Comfortable, safe and durable staircase

The client asks:

How to choose a staircase that is comfortable, safe, and durable

Stair24 answers:

A staircase is one of the most important, yet often underestimated, structures in a building. Attention is frequently paid to its appearance only at the final stage, even though the staircase’s dimensions, slope, and construction have a much greater impact on everyday comfort and safety than any decorative element. A poorly planned staircase can become a constant source of inconvenience that is difficult and costly to correct later.

Why does staircase planning often fail?

The main reason is that a staircase is often treated as a secondary detail rather than a crucial part of a building’s functionality. When too little space is allocated for the staircase, or decisions are made without considering regulations and ergonomics, the result is often a steep, narrow, or uncomfortable staircase.

Common mistakes include:

• steps that are too high or uneven
• insufficient tread depth
• an overly steep angle
• inadequate lighting
• uncomfortable or missing handrails

These issues may not be obvious at first, but they quickly become noticeable in everyday use.

orrect staircase dimensions ensure comfort and safety

A good staircase is based on consistent and well-considered dimensions. Human movement on stairs should feel natural — each step should be similar to the previous one. If the height or depth of steps varies, the risk of tripping and falling increases significantly.

Key principles:

• step height must not be too high
• tread depth must allow the entire foot to rest securely
• all steps must be exactly the same size
• the staircase slope must balance space efficiency and comfort

A well-designed staircase does not cause fatigue or require conscious effort — using it feels intuitive.

Safety is not an added value, but a requirement

A staircase is one of the areas with the highest risk of accidents in a building, which makes compliance with safety requirements essential. Adequate lighting, slip-resistant surfaces, and proper guardrails are not areas where compromises should be made.

From a safety perspective, it is important to have:

• handrails at a comfortable height that are easy to grip
• even and sufficient lighting along the entire staircase
• slip-resistant step surfaces
• solid, regulation-compliant railings

This is especially important in buildings used by children, elderly people, or a large number of occupants.

The staircase as part of the building as a whole

In addition to functionality, a staircase must fit into the overall architecture and interior of the building. A well-planned staircase supports the logic of the space rather than competing with it. The choice of materials, construction, and form should serve both visual appeal and ease of use.

It is important to find a balance between:

• design and practicality
• space efficiency and comfortable movement
• visual impact and durability

Excessive complexity may make a staircase visually striking, but uncomfortable for everyday use.

Why should staircase planning start early?

A staircase is not an element that can be successfully “adjusted later.” Once the building structure and floor heights are fixed, the available options become significantly more limited. Early planning allows you to:

• optimize the use of space
• avoid uncomfortable compromises
• reduce the cost of later modifications
• ensure compliance with applicable regulations

The earlier the staircase is planned, the better the final result.

Building a staircase is not merely a technical task, but a decision that affects the usability of a building for decades. A well-planned staircase is safe, comfortable, and durable, blending naturally into the overall structure of the building. A poorly designed staircase, on the other hand, becomes a daily inconvenience that is hard to ignore.

When it comes to staircases, a simple rule applies: if it is done right, you hardly notice it at all.

👉 Stair24 helps you design and build the right staircase solution — tailored precisely to your home and your needs.

Contact us:
📧 sales@stair24.com