A Few Ideas For Reshaping Winder Stairways - Architectural Design Tips
Winder stairways, with their characteristic turning steps, are a practical solution for homes where space is at a premium or multiple floors need connecting. These stairways bring a unique visual element to a home, but their design and construction require careful consideration.
Key Design Considerations for Reshaping Winder Stairways:
Building Code Compliance: It's paramount to adhere to local building codes when reshaping winder stairways. This includes ensuring the minimum width requirement for residential stairs (typically 36 inches) is met.
A key concept here is the 'walk line,' which represents the path a person's foot takes when ascending or descending the stairs. This line should consistently meet minimum tread width requirements, typically 6 inches at the innermost part of the winder.
Winder Step Placement: Strategic placement of the winder steps can create a more generous curve on the inside of the stairway, maximizing usable tread space.
Navigating Curves: Incorporating curves into winder stairways can present specific challenges. If the treads have a nosing (an overhang), this must be factored into modifications. It's also advisable to avoid laying out all the steps before installing the risers to prevent potential errors.
Tread Width: Using a smaller inside curves might result in narrower treads on the inner part of the staircase, potentially falling below the minimum code requirement. To address this, consider adjusting the spacing between staircase sections.
