When planning the construction of a country house with several floors, it is important to think about a way to organize a bunch between different levels in height. The staircase should not only fit into the design of the premises, but also meet the requirements for functionality, reliability and ergonomics. Modern modular staircases meet such requests, but only if the design is chosen correctly for specific application conditions.
Technical Solution Overview
To understand the essence of a modular design, you should first turn to traditional monolithic stairs. Of course, completely homogeneous structures do not exist, since additional elements and accessories will be present in any case. But concrete and metal structures are often performed integral in the base bearing part. In the case of a modular design, the base is formed in separate parts. The combined elements of the modular staircase build the frame and ensure its fixation to the floors. At the same time, a specific set of components, their number and parameters vary depending on the geometry of the premises, floor distance, inclined angles, etc. In essence, the concept of the designer’s assembly is realized, which has both pros and cons.
Ladder
A typical construction kit of this type includes the following elements:
- Parts of the frame of the stairs.
- Steps.
- Retaining posts (support elements).
- Handrails.
- Racks of railings (balusters).
Depending on the rated load, operating conditions and requirements for stylistic properties, components for modular stairs can be made of the following materials:
- Stainless steel. It features enhanced protection against corrosive processes and damage under the influence of aggressive air.
- Structural steel. In this case, the emphasis is on the combined aesthetic and protective properties that are achieved through special paints and polymeric mixtures.
- Wood. A rare option that is allowed under light loads and if decorative qualities come first.
For stairs, usually use either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or wood materials. Natural texture adds sophistication to the structure, especially when it comes to solid wood. There are also options from glued and pressed plywood.
Types of stair configurations
The technical and configuration performance will be affected by the location of the opening, its dimensions and other characteristics. At the basic level, marching, turning and screw structures are distinguished. A march is understood as one passage of a staircase in the forward direction. In more complex versions, configurations with platforms, changes in the direction and size of the platform are used. What is the difference between a modular staircase with a turn? As the name implies, it is characterized by a turn, but soft, resembling rounding. Unlike screw structures, such models have one or two sections with a change in direction. There are designs and the method of implementation of the descent. In particular, direct, L-shaped, U-shaped, cross-sectional and arched models are distinguished.
The most popular configuration is a single-march prefabricated staircase. In some variations - with a slight twist. Marching structures, although they take up a lot of space, making high demands on the free space for construction, are the most convenient to use. Conversely, the screw design is compact, but less ergonomic in use.
Module assembly options
There are three schemes by which modules are arranged:
- "Module in module."
- Through threaded rods.
- Using a clamp.
The system "module in module" involves, for example, the installation of load-bearing stair pipes in one another in accordance with the tolerances of the diameters. This option facilitates assembly, is inexpensive in consumables and does not require the use of a special tool. But even in the case of a slight curvature of the passage line to the second floor, modular stairs with this type of layout will not work. It should also be borne in mind that with such a scheme, it is not allowed to adjust the height of the supporting components.
As for the assembly system on studs, it is characterized by the use of many separate elements, which, when connected to each other, will form an integral modular block. The finished design will not have obvious seams, so from the side it can be perceived as monolithic. But there are also disadvantages to this solution, which consist in the need for a constant hauling of the studs, otherwise the design will become loose.
The next type of connection involves the use of clamps. It provides a rigid fixation of the module elements using bolts and screw hardware. The module itself will include two parts - horizontal and vertical pipes, which are fastened either with welded overlays, or with clamping screws.
General recommendations for the installation of stairs
Before installation, it is advisable to take into account a number of technical and operational conditions that will make the design more convenient and durable. Firstly, comfortable movement of the stairs will be ensured only with the initial opening size in the floor niche of the upper floor of at least 2.5 x 0.9 m. Secondly, if you plan a modular spiral staircase or structure with rotary sections, then you must first calculated and the angle of passage. For example, for 180 °, at least six modular blocks and steps of a running type will be required, and a 90 ° system is optimally formed from three to four sections. There are special requirements for metal fasteners. In general, screws and anchors are not the best devices to ensure the reliability of staircases. Under the condition of periodic revision of their condition, one can also use such hardware, but only with a length of at least 10 mm.
Preparation for installation
When the diagram with the drawings is completed and the material kit for the assembly of the structure is ready, you can begin the final preparation for work activities. First of all, it is necessary to clean the target site from construction debris, dirt and dust. It will be useful to go around all horizontal surfaces and adjacent walls with an industrial vacuum cleaner. Materials that are unnecessary at a particular stage with consumables and auxiliary equipment should not interfere. By the way, in the process of forming a modular staircase, you will need the following tool:
- Electric drill with screwdriver function.
- Mounting knife.
- Circular saw or hacksaw.
- Electronic level.
- Pencil.
- Abrasive tool for grinding surfaces.
- Roulette.
Frame assembly
The supporting structure is constructed of separate rack units, on which steps will be held in the future. Assembly begins with the bottom module with supports. One of the three aforementioned mounting options is used - fit, threaded rod or clamp. By the way, if the installation is done on a clean decorative coating, then corrugated cardboard or plywood should be laid under the lower block. Thus, supporting columns are set up to the second floor or attic. Moreover, in the upper part of the modular staircase frame should be completed at the same level with the ceiling. Further, the columns are moved apart with the substrate for the design configuration of the arrangement. At this stage, he is given the desired form of descent.
Setting steps
Joinery tools with saws, a knife and a drill will be needed just when working with the material of the steps - wood or PVC. Optimally, if initially the components were selected to the required sizes, but after the frame is installed, the calculations can be adjusted, which will require refinement of the parameters of the steps. In any case, markings must be made for the fixing holes. The steps of the modular stairs are installed using self-tapping screws, but without excessive tightening, otherwise, under high voltage, the material structure will not withstand and cracks will appear. Spin the hardware to the flange of the frame base. At the same time, at each step it is necessary to check the level of its position relative to the horizontal.
Installation of stair railings
On the one hand, the structure will be fixed to the wall, and on the other, it will receive a walling. The latter is formed from struts (balusters), a handrail and a fixing corner hinge. To install the racks in the steps, make holes corresponding to their diameter. It should be a kind of grooves through which the baluster will be captured with a hardware from the back (under the step). A more reliable fixation at the installation point in the groove will provide the base console. It can be bolted directly to the step. After that, the assembly of the modular staircase proceeds to the installation of the handrail, which will add strength to the position of the balusters. The configuration of the fasteners can be different - from the integration of the upper ends of the racks into the slots provided for in the handrail, to seating on glue or using a corner joint. Hinges will be needed to connect the lines of the handrail - angular and straight going horizontal. He, too, either sits on glue or is firmly bolted.
Pros and cons of the modular staircase
This design requires minimal effort and investment compared with the capital construction of stair structures. At the same time, it is noted not only the convenience of assembly and installation, but also the same ease of dismantling. In terms of the variety of shapes, designs, structural solutions and sizes, there are also no restrictions - you can choose the optimal solution for a small house with an attic, and for a three-story mansion. But the disadvantages of this option are just as obvious. Even simple modular stairs to the second floor with a small load over time become loose and require additional strengthening. And even new designs immediately after installation can cause unpleasant sensations with light vibrations. Similar effects are also eliminated by special accessories with a damping effect, but the inclusion of more new elements in the device of the modular frame complicates the design and makes it more expensive.
Conclusion
From the point of view of the design and architectural solution, this version of the staircase arrangement will most likely be considered as budgetary, and sometimes temporary. It has many advantages, but it is more expedient to make calculations for long-term operation on a more reliable design. In what cases will this option be appropriate? Practical to use modular stairs in a private house, it is recommended to install if large loads on the structure are excluded. This applies not only to the nature of direct exploitation, but also to the seismological situation in the region. You should also calculate the movement of the foundation, which will affect the soil. These properties are especially pronounced in new buildings, while the foundation pillow will sit down.