In any building where there are at least two floors, you can not do without a staircase or elevator. Designs for lifting and lowering to different levels are diverse in design, materials and technologies used.
Stylishly and modernly look stairs on bolets. What are their features? Is it possible to do this with your own hands?
German invention
It is believed that the first such stairs were developed by specialists of the German company KENNGOTT TREPPEN. They can be called a product of the high-tech era. They are very different from classic stairs both in design and in appearance. The fasteners between the steps, handrails and the fence are not hidden, as usual, but remain in sight. These bonds are most often made of metal and create a visually light, but very strong and stable structure.
German Boltz means "bolt". But in this case, the part of the staircase, called the “bolt”, is not like a simple rod with a thread and a turnkey head. Performing the function of reliable connection of structural elements, high-quality components have a beautiful shape and a carefully processed surface. They are an important part of the overall appearance of the stairs.
Constructive scheme
Classic stairs consist of the same elements and differ, except for the design, only in the way the steps are installed. The tread is mounted on top of a longitudinal support, called a kosour, or cuts into the side of an inclined board, called a bowstring. A deaf riser, chiseled balusters and a curly handrail determine the general appearance of the "classic". Another thing is the staircase on the bolets. Its construction is of a completely different nature.
Massive support beams and risers are absent. The main load is carried by a handrail resting on the lower level floor. But this load is not critical, because it is distributed evenly through the vertical tubes of the fence and the rails connecting the adjacent steps. To prevent lateral displacement, horizontal pins are installed on each step connecting them to a wall or other support. At the right staircase, these fasteners have gaskets made of elastic material, eliminating creak when walking and reducing stress on the ankle.
What is she good
Of course, all elements of the interior are selected based on the general style of the house, its layout, but stairs on bolets can look organically in buildings of very different architectures. The use of various materials for steps and railings, a wide selection of finishing options allow you to fit them not only in harsh high-tech.
At the same time, the main advantages of such a solution are preserved. Despite the light and transparent appearance, a correctly made bolt construction is able to withstand 180-200 kgf set according to the standards. You can easily drag furniture and heavy loads along it, and it takes up significantly less space than a staircase on a kosoura or a bowstring. Another advantage is maintainability: only at the stairs on the stairs can you replace the step without disassembling the entire structure.
It makes no sense to compare the cost of staircases of different designs due to too many factors affecting its formation. But, for example, wooden staircases on bolets can be much more affordable than those of the “classic” ones, made of oak or ash, which are much more capricious in operation.
What should be considered by the do-it-yourselfer
A staircase is a very responsible and important element of living space. Illiterate and sloppy done, it can not only ruin the interior, but also become a source of danger - for example, cause injuries.
But a lot of things are possible for a person with hands and head, including a staircase on a wagon. Do it yourself with your own hands, but because of the relative novelty for domestic masters, it requires particularly thorough theoretical and design training.
You should start by calculating the main parameters of the staircase: the riser height and the width of the tread along the midline, the width of the aisle, the height of the fence, etc. Numerous literature and information from various sources help here. Experience suggests that it is the staircase on the bolets that can be the only right solution for difficult situations. For example, with a small opening in the ceiling or its complex shape.
The main thing is in the details
So, there is a goal - a stylish, reliable, safe staircase on the stairs. Accessories - bolts, steps, handrails, fences - can be purchased, custom-made or made by yourself.
A lot depends on the quality of the fasteners - the bolts that fasten the steps between themselves and to the vertical support -. Find high-quality parts for self-assembly is becoming more real. The only thing is not to run into the ubiquitous copyists from the East. A Chinese set of metal fasteners may look like a real one, but it will bend like a cardboard, both during installation and during operation. A shiny chrome peels off the flaps in a week.
Steps - only glued from dried wood, better than hardwood. The quality of gluing should be checked very carefully - they are part of the power frame of the structure, they are affected not only by vertical, but also multidirectional load. Chips at the attachment points of metal parts are critical for the strength of the entire structure.
Stylish and budget option
Of course, it all depends on the specific situation, but the following can be recommended.
Order bolts according to the drawings. It is better to develop them yourself, and it should be possible to adjust the height of the riser and the size of the gap between the step and the wall. This greatly facilitates the installation process. You can find drawings on the Internet. Do not forget about cushioning pads for the bolts connecting the step to the wall. For them, segments of a vinyl hose of the right diameter are perfectly suitable.
All fastening - by means of threaded rods of different lengths. Open areas of the thread are closed with decorative bushings and tubes. We give all the metal to be painted with powder enamel or paint ourselves. You should not save on paint - remaking is always more expensive. The coating should be done after preliminary assembly and fitting of the entire structure.
For the steps and the handrail, the perfect material is high-quality plywood 25-30 mm thick. Two layers of such plywood give the parts the necessary strength. For some modern designers, plywood under varnish is an expressive visual element that does not require a solid colorful coating. But high-grade plywood is beautifully painted in the desired color, requiring only careful puttying of the ends.
Mounting
When assembling, careful marking in plan and projection on the wall is the key to success. Installation begins with the installation of the support rail. If the adjacent wall is not strong enough, embedded parts or a solid bowstring for attaching the steps should be provided.
Then, starting from the first step, the entire march is collected in sequence. If the project preparation is carried out correctly and a sufficient section for the steps and the handrail is selected, the construction of additional scaffolding and scaffolding is not required, you can even move along a partially mounted staircase.
Effective and efficient
Reliability and safety with elegance and elegance - this is a staircase to the bollards. The reviews of those who use this design at home are always positive. They celebrate its lightness, aesthetics and strength.
It is popular with architects and interior designers, and professional staircase manufacturers are increasingly recommending such designs.