Stairs with a metal frame are the most durable and practical frame stairs. There are open and closed metal frames. By open we mean the option in which the metal “skeleton” of the staircase will be visible. Closed is the case when the frame is covered with finishing materials.
Metal, due to its strength and ability to create unique designs, allows you to make a staircase on a metal frame that meets any requirements and desires.
Types of stairs on a metal frame
All stairs are primarily divided by type, shape and purpose. Stairs on a metal frame are no exception and are divided into:
- Marching - such stairs include both simple straight stairs and multi-flight structures with turning platforms or winder steps. The use of flight stairs is permissible both indoors and outdoors. They are the most widely used type of stairs.
- Spiral staircases are much less common than marching staircases; it is possible to use a spiral staircase as an auxiliary staircase, not the main one. They can be a real decoration of the room. They are very convenient in small houses; an area of 1.5 m2 is enough for their construction. Use is also permissible both indoors and outdoors.
All of the above options are often combined with wood, glass, and plastic. In such combinations, the metal frame of the staircase acts as a “skeleton”, the task of which is to ensure the rigidity and reliability of the structure.
Stages of creating a staircase to a frame house
When making a structure, the frame is first assembled, which is sheathed with OSB or plywood. The installation process can be divided into two stages, while at the interior finishing stage you can use the finished structure without fear of damage. Only after finishing the interior decoration of the room is the staircase surface covered with finishing materials in accordance with the interior design of the house.
Staircase in a frame house
The number and complexity of stages in constructing stair structures depends on their type. The single-span frame option requires a minimum of time and volume of lumber to create it. The construction of a two-bay model repeats in miniature the technology of creating a frame house and includes the main stages:
- creation of a mathematical model with clarification of the parameters of the flight of stairs, the number and shape of steps.
- turntable device;
- installation of a bowstring for each flight of stairs;
- installation of rough steps;
- finishing coating.
Frame type
Having decided on the type and shape of the staircase, we move on to the stage of choosing the structure on which this staircase will be built. For each type of staircase, the following frames are distinguished:
- On the stringer.
- On the bowstring.
- On pain.
- Console.
- Modular (prefabricated).
Let's analyze each of these frames for each type of staircase.
Kosour.
It is a supporting structure on which shelves for steps are provided at a certain pitch. Such frames, in turn, are classified according to the location of the stringer:
- Two or more stringers along the width of the flight.
- One central stringer.
Bowstring.
Stairs with a metal frame on a bowstring are in many ways similar to structures on a stringer. The difference lies in the way the steps are attached. If on a stringer the steps are laid on the frame as if on shelves, then in the bowstring structure the steps are fixed on the inner end of the supporting beam. The shape of the bowstring may even look like a string from the side. Otherwise, this frame is also classified according to the location of the bowstring. Below are options for stairs with strings located on both sides of the flight.
The frame on one string is often combined with other frames, so we will consider this option below. On pain.
In this case, the metal frame of the staircase also serves as a railing. The railing structure is rigidly fastened between the first and second floors. The steps are fastened on one side on balusters to the railings. On the other hand, the following options are possible:
- Wall mounting. This fastening is possible provided that the walls are built of strong material that can withstand this load. In the case of a spiral staircase, the fastening goes to the central pillar.
- Mounting on a stringer.
- On the bowstring.
- Spiral staircase on rails with load-bearing railings on both sides.
Console.
Probably the most unusual staircase frame. The principle is that the steps are fastened on one side, resulting in a feeling of lightness of the staircase.
There are three options for fastening the steps of such a ladder:
- At the stage of construction of the wall along which the staircase is located, it is necessary to lay the steps so that 1/3 of the step is in the wall.
- The second option is considered if the wall is made of insufficiently strong material or the thickness of this wall does not allow 1/3 of the step to be built into it. In this case, installation is carried out using a bowstring located on one side of the steps. After this, the bowstring can be walled up in the wall.
- Fastening with metal brackets. This method is also applicable provided that the walls are made of sufficiently strong material.
A cantilever spiral staircase as such can only be made in round rooms (towers), the fastening principle is similar.
Modular (prefabricated).
The prefabricated staircase frame is formed using individual blocks, which are assembled into the required shape. This kind of frame requires regular attention for the reason that all the connections are not welded, this over time can lead to the appearance of play in the connections. Repairing such a structure is much easier than its analogues; in case of wear or damage, a separate frame block is replaced.
What is meant by a comfortable and safe staircase design?
The most important requirement for a staircase structure is its logical correspondence with the architecture of a frame house. Each finished staircase must be a functional part. At the same time, in technical and technological terms, it must comply with accepted construction standards.
Already at the construction design stage, it is necessary to take into account the functionality and convenience of the staircase. Its angle of inclination cannot be greater than 45 degrees. The height and width should be 30 and 15 centimeters, respectively. These indicators are optimal for guidance for those who are planning the construction of a reliable and durable structure. Transition platforms and flights are installed with a width of 120 cm. When this indicator decreases, the stairs become uncomfortable. For example, when moving furniture in and out, this will create difficulties. If the staircase is built taking into account compactness, a spiral staircase is a good option. Constructions of this type can be found in frame houses, although relatively infrequently. .
Features and requirements for a metal frame
In the stairs to the second floor, the metal frame must be safe and comfortable to use. To do this, it is necessary to calculate the parameters of the stairs. You can familiarize yourself with such calculations in detail in an article on our website or using a construction calculator.
Advantages of a ladder on a metal frame:
- Durability of the structure.
- No creaking.
- Strength.
- Wear resistance.
- Possibility of repair.
- Possibility of making stairs of any design.
There are not so many disadvantages, they can even be called design features:
- In a modular frame, play may form at the joints.
- Possibility of corrosion, especially if the stairs are located in places with high humidity.
- Material cost.
- In the case of welded frames, welding experience is desirable.
Frame making
You can find detailed information on making a frame for a metal staircase with your own hands here. In this article we will briefly describe the stages of manufacturing one of the frames.
If you, without experience, are going to make a staircase on a welded metal frame, consider making it a closed type. Without experience, you may not be able to create a beautiful seam, which can ruin the appearance of the entire structure.
Let's look at the step-by-step production of a simple straight frame on stringers:
- For load-bearing beams we use a channel of 80-100 mm. We install it on the edge, having previously cut the base at the desired angle for a tight fit to the surface.
- We prepare the shelves for the steps using corners. It will be more convenient to prepare a template according to which several pairs of fillies of the same type will be made.
- We weld the prepared fillies symmetrically to each other, first checking that the surface on which the steps will be located is clearly horizontal.
- Depending on the tread used, additional reinforcement of the plane in which it will be located is possible.
The frame is ready, after you have thoroughly welded all the connections, you need to treat it to prevent the formation of corrosion and paint it, after which you can begin installing the steps and railings.
Third stage. Installing the bowstring.
For the bowstring, boards with a cross section of 40 x 300 mm were used. Pre-file the corners of the junction with the turntable and the floor. Then mark the steps using a square. For cutting, a circular saw and a regular hacksaw are used. The first string is used as a template for the remaining 2.
Three strings were installed for each flight of stairs. The lower part should rest on a special backing board, which prevents the ladder from shifting under load and pushing through the subfloor. The string is nailed with 90 mm black nails to the frame posts.
Design of stairs on a metal frame
Options for processing and designing the staircase primarily depend on the type of frame built:
- Open type - this frame is made with beautiful shapes and even seams. It must be treated with an anti-rust agent and then carefully painted. All prefabricated frames also belong to the open type.
- Closed type - the entire welded frame for the stairs will be lined with other materials. Stairs with a closed frame are usually cheaper, their production does not require ideal elements, recycled materials are often used, due to the fact that after the frame has been treated from rust, it will be covered with beautiful wood or other material.
Design of a staircase with an iron frame
Stairs with a metal frame are widely used in modern interiors due to the ability to give the structure unique shapes.
