Stair Winder Vs. Spiral Staircase

Tread

• A spiral staircase consists of treads that have a uniform size. The treads typically take the form of a triangle, with the wider end opposite the central pole. Winder stairs have many steps that are the same size, but they also have polygonal-shaped steps as well. The polygonal steps, deeper than the others, take the place of a landing and allow the staircase to make its space-saving curve.

User

• The standard straight staircase requires only a minimal amount of attention from the user as she makes her way up or down the stairs. Each footstep is naturally placed in the same spot of each uniform tread. Spiral and winder stairs, however, demand more awareness rom the user. Winder steps cause the user to adjust her step when she reaches the curve. Some people step on the narrow end of a spiral staircase's treads, which might provide insufficient support.

Location

• Most local building codes don't allow winder stairs or spiral stairs as the primary means of accessing an upper story. Since a straight staircase usually occupies the front of the home, spiral and winder stairs often appear at the rear of the home, in a kitchen, for example, as a secondary way to access an upper level. Unlike winder stairs, however, spiral stairs are often used as a means to reach a loft or mezzanine level.

Specifications

• The International ResidentIal Code, which many local buildings codes follow, provides specifications for both spiral stairs and winder stairs. Winder stairs must have a tread depth of at least 6 inches on the narrow side. Twelve inches out from the narrow end, the tread must have a depth of at least 10 inches. Spiral stair treads must have a depth of at least 7 1/2 inches at 12 inches from the narrow end and can have a rise between the treads of no more than 9 1/2 inches.