In order to reduce the dimensions of the staircase when there is a lack of free space, winder steps are made instead of the interstair landing, the width along the line of movement of which is equal to the width of the straight steps. These steps are not very comfortable, because when going down the stairs, their width becomes smaller as you approach the middle and is simply inconvenient for placing your feet. At the same time, at the other end the steps become much wider than a human step. In order to reduce the inconvenience, it is worthwhile to equip the rounded walls of the staircase at the turn in order to reduce the size of the steps, and, accordingly, the costs of their construction.
Note! The narrowest stairwell should be at least 10 cm.
In order to reduce these disadvantages, you need to use two methods:
- A winder staircase can be constructed only when the horizontal distance between parallel flights is ¼ of the width of the steps;
- To calculate the width of the steps, use one of the proposed methods, which is based on the proportional expansion of the ends of the winder steps due to the width of the straight ones.
Calculation
If we take, for example, a staircase that has two parallel flights and a turn at the winder steps, taking into account the calculation of the width of the steps that will replace the platform between the floors, the calculations are carried out as follows:
- In the center of the march, line ABC is drawn - the middle line of movement, according to which the width of the steps is plotted. In this case, the line should start from the rounded top so that the step located in the middle is divided exactly half by the vertical line BC. The result will be ordinal divisions. The greater the number of straight steps, the more comfortable the staircase will be, and the transition from straight steps to winders will be smoother. Having captured three straight steps, draw a line DE horizontally, enclosing the highest of them. It is from here that the regulation of the width of the step begins, connecting the middle of A with two lines on the line of movement. After the line is drawn to the intersection of the lines with the line DE and the next segment is obtained, it must be continued from D to E until the next points are found. Connect the resulting points with the corresponding points according to the number value, which are marked on the floor of the movement line. The final result of the calculations performed will be a horizontal projection of the shape of the steps of the winder stairs on the left side. Carry out the calculations for the right side in the same way.
- Another calculation method is as follows: moving from point B along the line of movement, measure the width of the steps in accordance with the standards so that the vertically located line DV divides the middle step in half lengthwise. Based on the number of straight steps (3), obtain a segment AB from the vertical line DV and draw an inclined line AC towards it. In this case, the length of the segment can be any and it should be located at an acute angle, with the further application of 7 marks on it, which will correspond to seven steps. One part can be equal to 3-10 mm depending on the scale of the paper for drawing the diagram.
After connecting point C to point B and drawing lines parallel to BC from each point, similar segments are obtained on the vertical line AB. Next, connect all the division points to their corresponding points on the center line of movement and draw them to the surface of the wall that surrounds the cage. Thus, the dimensions and shape of the steps in horizontal projection will be obtained.
Calculations for winder staircases with two flights are carried out in a similar way.
Note! Stairs that require radial rotation are much more difficult to manufacture. They require the production of stringers, bowstrings, or the production of additional supporting elements for the steps, which will follow the radius in the staircase bend. For this reason, winder turning staircases are often made without a radius at the bend, but with a turn at a right angle.
The dimensions of a staircase with a right angle turn are calculated using a graphical proportional method. This option is the most popular when making winder steps yourself, so their calculation is worth considering in more detail.
Video
Useful video about calculating the number and height of steps of any stairs:
Staircase with two flights with a right angle turn
When making graphical calculations, it is worth making allowances for their inaccurate results. In this case, it is allowed to change the dimensions during drawing, but with the condition that the steps remain unchanged in width and the line of movement will not be affected. Certain steps can be changed in size at the ends to increase or decrease, while leaving the same width of the tread in the center.
When taking dimensions from the completed drawing, correlate the dimensions of all steps using addition. The final amount, on the one hand, must coincide with the size of the steps in the specified area.
These are all the key points for making your own winder staircase. Please note that without certain skills you are unlikely to be able to complete this job.
Video
This video describes the installation of a staircase with turning steps:
A staircase with a 90-degree turn is called an L-shaped staircase. Such stairs are located close to adjacent walls. The landing can separate flights of stairs of unequal length. Rotation by 90 degrees is most common in the manufacture of stairs, which are equally suitable for placement in a country house or in a two-story apartment.
How are L-shaped stairs separated from each other?
Stairs vary in material, rotation vector, and appearance. The second point is simply deciphered: either the staircase turns to the right or to the left.
Stairs can be made of wood, metal and concrete. There are combinations of wood and metal.
Features of stairs with a 90 degree turn:
Such models do not differ from single-flight models in the presence of a stringer or bowstring, steps and fences in the form of balusters, railings, handrails.
However, single-flight stairs do not have a platform and winder steps.
When creating a drawing of a rotary structure, preference is given to either the platform or winder steps. The choice depends on the amount of available space in the room.
The second option is chosen when there is a shortage of space, and usually such steps are made without treads, which gives the staircase an airy feel.
Construction stages:
How to calculate the height and width of winder steps
When making your own calculations, it is best to rely on reliable data on optimal values. The width of the flight is 90 cm, the width of the middle part of the winder step is from 20 cm, the height of the steps is from 10 cm, the angle of inclination of the stairs is no more than 45 degrees, the width of the bottleneck of the winder step is from 10 cm.
Instead of stairs, a ramp is installed when an angle of inclination of more than 23 degrees is impossible. If the angle of inclination is more than 45 degrees, a folding design will be an alternative to the staircase, since such a steep staircase will have to be descended backwards.
Manufacturing of parts
Installation
Usually installation starts from the topmost flight.
Subsequence:
- First, the stringer is fixed to the wall.
- Afterwards the support pillars are concreted.
- The outer stringer is fastened to the support post.
- The steps are connected to the stringers using supports and mounting angles.
- Afterwards, the winder steps are installed, which should “sit” firmly in place.
- Then the risers are installed.
- Afterwards the balusters with railings are installed.
Calculation of a wooden staircase with a 180 turn through winder steps to the second floor with your own hands
Stairs with a 180-degree turn are called U-shaped. It is based on a rectangular platform that divides the staircase into two flights. The design takes up more space than a 90-degree rotating staircase.
The main thing that is taken into account when designing stairs with a 180-degree turn is that the height of the steps should not be greater than their width. The height from the stairs to the ceiling must be at least 1.9 m.
- First you need to draw a circle, the radius of which is equal to the sum of the width of the stairs and 0.5 of the distance between the flights.
- Marches with a given width and length are drawn on both sides of the circle. A line is drawn through them along which a person will walk, and straight steps are also marked.
- Next, you need to draw a segment BC, which starts from the highest point of the circle, ending with the lowest. Its markings should pass through the middle of the main winder step. It is from this that other steps will descend.
- The final straight step is marked as segment DE.
3D calculation program, online designer
There are about a dozen programs that can, based on available data, carry out calculations of the future staircase. Some of them design 3D models, create a full-fledged graphic image and a general staircase interior. Such programs make life a lot easier, allowing you to see the future result in the most realistic way.
There are paid programs on disk, such as ArCon Eleco 2010, its license is paid and costs about 40,000 thousand, the use of such a program is advisable for landscape designers and designers. Its capabilities are developed at a professional level and allow you to design staircases of various shapes and designs, winter gardens, cottages and landscapes.
StairCon is also a paid-licensed program that is widely used for creating staircase designs. Among its capabilities are 3D design, calculation of the quantity and final cost of materials, and creation of a bill of materials.
There are two free online services designed for calculating and designing stairs.
“Ladder - online design of stairs” allows you to create a project in four steps. You need to indicate the desired shape and dimensions of the staircase and receive a finished project. In addition, there is a function for selecting a company that can turn your staircase sketch into reality.
“WeBsr staircase calculation” service allows you to calculate the optimal slope, the size of the opening in the ceiling, the size of the tread and riser, as well as select the type of staircase and the type of opening.
Calculation of a wooden staircase with a turn of 90, 180 through winder steps to the second floor with your own hands, 3D calculation program, online designer, dimensions of a turning staircase made of wood, photo
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Winder steps are one of the components of some types of stairs. Thanks to them, it is possible to create not only a certain visual effect, but also completely change the standard design. Let's look at what the essence of such parts is and how to make them yourself.
What it is
By winder step we mean an element of a flight of stairs, which is used on turning sections. In order for an ordinary ordinary element to turn into a winder, you need to change the width of the tread along the entire length of the step. Thus, from the inner edge of the stairs this parameter will be smaller, and from the outer edge it will be larger. The optimal size of the step should be observed along the center line of movement along the stairs.
Advantages of this design:
- visually it looks original and aesthetically pleasing;
- allows you to make a smooth turn on the stairs;
- allows you to diversify the march design;
- can be made from any material.
Winder steps make climbing stairs smoother
Disadvantages of winder stage models:
- decrease in design convenience indicator;
- the risk of tripping when walking up the stairs increases;
- difficulties in performing design;
- Precise adjustment of the step dimensions is required during installation.
However, if you have certain knowledge and basic skills, you can make them yourself.
Scope of use
A completely logical question that arises when considering the design of the winder stage is where are such elements used? Several areas can be highlighted here:
- Turning marches. Thanks to these elements, it is possible to perform a smooth turn on the march. This can be an arbitrary angle, but most often it involves changing the direction of movement by 90 or 180 degrees. Additionally, intermediate platforms can be used. The design can be L-shaped, L-shaped or U-shaped. You can also divide the staircase into 3 straight sections and make a 180-degree turn in two stages.
- Spiral staircases. Most structures of this type consist precisely of winder steps. Depending on the steepness of the turn, you can adjust their size and position.
Types of stairs that use winder steps
You can place several winder options for steps on a regular straight flight. In this case, they are attached at the bottom, that is, at the very beginning of the stairs. Thus, it is possible to make entering the structure more convenient.
Another question is how to make such an element for a wooden, metal or concrete staircase with your own hands. Let's consider this issue in more detail.
Wooden
Perhaps we should start with wooden models. In this case, winder steps for turning wooden stairs are made of the same material as ordinary ones. The nuances relate mainly to the design stage and cutting of parts.
The most popular material for making stairs with winder steps is wood
In order to make a wooden winder step with your own hands, you will need a board of a suitable size. To calculate the dimensions of parts, data from formulas and graphic diagrams are combined. A part of the corresponding parameters is cut out from the board.
Scheme for manufacturing a wooden staircase with winder steps
To attach wooden steps of this configuration, two methods are mainly used:
- Beam. A vertical element acts as a support. Typically this is a beam with a cross section of 100-150 mm. In order to fix the step on it, the cutting method is used. A recess is cut out in the beam, into which the smaller edge of the winder step is subsequently inserted.
- Stringers. Here the installation process is somewhat more complicated. In order for the staircase to have a normal appearance, you need to cut stringers with suitable teeth from the boards. On the inside they will be smaller in size and, accordingly, larger on the outside. After installing the stringers, wooden steps are laid on them in accordance with the grooves made.
It is also possible to combine these two methods: a beam is installed on the inner (narrow) side of the steps, and stringers are installed on the outer (wide) side. Additionally, the distance between the treads is covered with risers.
Stages of installation of winder steps of a wooden staircase with mounting on a beam and stringer
Metal
In order to make metal winder steps with your own hands, you can use profiles and sheet iron. First, let's look at the principle of creating a form. The first option is a frame. In this case, it is enough to cut out sections of the required length from corner or U-shaped profiles and weld them together according to the shape of the future element. If you are planning to arrange outdoor or forged interior flights, then the steps themselves can also be made of metal. To do this, it is recommended to use perforated steel or elements with a relief surface.
The second option for making winder models of steps with your own hands is to use fillies and bowstrings. Channels or pipes can serve as strings; their number can vary from 1 to 3, depending on the design of the march and its size. To secure the steps, install fillets that will raise the treads above the supports. Additionally, for greater stability, metal plates can be welded or bolted to them, onto which the casing will later be attached. Usually this is wood or MDF.
Options for manufacturing metal winder steps
Concrete
Now let's look at how to make a staircase with winder steps from concrete mortar. In this case, formwork is required that will accurately reproduce the shape of the future structure. To create the formwork, plywood sheets and wooden panels are used. Walls are attached from this material to prevent concrete from spreading. In order for a self-built concrete staircase to be strong enough, a reinforcing mesh is placed in it. It should repeat the shape of the platforms, ordinary and winder steps.
The main stages of manufacturing a staircase with winder steps made of concrete
Concrete is mixed from cement, sand, crushed stone and plasticizers with the addition of water. Filling is done from bottom to top. To completely fill the shape of the winder step, the solution must be cut with a trowel and vibrated. Then the surface is leveled and covered with film until dry.
Please note: the height of the winder steps in each case must be the same and coincide with the parameters of ordinary parts.
Each option is quite feasible to implement. To do this, you need to additionally familiarize yourself with the rules for calculating the design of a staircase with turning steps. Otherwise, you can find a ready-made project or order it from specialists.
If, when building a new house, you are thinking about what type of staircase structure to prefer to connect floors, then you should pay attention to such an option as a staircase with winder steps.
Winders are steps located in a circle, continuously. One of their ends, the one located on the inside, is narrower than the outside. When turning the stairs, they are used instead of an intermediate platform. There are two types of stairs with winder steps:
- U-shaped - such stairs rotate 180°;
- L-shaped - such stairs rotate 90°.
Winder steps have a number of advantages, for example:
- take up less space than marching ones;
- visually make the room wider;
- have an aesthetic appearance.
Their disadvantages include the following features:
- the narrow edge of a step when climbing stairs causes psychological discomfort. It seems like there is nowhere to put your foot;
- such stairs have a rather complex design and therefore it is difficult to make calculations for them;
- not as comfortable to use as stairs with platforms;
- The design of such a ladder must be approached with the utmost care and responsibility, because if it is not designed correctly, the risk of falling and serious injury will increase.
What you need to consider to make the design as safe as possible
To eliminate possible troubles from the shortcomings of winder steps, the staircase must be designed correctly, taking into account the following nuances when calculating it:
- the depth of the outer edge of the step should be no more than 400 mm, and the inner edge should be no less than 100 mm;
- the middle of each step must be at least 200 mm deep;
- in height, each step can occupy from 120 to 220 mm;
- the maximum protrusion of the edge of the tread should be 40 mm;
- When calculating an L-shaped staircase, the following formulas must be observed:
- for comfortable use - a (step depth) - b (riser height) = 120 mm;
- for maximum safety – a + b = 460 mm;
- step formula - 2b + a = 620 (600-640) mm.
- when building a U-shaped staircase, the space between the steps should not be less than a quarter of the width of the steps. Otherwise, the winder steps from the inner edge will be too narrow;
- the gap between the ceiling and the flight of stairs must be at least 2 m.
How to calculate a winder ladder
To make a calculation for a U-shaped structure, you need to proceed as follows:
- mark the center of the bend coinciding with the radius of the inner side of the stairs;
- calculate the number of winder steps: the more there are, the more comfortable you can use the staircase;
- winder steps, photos of which are given below, from the first to the seventh inclusive. Through the next, eighth step, or rather through its beginning, the line DE is drawn. Straight AB divides the staircase into two sides - right and left. The middle of the march should be marked with a curve ac, which corresponds to the line of movement;
- On the line indicating movement, from AB we set aside a section equal to half the width of an ordinary step. Thus, we find point 1. From it we draw a segment equal to the width of the step and mark point 2. Using the same principle, we find the remaining points from the 3rd to the 7th;
- through points 1 and A we draw a line intersecting with DE. We draw another line through 2 and A. On line DE we mark points 1 and 2;
- on line DE we measure intervals of the same length as 1-2 and designate them with numbers from 3 to 7;
- then we connect point number 3, located on line AC, to point number 3, located on line DE. We do the same with points 4,5,6,7;
- the same calculations are made regarding the other half of the staircase with winder steps.
For an L-shaped structure, as in the case described above, find point A and draw a straight line AC. There are two ways to arrange the steps:
- line AC divides the corner step into two equal parts;
- line AC coincides with the line of the junction of two corner steps.
If the second option is chosen, then the same as in the case described above, the line of movement ac is indicated. On the curved segment, lines b are indicated, equal to the width of ordinary steps. The number of turning steps is determined. If these are steps numbered 1,2,3,4, as in the figure above, then a straight line EB is drawn through the end line of the 4th step. Point B here marks the intersection of EB and CA. After this, straight line AD is drawn arbitrarily. Points 2,3,4 are marked on it, while segment A-2 should be two parts, 2-3 – three parts, 3-4 – four parts. One part in this case is a segment equal to 1 of any conventional unit, for example a centimeter or decimeter.
Next we draw line 4B. From points 2 and 3 we draw lines intersecting AB, parallel to segment B4. The points obtained on the segment AB are connected by a straight line to the corresponding points on ac. These lines determine the shape of the turning steps.
If the AC line divides the corner step into two equal parts, the winder steps are calculated in a similar way.
Tools and materials needed to make stairs
To make your own stairs, you need to stock up on good quality wood. Of course, dark oak is the best choice, but it is very expensive. Maple is also excellent for this purpose - its cost is much less, and finding it in the right quantity will not be difficult.
In addition to the tree, you should prepare:
- electric jigsaw;
- drill;
- fasteners;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- roulette.
DIY staircase with winder steps
Let us consider the sequence of manufacturing a winder staircase using the example of an L-shaped structure with an opening length of 2 m 29.4 cm, a width of 93 cm, and a ceiling height of 2 m 68 cm.
The turning staircase has two flights: one of eight steps, the last of which coincides with the landing of the upper floor, and the other of two. There are three winder steps, with a rotation angle of 30°.
For a turning staircase made of wood, you need to create two stringers 5x30x300 cm. One of them is fixed on the wall, and the second rests on a pole measuring 10x10x250 cm. You will also need steps 90x30x4 cm, a turntable 90x90x4 cm, from which the turning steps and balusters will be made.
The process of creating a winder staircase of this design is carried out in several stages:
- production of stringers;
- production of winder steps;
- assembly of staircase structure;
- installation of railings.
Consider each stage in detail. The sequence of making stringers is as follows:
- We make a template in the form of a right triangle. Its legs should be equal to the height and depth of the step. To make the template convenient to use, you need to attach it to the guide rail. Using it, we mark the future stringer and cut it out using a circular saw. At the same time, we must not forget that the thinnest part of the stringer should be at least 150 mm in width;
- we install a pillar for support, having previously hollowed out a groove in it into which the stringer will be inserted;
- in the corner we mount the base for the turning steps, which will also expand the stringer located near the wall;
- We attach the stringers on the top side with metal corners.
The general view of the structure after securing the stringers should be like this:
When installing stringers, you must ensure that they are strictly opposite each other, otherwise the steps will not lie strictly horizontally. In this case, you need to focus not on the floor surface, because... it may not be level, but at the building level.
Now we move on to the second stage of making the stairs - cutting out the winder steps:
- To turn the stairs 90° you will need 3 steps. We cut them out of a board 90x90x4 cm. To do this, we divide it with lines coming from one corner into three sectors;
- Having cut out the steps along the lines, we adjust their length to each other;
- Next we varnish all the steps. Apply the varnish in three layers.
At the next stage, we assemble the staircase structure:
- To secure the rotary steps in the column, we cut out grooves, the width of which should be slightly less than the thickness of the board. This is necessary in order to securely fix the steps from the inner edge of the stairs;
- so that the steps from the side of the wall can be placed on the base, we modify it with pieces of wood;
- we insert the inner sides of the winder steps into the prepared cuts, having previously coated them with PVA glue, and attach the outer sides with self-tapping screws to the base;
- We fix ordinary steps with long self-tapping screws;
- to hide the protruding corner of the turning step, we make the flight of stairs located below on a bowstring;
- We cut the edge of the bowstring at an angle of 90° to the floor to make it possible to install the entrance pillar.
The next stage is the installation of the railings. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- installing balusters. They can be attached to the steps with self-tapping screws, but if you use dowels, the structure will be much more reliable. We make a hole in the baluster and in the steps, slightly smaller than the dowel, and fill it with PVA. The holes must be drilled with maximum precision, strictly vertically and in the center of the balusters so that they take the correct position;
- We stretch a cord between the first and last pillars, and along it on each baluster we mark the angle at which the railing will be located. Then, focusing on the markings, we cut off the tops of the racks. Now the balusters are ready for the installation of handrails;
- We secure the handrails with countersunk self-tapping screws.
If the room has high ceilings, then you should also pay attention to buildings consisting of a series of steps with a 90-degree turn. To make the ascent safer, it is preferable to use an intermediate platform during the construction of structures.
Let's highlight some features:
- the space under the steps can be used for your own needs;
- can, if necessary, have an approach from any side: ninety-degree stairs, right-handed and left-handed;
- winder steps during the construction of a structure are smaller in height, unlike other types of stairs;
- the marches are at right angles, the intermediate platform is made in the shape of a square.
The most commonly used material in manufacturing is wood. In the production of wooden staircases rotating 90 degrees, hard wood species are used: oak, ash, beech. Or semi-solid: spruce, larch, pine. Wooden structures have always been famous for their elegance. In addition, wooden products will have a beneficial effect on health.
The presented building, right- or left-entry, can be equipped with winder steps. Climbing a winder staircase with a 90-degree turn cannot be called very comfortable, since the inner side of its steps is smaller than the outer side. However, the design has an elegant appearance, and if positioned correctly, it will significantly save space and will serve for many years.
Calculation of a ninety degree turning staircase
Calculating the dimensions of the finished structure is not an easy task. You can use special mathematical formulas, but it is easier to do this using an online calculation calculator, which can be found on the Internet. You will need the following measurements:
- the distance between two floors (from the floor of the first floor to the floor of the second);
- opening length;
- width of the structure.
This is the minimum set of parameters that you will need.
Having certain knowledge and skills, you can carry out the calculation yourself. If not, we recommend using the services of our professional measurer.