For families looking to build or remodel a two-story home in Austin, a staircase is not only a focal point; it is a necessity! Staircases are one of the most complicated home features to design and construct because space, safety, and details all need to be considered for a functional and beautiful finished product.

1. STAIRCASE
• For families looking to build or remodel a two-story home in Austin, a
staircase is not only a focal point; it is a necessity! Staircases are one
of the most complicated home features to design and construct
because space, safety, and details all need to be considered for a
functional and beautiful finished product. At the DK residential
architecture studio in Austin, TX, our architects review ten different
staircase design styles and define the parts of the staircase in our
staircase glossary. If you are looking to build a new two-story home or
redesign an existing staircase, use this guide to find a staircase type
that functions for your space and learn all the must-know terms.

2. 2. SWITCHBACK, HALFBACK, HALF-TURN, OR U-SHAPED STAIRCASE
• Switchback staircases are also called halfback, half-turn, and U-
shaped stairs. Switchback staircases consist of two flights of stairs that
go in opposite directions with a landing that connects the two parallel
flights. This design creates more visual interest than a straight
staircase.

3. • STRAIGHT STAIRCASE
• A straight staircase is perhaps the most straightforward. (No pun
intended!) Straight staircases consist of a single linear flight of steps
with no change in direction. Straight staircases are the most common
in architecture because they are relatively easy to design and
construct. However, they use more linear space and may not be
functional for every floor plan.

4. Metal Stair Railing
It might be more expensive up front, but you'll save more in
the long run. With metal, steel stair railing is the strongest. If
you want an industrial look, this should be your first choice.
Iron stair railing is another industrial-look option.
Steel is a popular material for both stair handrails and railings
for commercial egress stairs and industrial staircases. Steel is
also the best material for stair stringers. To prevent rusting,
galvanized or stainless steel is often used.

5. • Here are ten of the most popular types of staircases explained by
our Austin architects.
• Straight Staircase. ...
• Switchback, Halfback, Half-turn, or U-shaped Staircase. ...
• Quarter-turn or L-shaped Staircase. ...
• Winder Staircase. ...
• Curved Staircase. ...
• Bifurcated or Split Staircase. ...
• Spiral Staircase. ...
• Open or Floating Staircase.
DESIGN A STAIRCASE
1.Step 1 Determine the Height of each flight. ...
2.Step 2 Determine the Width of each flight. ...
3.Step 3 Calculation of Number of Riser and Tread. ...
4.Step 4 Assume the Thickness of Waist slab. ...
5.Step 5 Calculate the total load on the staircase. ...
6.Step 6 Find the maximum Bending Moment. ...
7.Step 7 Reinforcement Details.

6. DESIGN A STAIRCASE
1.Step 1 Determine the Height of each flight. ...
2.Step 2 Determine the Width of each flight. ...
3.Step 3 Calculation of Number of Riser and Tread. ...
4.Step 4 Assume the Thickness of Waist slab. ...
5.Step 5 Calculate the total load on the staircase. ...
6.Step 6 Find the maximum Bending Moment. ...
7.Step 7 Reinforcement Details.
Staircase Basics
•Treads. Treads refer to the flat portion of the stairs that you step on. ...
•Risers. Risers are the vertical boards that line the treads. ...
•Standard Newels. These types of newels are often used in post-to-post stairways. ...
•Landing Newels. ...
•Pin-top Newels. ...
•Stabilizer Newels. ...
•Integrated. ...
•Wall-Mounted.

7. Staircase Basics
• Treads. Treads refer to the flat portion of the stairs that you step on. ...
• Risers. Risers are the vertical boards that line the treads. ...
• Standard Newels. These types of newels are often used in post-to-post
stairways. ...
• Landing Newels. ...
• Pin-top Newels. ...
• Stabilizer Newels. ...
• Integrated. ...
• Wall-Mounted