When renovating your home, you likely place a lot of focus on rooms such as your kitchen, bedroom and living room. However, the stairs is one place that should not be overlooked. Right now, let us take a close and detailed look at five planning tips for designing your stairs.
#1 Not too wide
To start things off, you want to resist the temptation to make the stairs excessively wide. Although a grand staircase might be impressive, it takes up a lot of room in your home. You might be better off with a narrower set of stairs that is sufficient to get the job done. If you have an ample amount of space, consider closets or handrails to fill up the space. Every square inch doesn’t have to be filled with stairs.
#2 Carpet is optional
Next, remember that carpet is optional as well. In this day and age, some homeowners feel pressured to install carpet on the stairs. Carpet is softer on your feet and is a great addition for young children and toddlers. While this does give it a nice texture, there are many pros to wooden stairs as well. Wooden stairs can be easier to clean and maintain. If you do need to complete maintenance, you won’t have to take off an entire layer of carpet. Wood can often complement the walls and ceiling of your home as well.
#3 Plan in advance
You want to plan well in advance when designing your stairs. Although it might seem like a smaller project than other parts of your home, it should not be underestimated. Because stairs cover such a great vertical distance, it can be difficult to plan things out from one floor to another. Make sure to give yourself ample time to make these decisions and consult your contractor if necessary. You want to start planning at least six months in advance. You’ll find that time flies by until it is time for the actual renovation.
#4 Who uses the stairs?
Another thing to consider is who will use the stairs. If the stairs will primarily be used by your children as they scuttle up to the bedroom, this could influence your decision. You might opt for a flight of stairs that winds around the corner because your children are so mobile and active. If this staircase is for your elderly father who takes his time, that is another important factor. In this regard, not all stairs are alike, and you need to keep its functionality in mind.
#5 Long term planning
Last but not least, make sure to plan for the long term future of your home. How long do you plan to live here? Will you be making any renovations in the future? If things are uncertain, you probably don’t want to spend a huge sum of money on your stairs. On the other hand, if you are sure that you will reside here for a while, don’t hesitate to make a hefty investment toward your stairs. After all, it is your primary means of getting to the other floors of your home.
