Category: Types of Stairs

A stair will refer to an individual step, while a stairway or staircase means a group of stairs located in-between one floor and the other. A stairway is several stairs constructed or designed to bridge a vertical distance between two places. Stairways could be straight, round, or two or more different shapes connected at an angle.

Significant Differences Between Staircase and Stairway

While a stairway is a group of steps that allows you to walk up or down, a staircase, on the other hand, can be said to be a connected group of stairs or a flight of stairs. It means that a staircase could be a small set of stairways connected.

In another way, one can describe a stairway as a flight of steps, whereas a staircase is a flight of steps with a supporting or attached framework. For instance, a staircase often comes with casings or balusters as supporting frameworks.

When comparing the stairway and staircase parts, one can also discover some differences between the two. In a staircase, each step has independent support. For instance, stringers that run on each side of the stair can support each step along the way. Risers may also be used, and these are parts that make up the vertical part of each stage and the thread which is the part of the stairs you place your feet.

Component Parts ha Also Make Some Differences.

In addition to the parts, a staircase comes typically with a very firm starter step which is also referred to as “Swell step”, plus a fence that will keep you from falling off the sides. The wall comprises vertical posts for side protection. Staircases do come with thick starter posts alongside handrails. Most of these components are missing in stairways, and they all work together to form a solitary, firm staircase that is reliable.

A staircase may refer to several stairs, but it remains a single piece of architecture. A staircase can thus be said to be a combination of stairways and components that keep them together. A stairway is a series of stairs constructed independently, with most of the structural supports like balustrade missing.

Component Parts of Stairway and Staircase

It is essential to familiarize yourself with sure stairways or staircases to understand the similarities and differences. A thread, for instance, is part of the stairway that has been stepped upon. It is generally designed with similar specifications in other flooring types. The riser component is that vertical portion located in the vertical region between each step. The riser may be missing to create an open effect of stairs.

Nosing is that edge of the stair’s tread that protrudes over the end of the riser. Nosing adds to the total length of the stairs.

A Stairway or Staircase Increase Value of a Home

While the differences between stairway and staircase exist, both can be customized to suit the home’s needs. A professional installer can help you convert stairways into staircases or make structural changes to an existing stairway or staircase to make them more appealing.

We asked Newcastle Staircases if structural upgrading of a stairway or staircase can significantly increase the home’s overall value. According to them, It is essential for individuals looking to sell their properties in the future. According to a realtor survey, an upgraded staircase can increase a home’s value by 3-5%, depending on the components added.

Conclusion

Stairways and staircases are not just there to add operational support for homeowners, and they can also complement interior décor. With a stairway or staircase installed by a professional installer, you can save maintenance costs because you will have original components that are durable and long-lasting. The installation of a new stairway or staircase usually is the costly part of the deal, making changes and maintenance schedules are much more affordable.

The conventional belief is that hardwood is always better than carpet. Today, some people placemats over their hardwood flooring, and we also have people who choose either of the two options for specific reasons.

Depending on the type of home design, carpet, or wood may provide the best finishing touch that will increase your home’s value. You may want to consider certain factors when deciding whether to go for carpet or wood on your stairs.

Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, wood on stairs is far better than carpet on stairs. Wood application on your stairs comes with low maintenance because wood collects less dust than carpets. Cleaning of hardwood floors often involves sweeping and mopping.

If you must install a carpet on your floor, it should be a low-cost option because it is easier to clean than the high-pile carpets. Carpets will hold more allergens, dust, and skin cells. You will need to apply a high-quality vacuum to remove such materials.

Resistance to Wear and Tear

Wood on stairs can resist wear and tear longer than carpets. However, if you have pets, you may want to consider carpets on your stairs in place of your delicate hardwood. High human and pet traffic may wear and tear your carpets quickly. In the area of shag carpet, you should consider carpets with densely-woven fibres as they resist wear, tear, and debris more.

Regarding wear and tear, both wood and carpet have their pros and cons, and it all depends on the texture of the material you choose.

Sound

Carpets are known to provide better insulation against sound. A right carpet can absorb up to 10 times more sound than hard flooring on your stairs. A carpet may help you create a quiet environment more efficiently than a wood cover on stairs. Creaking and stomping sounds are associated with wooden stairs.

Cost

Costs will depend on how long-lasting a material is. If you have the right hardwood floor on your stairs, for instance, it can be more comfortable and cheaper to refinish such. Keep in mind that hardwood will cost twice as much as an original carpet, but maintenance may seem less expensive in the long run.

Carpet costs less than hardwood, though. It gets replaced much faster than hardwood. You will need a professional installer to help you choose the right carpet or wood to be installed to achieve the best result.

A maintenance routine can extend a carpet’s lifespan even though it doesn’t last as much as hardwood flooring on stairs.

Internal Deco Considerations

We all want a nice appearance and flow for our homes; hence it is essential to consider your interior decor options to ensure that your carpet or wood stair blends. Be prepared to get inspiration by looking at different flooring or carpeting options for your stairs. For homes with wooden flooring, for instance, carpeted stairs may seem out of place.

Bottom Line

Besides the factors mentioned and highlighted above, it is also essential to consider safety factors when choosing between carpet or wood floor. Carpets may provide better traction than the wood floor. It does not necessarily mean that mats will prevent a fall. When a fall occurs, a carpet will give a better landing spot than a hardwood stair. 

On the other hand, a too-thick carpet may cause more ripping and falls than hardwood stairs. The addition of more functional components like stair treads to wood stairs can significantly reduce risks.  

In summary, both wood and carpet stairs have their pros and cons, and regardless of your option, maintenance will remain a significant concern. Wood stairs tend to be costlier than carpet stairs, but wooden stairs last longer and tend to be easier to maintain. You will need a professional installer to install either carpet or wood stairs.