Options for Basement Stairs

• Basement stairs need proper planning to ensure efficient use of space. Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images

  When finishing the basement, the stairway is the last job completed, but what you tend to forget is that the stairway is the first thing used when heading to the basement. For this reason, a stairway needs to be safe and practical for everyone. Basement stairs can come in different types and styles, and, if placed in an appropriate space, they will not fail to attract any visitor.

Straight Staircase

• A simple, straight staircase is the normal set of stairs that are commonly found in every other house and are installed by any type of specialist as it is the easiest type of staircase to build. The stairs go straight in a row, stretching from the upper to the lower level in a singular run which takes up to 40 square feet of space and have a simple railing that is along the staircase. This railing is either polished in wooden tones or is painted according to the installer's preference.

L-Shaped Staircase

• L-shaped staircases are right-angled stairways that make their 90-degree run at the landing. These are either long or wide. They are easier to climb and are more preferred. A specialist with stairways must install it.

Circular Staircase

• In a circular staircase, there is a broad curve from the upper to the lower level. This type of staircase looks elegant in every room it is placed in. The staircase requires the expertise of a specialist for installation.

Spiral Staircase

• Spiral staircases have stairs running down along a pole. A straight center pole with a sweeping twist of stairs is along the pole. These are usually found in most basements with limited space as the stairway takes up to 6 feet of diameter space.

Return Staircase

• A return staircase has a divide in the run of stairs, and the stairs following the divide are placed in a full 180-degree reverse direction to the landing. This staircase provides an ease of climbing for elderly people due to the divide in the center. It is also easy to use when shifting furniture between floors.

Full Carpeted Stairs

• Another option for basement stairs is to cover them with carpet. A full carpet staircase looks clean and creates a cozy look for the basement. Carpet the stairs from the top to the nose of the stair tread.