure is hidden inside the steps and behind the wall. The handrail is present only on the right side.
A sturdy and harmonious line for this beautiful ramp staircase with iron single-beam bearing structure. The steps were made of solid oak as well as the handrail while the railing was made of iron.
This internal staircase is a visual and architectural element of fundamental importance, finding the right harmony between functionality, style, materials and solidity of the staircase. Anchored to the wall on the right side and to the ceiling on the left side, through a series of steel rods.
Very original and modern wooden staircase project. Thin steel wires come from the steps to the ceiling, creating a structure that seems to float, thin and light. To give strength and stability to the staircase, three steel tubes were placed on each step. For a very dramatic effect the staircase was illuminated by recessed spotlights on the side of the steps.
Scale project similar to the previous two examples, but this time the steel tubes pierce the wooden steps and reach the floor.
Of course, not all stairs are the same! This is an extraordinary model with lower concrete steps and upper steps made of solid wood that seem to be suspended from the ceiling. This combination of different shapes, hot and cold textures, rustic and industrial materials is absolutely captivating!
Excellent two-piece wood and iron staircase design. The lower part extends with a practical wardrobe while the upper part is attached to the railing of the second floor.
Another scale created with two distinct blocks. The lower part in wood which also acts as a support for the upper part made entirely of iron.
If you want to get a special combination, stone and wood make the perfect mix. The stone acts as a support and complement to the second.
This zigzag folded concrete staircase connects the floors of the house. Each second step is made up of oak planks, alternating between warm and cold tones. A steel mesh serves as a fall protection.
Example of container scale, really useful to take advantage of the space available to perfection. The concealed wardrobe is very well integrated with the supporting structure. Being so well anchored both on the wall and on the floor, these wooden stairs offer a lot of stability. The steps created in large perfectly finished wooden blocks add warmth and modernity to the environment.
Rustic staircase made of masonry with wooden steps. Simple but very original model. The inclusion of a custom-made bench makes the basement space very comfortable, ideal for relaxing or reading books.
This solid wood staircase is the quintessence of modern rustic design. The clean and minimal lines are modern elements, while the warm veins of the wood are nothing but rustic.
Staircase that gives a lot of personality to the room and transmits strength and resistance. For the steps, massive blocks of wood were left raw and the railing was made of iron, roughly painted. Modern industrial style.
A perfect wooden staircase project. These large blocks spiral around a compact central point with a mesmerizing balancing effect. These wooden steps were in fact designed to be easily assembled using glue and steel bars for connection to the wall.
A modest staircase, made modern and special by its simplicity and by the diffused light beam positioned on the sides of the steps in a hidden channel along its entire length.
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