When designing or renovating a house, one of the important architectural features is the staircase. Among many options available, the dog-legged staircase stands out due to its functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal. This type of staircase has become a preferred choice in both traditional and modern homes due to its space-saving features and versatility. In this article, we will explore and understand how dog-legged staircase fits into various staircase designs for homes and the key considerations for integrating them into your living space.
What is a Dog-Legged Staircase?
The dog-legged staircase resembles a dog’s bent leg and is made up of two flights turning 180-degree and has a mid-landing that changes the direction of the stairway. The two flights travel in exactly opposite directions of each other. This design is compact and efficient, making it ideal for homes where space is of prime importance. Dog-legged staircases are commonly used in residential buildings and some commercial buildings in situations where the designer aims to make optimal use of limited space.
Components of a Dog-Legged Staircase
The key components of a dog-legged staircase that play a vital role in the safety, functionality and appearance of the staircase are discussed below.
1. Tread
2. Riser
3. Newel Post
4. Baluster
5. Handrail
6. Landing
7. Pitch
8. Line of Nosing
A brief description of these elements is given below.
1. Tread
It is the part of the step on which we put our foot. The tread is essential because it supports the weight of a person walking up or down the stairs. When designing or building the staircase, consider that it should be wide enough to fit your foot comfortably.
2. Riser
It is the section that separates each step between two treads vertically and determines how high each step is. For comfortable and easy climbing of stairs, it is important to see that the riser is not too high or too low.
3. Newel Post
It is the vertical post at the beginning and end of the staircase. It provides structural support to the handrail or acts as a main anchor that keeps the handrail sturdy and secure.
4. Baluster
It is the vertical support that connects the handrail to the rest of the staircase. Balusters are placed at regular intervals along the flight of stairs and help prevent falls by acting as a barrier.
5. Handrail
It is the part that we hold onto to assist during the climb or descent. It is supported by a baluster and newel post and generally runs along the entire length of the staircase.
6. Landing
It is a flat area at the turning point for people to take a break between two flights. Landing is designed to break the continuous climb and makes the stairs safer and easier to climb by reducing the number of continuous steps.
7. Pitch
It refers to the inclined angle of the stairs and is measured between the horizontal and the line of nosing. A well-designed pitch can make the staircase comfortable without being too steep or shallow.
8. Line of Nosing
It is an imaginary line that connects the nosing of every step and runs parallel to the staircase’s slope. Line of nosing helps design stairs that are uniform and comfortable for use.
Planning and Design of Dog-Legged Staircase
Before you start construction, a few things you need to consider for a dog-legged staircase design are given below.
1) Design for riser and tread: The vertical height of each step (the riser) should be 150mm to 200mm. The horizontal depth of each step, known as tread, should be 250mm to 300mm.
2) Calculate the width of stairs: To find the width for a single flight of steps, divide the total width of the staircase by 2. Minimum width must be 750mm.
3) Find the height of each flight: A dog-legged staircase design divides the height between floors in half, giving us 1800mm for every flight. Calculate the number of risers per flight to get the total height.
4) Determine total space taken by treads: Once you find the number of risers, subtract it by one, and you get the number of treads. Multiply the number of treads with tread depth between 250 to 300mm.
5) Measure remaining space: Take the length of the stair hall and divide it by the area that the treads occupy.
6) Design the landing: Assume the length of the landing, then calculate the remaining space again for use as a passage. Minimum landing length and width must be 750mm.
Different Staircase Designs for Home
Some vital factors need to be evaluated before designing a home’s staircase, such as available space, safety, and how the staircase complements the overall architectural style. Here is a brief comparison of the dog-legged staircase design with other popular types of staircases.
- Straight staircase: It lacks a landing and is suitable for houses with lots of linear space. They are easy to design and comfortable, but can be tiring to climb..
- L-shaped staircase: They are similar to a dog-legged staircase, but the turn is usually at a right angle. It has open corners and so requires more space than a dog-legged design.
- Spiral staircase: It is known for its visual appeal and is ideal for small spaces. A spiral staircase can be less comfortable and safe, especially for those with mobility issues.
- U-shaped staircase: It is like a dog-legged staircase but with two parallel flights connected by a larger landing. It needs more space, and it is often used in large mansions and buildings.
The dog-legged staircase is a flexible and space-efficient design that can be suitable for a range of architectural styles and home layouts. Whether you choose an open well, closed well, or quarter-turn variation, this type of staircase offers many benefits, like enhanced safety, comfort and aesthetic appeal. Consult the professionals at Brick & Bolt, who pay attention to key stair detail elements to create a staircase that not only serves its practical purpose but also becomes a focus point of the home’s interior.