Staircases do more than just take you between levels in your custom home. They define the layout, add style, and can make a lasting impression. There are tons of different staircase styles out there, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Let our custom home builder break them down for you!

 

Straight Staircase

Straight stairs are the most common type of staircase. They’re the simplest to build and the most affordable. Just because they’re simple doesn’t mean they can’t be spectacular though. This style is perfect if you want a statement railing or if you’re aiming for a minimalist style. If you’re looking for areas to save in terms of budget for your custom home, we recommend going for a straight staircase style and infusing design around it.

 

A Guide to Staircase Styles- Sina Architectural Design | Toronto Custom Homes 

L-Shaped Staircase

An L-shaped staircase, also known as a quarter-turn staircase, is the second most common type you’ll find. They’re similar to a straight staircase, but have a turn in the middle. This style has a bit more visual appeal and the design takes up less space. It can also provide more flexibility in a floor plan, but it does require additional support making it a bit more expensive than a regular straight staircase.

 

A Guide to Staircase Styles- Sina Architectural Design | Toronto Custom Homes 

U-Shaped Staircase

A U-shaped staircase also called a half-turn or switchback, is similar to an L-shaped. There is a landing in the middle but instead of turning just 90 degrees, the stairs take a full 180. This style takes up less floor space, making it a great option if you’re tight on space or need to fit it into a plan. However, it can be hard to move furniture up these and they tend to be more expensive.

 

A Guide to Staircase Styles- Sina Architectural Design | Toronto Custom Homes 

Winder Staircase

You’ll often find winder stairs in more confined, older homes. This style is when the stairs wrap or wind in continuous steps. These stairs are compact and have visual appeal, especially in smaller homes. They’re harder to navigate though and construction is more challenging which makes them more expensive than other staircase styles.

 

A Guide to Staircase Styles- Sina Architectural Design | Toronto Custom Homes 

Spiral Staircase

Spiral staircases are both fun and cool. They’re the perfect option for tight spaces. Spiral staircases have one central post with the steps radiating up it to the top. Some cities have codes that prohibit them though or only consider them secondary stairs meaning there has to be another staircase in the home. They only really have enough room for one person, but they’re great for lofts!

 

A Guide to Staircase Styles- Sina Architectural Design | Toronto Custom Homes 

Circular Staircase

A circular staircase is a more traditional style. It has wide treads, is easy to travel, and can fit multiple people. If you’re going for a grand custom home then you may want to consider a circular staircase. This style is dramatic, elegant, and easily becomes a focal point in a home. They require open space and are pricey, but if you’re looking for a wow factor this has it.

 

A Guide to Staircase Styles- Sina Architectural Design | Toronto Custom Homes 

Curved Staircase

A curved staircase is just as dramatic as a circular one but it’s a bit more graceful. They’re usually positioned near the entrance of a custom home so that people can appreciate this architectural feature when they enter. They ‘re complex and expensive to build though so make sure you budget!

 

A Guide to Staircase Styles- Sina Architectural Design | Toronto Custom Homes 

Bifurcated Staircase

If there were a king of staircase styles it would be this. This is the most majestic of all staircase styles. Bifurcated staircases are usually found in grand old buildings, commercial buildings, or even on luxury cruise ships. Remember that staircase from the Titanic? Yeah, that was this style! This style features wide stairs on the bottom to a mid-way landing, where the stairs then split into two narrower stairs to the right and left. There really is no grander staircase style than this!

 

A Guide to Staircase Styles- Sina Architectural Design | Toronto Custom Homes

 

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