A Guide To Loft StairsWithout a doubt adding the loft stairs is the most important element, in both an aesthetic and practical sense, of your new conversion. Adding a new floor or story to a home requires a permanent staircase. In a very few instances a fixed ladder can be used but the vast majority of loft conversions will need a staircase. In any event, it is highly unlikely that you would even consider a loft ladder.
The usual solution is a traditional staircase. Installing this style of access is usually straight-forward though the building regulations stipulate that there should be a clear 2m of headroom though 1.8m can be acceptable.
Another style of staircase often considered when converting the loft is a spiral design. They look good and seem to save space but often use up more than a traditional staircase. And, actually using a spiral stair can often pose problems – especially when moving furniture! Location Deciding on exactly where to locate the stairs is a major part of the planning process and may have to involve some kind of trade-off on your original ideas, as it is unlikely there will be enough room on the second-floor landing to install a flight of loft stairs. In most houses there is little space for a second staircase as bedrooms and bathrooms take up all the available second-floor area. Because of this it may be necessary to sacrifice a second-floor room to locate the new staircase and make a bigger, or even two rooms, in the loft. The actual loft stairs themselves will either be built on site or, and a far more economical way, is to choose one of the many models of pre-manufactured staircases. One thing to consider when planning your loft stairs is ‘what will you do with the space underneath?’ The area under the actual staircase should not be wasted and could have many uses. Additional storage or small work station for example. You are converting your loft to increase space so there is no point in allowing any ‘dead’ space so make sure you include the area under the stairs in your planning. As for the loft stairs themselves there are several alternatives. For a look at each staircase option click one of the links below: Ladder or Alternate Tread Staircase Whichever access solution you decide upon do take your time. Getting the staircase right is a fundamental aspect of your loft conversion and is probably the biggest decision you will have to make. Related Articles
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