It may sound like a difficult task, building safety stairs, but with the right tools and with expertise, it can be done well.
First and foremost, plan out the design you want to use for your safety stairs [Staircase Designs].
Make it as simple as possible; there is absolutely no need to have complex designs, as this would probably compromise on your safety.
Remember also, it is extremely important to keep all the stairs you are building the same size, with all the exact dimensions. This will ensure your safety as nothing else will.
Do your math well, because you will need to calculate how many stairs you need to go all the way up, and you will also need to calculate the size of the risers and the runs so that you will have an exact idea before beginning.
Also, calculate the distances between the top and the bottom of the stairs, and the wall that is closest to the stairs.
You will definitely need three feet for the purpose, and if you can keep the width of the stairs to three feet as well, then you would have a good safety staircase.
Make sure you find out about your local building codes before you begin cutting the wood for your safety stairs.
Now, you have to plan out the type of railings you want to use. Remember, safety is paramount at all times, design and elegance comes a poor second.
The height of the railing, and the spaces you use between them must be kept within the set safety standards, otherwise your staircase will become a very real hazard to whoever uses it.
For additional safety for your staircase, keep these tips in mind:
- The handrails you use must provide good support for the user. For this purpose, experts recommend that the railing extends beyond the end of the staircase for a few inches at the very least.
- If you have young children, then you must provide a stair gate. This will keep them out of using the stairs when they are not supposed to, and will help avoid unfortunate accidents.
- Choose a design that does not have ‘lips’ at the ends. This will make it difficult for a person to see the end of the stair, and will increase the chances of his tripping.
- Do not make unprotected floor length windows near the staircase; when a person trips, he could well go out of the window…
Make your home a safe one. Make your stairs comfortable and risk free to use.
