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Outdoor basement stair ideas


The Best Basement Stair Ideas

Your basement stairs might serve a practical purpose, but they're also packed with plenty of design potential. Here, interior designers share their creative ways to step things up.

wooden lodge rec room basement with metal stairs

Credit: Gibeon Photography

Anyone with a basement knows that having a lower level is a design dream. But, while you might be fixated on how to make the most of your space—be it a home office, play area, or private theater—there's a good chance that you haven't put much thought into transforming how you get down there in the first place. That's right: We're talking about your basement stairs. A set of steps might serve a practical purpose—to get you from one level to another—but when it comes to design? With the exception of throwing on a pretty runner, your stairwell often takes a sartorial backseat.

But, what if it didn't have to be that way? What if you could have a set of basement stairs that got the job done and looked good going it? Not only is it possible to have pretty and practical basement steps, but it's a lot easier than you think. To help, we asked 10 designers to share their favorite basement stair ideas—and what it took to master the look. The steps below run the gamut; some are sleek and glass-paned and others are accented with color and plush carpeting, which means there is something for every space. That said, before you do settle on a basement stair idea, think of your lower level's overall look and feel first. (After all, your basement stairs should complement the room, not compete with it.) For example, metal and glass steps might be fitting for a contemporary space, while bold paint and wallpaper will work nicely in a more traditional home. Once you've decided on your aesthetic, you'll be one step closer to creating a beautiful basement.

basement stairs with vertical slat wall

Credit: Corine Kupish

Style with Slats

When Portland, Oregon-based designer Annie Wise collaborated on a basement design with her client, Sheena Portrait, she wanted to create a well-appointed and practical arrangement. As the final result proves, the only way to go is up. "Our client had a small landing at the foot of her basement stairs with just enough room for her Peloton," Wise shares. "By encapsulating the stairs with a vertical slat wall, the landing then became a small, semi-private exercise room. The wood slats add a modern, fun touch and allow for light to shine throughout."

wooden lodge rec room basement with metal stairs

Credit: Gibeon Photography

Make Room for Metal

If wooden, vertical balusters feel a tad predictable, incorporate a new material. Here, designer Kendall Wilkson strayed away from the norm with a pair of horizontal metal railings. Though metal can sometimes look sterile, the basement's wood and stone elements nearby gives this material a warm, cozy edge.

plush basement stairs with nooks for children and a climbing wall

Credit: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Blend Form and Function

Consider this basement stairwell by Emily Henderson the perfect transition from the ground floor to a lower level. The secret? Ample rug coverage, which is a considerable step up from a runner. "I've become a big fan of wall-to-wall carpeting when it makes sense," the designer says. "But my favorite part about this particular carpeting (aside from the design) is that we installed memory foam padding underneath. It's total heaven."

inky blue basement with yellow stairs

Credit: Leah Hartman

Create a Pop of Color

Calling all maximalists: Your basement staircase is a brilliant place to add a bold color. Designer Jana Donohoe embraced her bold eye for design and coated the railing and step treads in yellow. The sunny hue used here creates the ultimate pop—especially when splashed against an inky blue wall.

white basement with turquoise stairs

Credit: ALT Design Studio

Paint a Part

Not ready to paint your entire stairwell in a bright palette? Consider peppering your steps in an accent shade, just as Des Moines-based firm ALT Design Studio did here. "With a low budget and limited built-in charm, we used the power of paint to bring colorful attention to the stairs in this split level home remodel," says lead designer Holly DeGoey. The turquoise treads here are a visual exclamation point to the crisp white setup.

basement with green whimsical wallpaper and cooks blue painted stairs

Credit: Jeweled Interior

Mix and Match

Of course, color is just one way to make a statement. Instead, take a cue from Jewel Marlowe, who employed a whimsical wallpaper. "The stairs to our basement were in desperate need of attention," she shares. "Dirty carpet, boring walls, '90s handrails, and builder's grade railing depressed me every time I made the descent. In one weekend, I sanded and painted the steps in Farrow & Ball's Cooks Blue, installed some Serena & Lily wallpaper, [as well as] a Crystorama flush mount, and stained the existing railing. Now, the journey downstairs is much more enjoyable. "

gray and white basement with glass panel stairs

Credit: Phil Crozier

Go for Glass

Create the illusion of walking on air by trading in your typical balusters for glass panels. Canadian designer Reena Sotropa added this near-invisible element to the "walk-out" basement addition, which consists of a large family room and adjoining gym. The gorgeous glass touch fades into the background, placing full attention on the room's steel center stringer and floating stair treads.

curved basement staircase with reading nook

Credit: Aimée Mazzenga

Design a Decadent Descent

Just because a stairwell leads to the basement doesn't mean it can't be a "wow" factor in your house. Don't believe us? Take a look at this statement-making setup from Bria Hammel. "With any home that we design, it's important to us to create unique, unexpected moments throughout the entire space," the Minnesota-based designer explains. "This is exactly what we did with the staircase reading nook. We wanted to do something to embrace the open, curved space at the bottom of the staircase in the lower level." The built-in bench and bookshelf complete the look, giving this stairwell floor-to-ceiling appeal.

dutch door and playhouse beneath basement stairs

Credit: Sarah Elliott

Utilize What's Underneath

Make the most of your stairwell's limited footprint by transforming the space underneath the steps. While storage might be the first thing that comes to mind, Chango & Co. decided to pack in some fun. "We wanted to capture the space under the stairs to create a fun playhouse for the kids," explains Susana Simonpietri, the firm's creative director. "We added a Dutch door so they could engage in role-playing games and the little glassless window also gives them an opportunity to let their imagination run wild."

basement stairs with art lining walls and a colorful carpet runner

Credit: SKG Design

Add Some Art

Turn your basement staircase into a pint-sized gallery by adding up some standout art. "When we decided to finish our basement, I wanted it to be a true extension of our home and for that reason I made the stairwell going down into the basement light and bright to make our guests excited to see what's just around the corner," designer Sara Raak explains. A colorful runner and equally cheery frames offer plenty of reasons to crack a smile.

31+ Amazing Basement Stair Ideas and Designs (Photos) For 2022

The stairs might not always be the priority when it comes to remodeling and basement improvement but when everything is said and done, it pays to have an attractive walkway to transport us into our newly modeled living spaces in the basement. 

There are various ways to upscale a basement stair and if you are looking for some inspiration on what to do with yours, here are some basement stair ideas which you can consider. 

In this article:

Basement stair railing ideas

1.

Ornate stair railing

If you want to have the dramatic feel of a luxurious looking basement stair, be creative in customizing an ornate stair railing. The handrails are still made of hardwood, but it is filled with ornate symbols in between.

They can be traditional symbols or maybe the initials of your names or your family name. This is a fine example of an ornate stair railing which you can consider. 

2.

Contemporary glass railing

Make a standout basement stair railing with glass railings with metal handrails on one side. It gives a modern, delicate, and warm vibe all at the same time.

Complement it with pendant lights and strip lighting for each step for a more dramatic landing on a polished wood flooring like this one. 

Basement stair paint ideas

3.

Stair runner color splash

There is no limit to what you can paint your basement stair with. For instance, if you dig the polished effect of hardwood stairs but love to add some pop in it too, incorporate a painted colorful runner running through the mid-part of the stairs.

It could be abstract or symmetries, just go for the painting that attracts you the most. 

4.

Mildly playful look

If you are remodeling a basement stair and you want a versatile look that matches any type of basement room (from lounging room, kids’ playroom, bathroom, kitchen, and study room), go for milder tones like light gray, beige, baby blue, sky blue, and lavender. These colors make a good contrast with a white stair frame. 

Open basement stair ideas

5.

Dainty and airy look

The spacious feel of an open basement is accentuated well by wooden balusters with thin gaps in between. The gaps and the all-white look of this basement stair make it look cool and airy. This looks very sophisticated if it descends into a corner bar or a lounge area. 

6.

Grand steps

If you are descending into a spacious open basement, upscaling the basement stairs into a seemingly grand staircase can be considered. The stairs can be made of engineered wood with a sizable gap in between.

The railings on the other hand can be reinforced steel. Here is an example of what you can do in your open basement staircase. 

Basement stair covering ideas 

7.

Carpeted staircase

There is something about carpets that really balances and softens any type of interior arrangement.

No matter how mixed up the decorations and the wall and floor colors would be, a neutral-colored carpet like this ash gray one featured in this idea could still seamlessly match with the whole ensemble. 

Related: 19+ Different Types Of Carpets, Styles, and Pile Options (Buying Guide)

8.

Covered with runners

Like carpets, you have to choose the right runner style that will go well with the design and overall look of your staircase. But unlike carpets, runners for the stairs are easier to install and are more workable.

This idea features a runner clipped in using metal rods. It is enhanced by the LED lights along each step and fits with the neutral arrangement of this half-open basement. 

Outdoor basement stair covering ideas

9.

Rubber treads

This is one of the go-to choices for outdoor basement stair covering. They can be used as risers or for cushioned steps and at the same time, lessens slipping during the rainy or snowy season.

You can fully cover each step with rubber treads, or you can only go for half-covered ones. 

10.

Resin bonded outdoor basement stair

Another effective way to cover an outdoor basement stair and making it slip-proof is through covering it with bonded resin.

This works for outdoor basement stairs that are made of natural stone slabs like this one here. 

Basement stair door ideas

11.

Barn style sliding door

Who would not love the farmhouse effect of this rustic barn style, wood sliding door? It is a unique touch to beige, brown, and white colors and leads to an open, rustic style basement.

It could be made with repurposed wood. No staining or sealing is required. Just beautifully raw as it is. 

12.

French door

A French door for the basement entrance is one of the most traditional choices used for basements.

In this arrangement, white trims were used for the French door to complement the polished wood railing and steps of the basement stairs.

It is also perfect for its white frame and beige walls illuminated by bright wall lamps. 

Basement stair finishing ideas

13.

Tiled stairs

A tile finish for the stairs gives off a lot of Hispanic and Moroccan feel for the basement living space. Adorn the stairs with air purifying plants for a fuller effect. Give it a vertical wood railing with peeping gaps and you are good to go. 

14.

Wood finishing

The timeless wood finishing is one for the books any day even for basement stair finishing. Its glossy, polished look gives it an air of sophistication, rustic coziness and reflects the warmth of home.

The stairs do not even have to be solid wood or hardwood to get the attractiveness of wood finishing. 

Basement under stairs storage ideas

15.

Bookcase by the stairs

This design is something that any bookworm would love. If you are setting up a basement bedroom with study room and home office, this rail-less basement stair packed with shelves beside and underneath the stairwell is one of the most perfect ideas to consider.

16.

Drawers by the stairs

In a basement bedroom, the closet can be upscaled by incorporating additional drawers by the stairs. It can also be used to keep the items that you are most likely to forget in a pool of items when you are in the bedroom like ties, hankies, and accessories. 

Related 30+ Best Basement Storage Ideas and Designs (Finished and Unfinished)

Basement stair lighting ideas

17.

Light in every step

Basement stairs need not be too illuminated for it to stand out. Sometimes, all you need is a bright white stair wall, a wood staircase, and LED strip lights underneath it to make the stairs appear as if they were floating.

The handrail is also immaterial for this idea as it leads to an open basement. 

18.

Motion sensor stair lights

If you are into energy-saving basement lighting, you can make use of motion sensors even in the basement stairs. To notch it up, you can go for motion sensor lights with ornate cases like this one.

To add more illumination, you can also use LED strip lights along the handrail or in the frame’s length. 

Related: 25+ Awesome Basement Lighting Ideas

Basement stair wall ideas

19.

Prints and patterns

Painting prints and patterns across the basement stair wall is such an underrated way to spruce up the basement stair.

In this design, the continuity of the black and white combination is made more cohesive by the simple black and white prints across the wall. In-wall storage with hanging rods for hats and jackets make it more attractive. 

20.

Art splash

Another finishing touch for a basement stair is making the wall and the stairs a notch artsy. You can paint each step with pastel color. Keep the walls dark in color to enhance the effect of the bright colors.

Hang various shapes and genres of art decors as well as paintings on the wall for an art splash finish.

Basement stair tread ideas

21.

Bead board reinforcement

This hardwood stair is not stained as it may look. Each step is layered with bead board but with a finish that looks like hardwood. The bead boards were used as risers and treads so that the wood underneath is not dented or damaged due to high foot traffic up and down the basement. 

22.

Customized stenciled treads

At first look, these stenciled treads look like ordinary stair runners. The truth is these are hand stenciled treads made of cushioned fabric. It adds a very personal touch to basement stair treading and it perfectly fits the colors and rustic wood design of this basement stair. 

Basement stair landing ideas

23.

Cushioned stair landing

Using cushioned carpeting along the basement stair is not a new way to cover the stairs. What is unique about this basement stair is its three-layer, cake like stair landing. Since it is fully carpeted, expect a soft feel on the feet. It is also non-slip and perfect for homes with active kids. 

24.

Sleek wooden stair landing

For a contemporary, industrial design, this sleek wooden stair landing is everything but ordinary. Aside from the warm vibe of wood, glass and steel, the two-step wood landing also has an air of modern sophistication in it.

And because it is made of engineered solid wood, expect a soft feel on the feet each time you walk on it. 

Unfinished basement stair ideas

25.

Old school ladder

Traditional ranch style homes are loaded with an attic and a basement almost always. This unfinished, rustic basement made use of an old school style ladder.

It has thick wood frames, wide gaps in between and comes without handrails. It is everything you would want for an old school basement. 

26.

Vintage basement storage

This vintage style basement storage is located in a Louisiana home is perfect for a coastal basement vibe.

The basement stair is made of the traditional wood stair balustrade and a half-open stairwell as it approaches the stair landing. The vintage wall decors and storage also add to the vintage feel of this basement storage. 

Basement stair handrail ideas

27.

Curved stair railing

To veer away from the conventional straight and symmetrical stair railing, go for a slanted or curved style.

Aside from giving layer and depth to your basement, it also brings a lot of sophistication to your stairs.

Be consistent and add an oval-shaped steel balustrade to accompany the sleek, curved steel handrails. 

28.

Wood balusters

If you really prefer the classic effect of wood for your handrails, you can notch it up by adding decorative dimensions to your balustrade. This one features an oar style balustrade attached to a finished wood handrail. Going for this handrail design is the perfect fusion of classic wood and modern chic. 

Basement stair trim ideas

29.

Wainscoting stair trims

This is another traditional take on basement stair trims. It is a perfect accent to wood-based basements. It seems to mirror the railing and balustrade of the basement stair and it also gives a classic finish to basement stairs. 

30.

Skirted stair trims

For rail-less basement stairs, incorporating skirted stair trims can make up for their absence. This type of stair trim is good for open basements and among contemporary basement designs. The skirted trim adds layers and dynamics to the stairwell thanks to its angled, jagged shape. 

Basement stair ceiling ideas

31.

Light filled ceiling

Stair ceilings are often underrated but this idea here features pallets of stained wood which goes well with the hard box style of this half-turn basement stair.

It is light-filled not only with this ornate chandelier, draping down as you walk down the basement but also for its glass wall window with sophisticated black wood trim. 

32.

Dome ceiling

For a more upscale look, you can go for a dome style ceiling for the basement stairs. In this idea, the basement stair is illuminated with various sources of natural light.

For one, the apex is surrounded with skylights, a draping vintage-gothic chandelier, and small windows in between the dome’s length. The addition of vintage wall lamps also adds to the sophistication of this dome style basement stair ceiling.  

Related: These Basement Ceiling Ideas Are Perfect for Your Home

FAQs

To complete your basement stair idea, there is still some important information that you should know about and we will answer these in the following FAQs about basement stairs. These answers might come in handy as you go along the construction or remodeling of your basement stairs. 

What type of railing to use for basement stairs?

There is no one railing that can be considered as the best type of railing for any stair. Basement stair or not, you can choose among the four most popular types of railing out there. 

Glass can be used as a material for basement stair enclosures but not for railing. This is the reason why it was not referenced on this list.

Related: Top 30 DIY Deck Railing Ideas

Does a basement stair need to be enclosed?

As regards formal mandates on basement stair enclosures, there are no strict rules requiring homeowners or basement remodeling projects that they should have basement stair enclosures.

The only available protocol is that any basement stair (or any stair for that matter) must have guard on both sides of the stairs, four inches gap in between the balusters, and a handrail. 

Risers, treads, and doors are complementary pieces that you can add but other than what have been mentioned, everything is optional. Nonetheless, state rules on basement remodeling and extending living spaces in the basement have differences. It might still be practical to consult with local code about the necessity of basement stair enclosures.  

What lights to use in the basement stair?

Even if we are only talking about the basement stairs, good lighting contributes to the cohesiveness of the design that we apply on our basements. Here are the four types of lighting for basement stairs. 

When it comes to basement stairs, you can focus on one lighting type but you are also encouraged to choose more than one to enhance the overall feel of your basement. 

What is the best flooring to put on stairs?

Again, there is no one best flooring to put on stairs. When it comes to the materials to be considered when it comes to stair floors, you can choose any of the following depending of course on the design that you are going for and the style of your home and basement: 

What kind of wood should I use for basement stairs?

The best type of wood that should be used for basement stairs would be pine. Specifically, the southern yellow pine is the most commendable pine wood choice for basement stairs.

It comes in four grades depending on what you want for your basement stairs: stain grade, carpet grade, paint grade and clear pine. 

Other wood types that are good for basement stairs would be: 

How much does it cost to redo basement stairs?

The good thing about remodeling or constructing a basement stair is that it does not need more than a week to be built. At an average, the cost of redoing basement stairs ranges from $1000-2000.

This depends on the materials to be used for the remodeling as well as labor costs. Excluded in this estimate would the cost of fixtures, lighting, and other decorations.  

Conclusion

To conclude, while it is true that the stairs is the last thing that we consider when it comes to remodeling projects, it is still an important part of any room, especially the basement.

Being the bridge between the main house and the extended living space, the stairs need to have a cozy, warm and unique character too. 

There are different designs and ideas which you can consider if you want to set one. There are also pointers that you must be reminded of before constructing one. This includes budget, materials and local protocols in basement stairs (railing, treads and enclosure).

design options and building instructions


Planks are installed with a slight slope. The bottom edge of the second step should be 1–2 cm lower than the top of the first step, otherwise concrete may leak out.

If you are considering communication with the basement and cannot install an internal staircase to the basement with your own hands with an entrance from the house, because there is too little space for such a construction, then make an external staircase out of concrete. This is an excellent solution if the ground floor is used as a warehouse or technical room and is not used very often.

Such a project helps to reduce heat loss in the house, because there is no direct connection between the living rooms and the unheated basement. An outdoor staircase can be made wider and longer, since there are no rigid restrictions on the dimensions that are present when designing indoor models.

If an entrance is provided through a hatch, then it must be made at a slight slope to the wall of the house and must be equipped with doors that will prevent moisture from penetrating into the basement and freezing the room.

As a rule, concrete is used as a building material for the construction of external stairs to the basement.

An integral step in the manufacture of a concrete staircase with your own hands is reinforcement. To do this, we insert fittings with a diameter of 8 mm into the wall. Longitudinal rods can be fixed with thick wire, as shown in the photo, or welded. Thus, we got a rigid crate that will serve as a frame for the basement stairs.

Choice of ladder construction

The ladder to the basement of the garage or house should be of simple and sturdy construction, as it can be climbed by an adult with a load of food or other heavy objects. When choosing a design, it is necessary to take into account the size of the basement or cellar, the level of humidity in it and some other conditions.

Types of structures and their features

Mid-flight stairs

The best and most affordable option is a single-flight staircase made of wood, metal, brick or concrete. It is easy to install, has a high level of security, and is convenient to use. But such a staircase has one important drawback - it takes up a lot of space, which can be a serious problem for a small basement.

A two-flight staircase with a turntable or winder steps can reduce the amount of space occupied. However, it is more difficult to manufacture and not as convenient due to the need to make a turn during the ascent or descent into the basement. It is also possible to arrange two marches at right angles to each other.

The main advantages of mid-flight descents are a gentle comfortable slope, a large width of steps and ease of installation.


Staircase options.
Ladders

For small cellars, we recommend the use of a ladder with a slight slope, almost vertical. One edge of such a ladder rests on the floor, and the second - on the top of the wall near the manhole. Its reliability is ensured by fixing the bearing racks in the upper and lower parts.

This construction can be made of wood, steel or a combination of both.

Spiral descents

In case of a large shortage of space for stairs, spiral structures are installed. They are a vertically mounted pillar, on which steps are fixed around the circumference with a given lifting step.

The most convenient location for such a staircase is in the middle of the cellar, when shelves for storing supplies are installed along all walls. In this case, without going down to the very bottom, you can remove the necessary item from the shelf and lift it up. Below, under the last turn of the stairs, boxes are installed for storing root crops and other products.

Screw structures are made of wood, metal or a combination of these materials in the form of a metal pole and wooden steps. This type of stairs necessarily provides for the presence of railings along the entire length of the descent to ensure safety and facilitate the ascent.

The main disadvantage is the inconvenient narrow incline with constant turning. It feels good when you have to climb with a load in your hands or place prepared supplies.

Materials used and their features

Products for assembling stairs must have the necessary strength, durability, resistance to moisture, be affordable and provide easy installation. These conditions are met by 4 types of materials. These are brick, concrete, metal and wood.

Brick

A brick staircase should only be built in a cellar with a large area, since it requires a lot of space to support it. To reduce the consumption of materials, the structure is erected on brick pillars, between which jumpers are laid.

Then monolithic concrete platforms are poured, gradually rising upwards. The staircase constructed in this way looks like a kind of monumental structure, in the lower part of which niches are provided.

The brick staircase is very convenient to use, durable and reliable, but absolutely not suitable for small and medium-sized rooms. In addition, it requires a significant amount of materials.

Reinforced concrete monolithic structures

Reinforced concrete is highly durable and resistant to moisture. A staircase built from it will last a long time. However, the use of such structures for a small cellar is impossible.

Concrete slopes are well suited for basements made around the entire perimeter of a building or an underground structure standing separately on the street. When deciding on the construction of a concrete staircase, it is necessary to clearly understand that this is a very time-consuming and technologically complex process.

Fixed ladders made of wood

Installing a wooden ladder is the most common option for arranging the entrance to the cellar. For its manufacture, it is required to use wood species that are slightly exposed to moisture.

The most affordable wood that meets this requirement is larch. The increased density of its structure does not let moisture in, the material is not subject to rotting and mold formation. As a result, such a ladder can last a very long time.

But no matter what type of wood you choose, it still needs to be treated with an antiseptic and, after drying, covered with a layer of oil paint or waterproof varnish. Craftsmen make all types of the above structures from wood, from side and marching to screw.

Steel descent

Metal is no less popular as a material for building stairs than wood. For installation, channels, corners, smooth bars, fittings, shaped pipes, sheet materials and other types of rolled metal are used.

The main advantage of such systems is that they can be installed in the cellar of any area, changing the angles of inclination, the configuration of the steps and the fundamental structure of the structure.

The main difficulty in the manufacture of metal stairs is the need to perform a large amount of welding. And if you do not have this skill, then you will either have to hire a welder, or refuse to use this material.

In addition, modern prices for rolled metal can hardly be called low. Therefore, a metal staircase to the cellar can cost you a decent amount.

Combined use of materials

The most common combination of different options for the manufacture of a stairway is the installation of a supporting structure made of metal and the installation of wooden steps and railings on it.

The result is a beautiful and durable structure that costs less than all-metal, is stronger than wood, and is much easier to install than concrete. There are options for full or partial sheathing of concrete steps with wood, as well as the use of ceramic tiles.

Laying reinforcement


After we have prepared the lower formwork, it's time for the reinforcement. Holes are drilled in the walls of the opening. Then pieces of reinforcement are hammered into them. Twigs of auxiliary reinforcement are tied to them with wire twists.


Reinforcement is tied with a handy tool - a ratchet hook. Wire twists are also very convenient. But they are expensive and scarce. Therefore, you can use the usual knitting wire.

We tie the longitudinal bars of the working reinforcement to the transverse bars of the auxiliary reinforcement. It is located parallel to the lower formwork. On top we lay an additional reinforcing mesh 5 × 100 × 100. Its pieces need to be cut out in place.


This is what the tight wire should look like.


The edges of the reinforcing mesh are bent at the edges. This ensures reliable anchoring of the structure. The armature is firmly fixed. You will have to move a lot along it in the future.

Which option to choose for a novice builder

A home master who does not have experience in installing stairs can be recommended as the best option for making a staircase to the basement, installation of a combined-type mid-flight structure. If a large marching descent is difficult to place in your cellar, turn your attention to a two-flight staircase with an intermediate flat platform.

Metal requires a significant investment in construction and welding skills. The erection of a concrete monolith is very laborious and it will be very difficult to do it alone.

Sequence of work

All work must be carried out in strict order:

The most difficult thing for beginners is the installation of formwork. The easiest way to do it is when it is planned to build a staircase between two walls that can serve as supports. You can attach a frame to them.

In the event that the ladder is only limited by a wall on one side, supports are provided for the frame on the other side. If there are no walls, then supports are provided on both sides.

Calculation of the staircase structure

The following generally accepted indicators are accepted as initial data for calculation and drawing up the drawing:

  • riser height approx. 200 mm;
  • optimum tread width 300 mm;
  • the height of the clearance on the descent is not less than 2000 mm.

    • The usual slope for descending into underground rooms is 45˚, but given that sometimes you have to lift a heavy GRU from the cellar, the slope can be made less. However, keep in mind that in this case the ladder will take up more space.

    After measuring the distance from the floor to the ceiling, the number of steps can be calculated. To do this, the value obtained during the measurement must be divided by the size of the riser (200 mm) and rounded up to the nearest whole number. Then, dividing the height of the basement by the number of steps, you will get the corrected working height of the riser. It will be slightly less or more common.

    In order to find out the length of the base and the width of the tread, multiply 300 mm by the number of steps. The resulting value should be no more than the length of the basement minus 0. 9-1.0 m. If this condition is not met, a decision should be made to build a two-span staircase with a flat intermediate platform between flights with a length of at least 1200 mm.

    Homemade porch cladding

    In order to finish a concrete extension, it is recommended that you first decide on the material that will be used for this purpose. Today in the construction market you can find a huge variety of cladding options. Consider what materials are most often used in the decoration of the porches:

    It is desirable that this building be made in the same style as the main residential building. You can also make a visor over the porch. And yet, in order to better understand how to make a concrete porch, watch the video, which clearly demonstrates the stages of construction of the structure.

    Write us a comment:

    What tips do you know to help build a porch?

    Manufacture of a monolithic reinforced concrete staircase with bottom formwork

    The primary conditions for the construction of a concrete descent to the basement is a solid foundation. It can be a flooded reinforced floor or a specially prepared small foundation.

    There are two options for how to make a staircase to the basement with your own hands from concrete. The first one is made in the form of a monolithic reinforced concrete descent supported on the floor over the entire area. The second provides for the installation of the lower formwork for pouring concrete during installation and the presence of free space under the flight of stairs.

    In each of the options, the structure can be installed close to the wall or in the middle of the room.

    Reinforcement and formwork installation

    The procedure for erecting a concrete staircase differs from monolithic foundation work. In this case, the formwork barriers are assembled in two stages. Initially, only the lower formwork is installed, a reinforcing frame is assembled, which is then sheathed with side sheets and riser partitions. The formwork material can be plywood or boards 30 mm thick.

    During the assembly of the frame, the individual elements of the reinforcement are connected to each other using a soft tie wire. First, the lower longitudinal row of reinforcement is laid along the entire length of the march. The number of rods with a diameter of 12 mm is not less than 4, 10 mm is not less than 6.

    In order to raise the laid strings by 3-5 cm above the lower formwork, it is recommended to use star or post type polymer fixators. The laid longitudinal rods must be connected with transverse reinforcing inserts with a diameter of 8-10 mm every 250-300 mm. In the event that the ladder is adjacent to the wall, it is recommended to hammer the edges of the transverse dressing into the building structure.

    On a horizontal platform, reinforcement is made in the form of flat meshes 8x100x100 laid in 2 rows in height. The finished frame should exactly repeat the outlines of the stairs with all the steps and the platform, but be 3-5 mm smaller than it.

    Along the side edges of the lower formwork, it is recommended to install a metal corner 32x32 mm with embedded bars welded to it, which must be connected to the frame. It will serve as an additional stiffener and keep the bottom corner of the stairs from collapsing over time.

    Formwork boards must be fastened securely enough to support the weight of the concrete mix and your own weight as you move along the structure during work.

    Concrete pouring

    The work should be planned in such a way as to pour all the required concrete mixture at one time. Concrete is laid from the bottom up through the open openings of the steps.

    In places where railings are to be installed, metal embedded parts or wooden blocks treated with bituminous composition must be inserted. The surface of each step should be carefully compacted and leveled with a trowel. After a day, the formwork is removed and leveling is carried out over the entire surface of the stairs.

    Concrete pouring

    Once the formwork is in place and the framework is firmly fixed, the mortar can be poured.

    Concrete stairs leading to the basement or porch, start from the bottom step. During the pouring process, it is recommended to pierce the solution in several places to avoid the appearance of voids in it. The poured concrete is well compacted and the irregularities are carefully smoothed out.

    Before concreting each subsequent step, it is recommended to wait 5-10 minutes for the concrete to set. After all the steps are filled, in order to avoid cracks, it is recommended to cover the steps with oilcloth.

    Dismantling the formwork

    It is recommended to remove the formwork no earlier than 3-4 weeks after the concrete has been poured. During this time, the solution should already be completely dry. If you remove it earlier, the ladder may be deformed.

    Dismantling takes place in several stages:

    If you strictly follow the instructions for concreting, as well as prepare high-quality materials, then you can independently build a staircase no worse than those that are built by professionals.

    Photo of stairs options

    How to make stairs to the basement and cellar by yourself?

    An essential element of every residential building is the entrance staircase. Such a structure acts as a connecting structure between the external and internal spaces of the house. In addition to all this, the entrance staircase immediately forms the image and style of the cottage. Therefore, its selection and arrangement must be taken seriously.

    Article content:
    • Entrance groups of stairs
    • Entrance ladder types
    • Do-it-yourself metal staircase to the basement with a hatch
    • Design
    • Operation sequence
    • How to make and furnish a cellar in a garage
    • Basement design in a private house with stairs

    Entrance groups of stairs

    An outdoor staircase is a lifting device that is placed at the entrance to a house with any number of floors.

    Such a design deserves special attention both at the stage of building a house and in the process of finishing it. After all, it is this element that affects the attractiveness of the cottage as a whole. In addition, the ladder smooths out level differences of any size.

    Quality

    The entrance staircase should be in harmony with the style of the whole house, as well as its landscaping. However, the appearance is not the main criterion in choosing a staircase. It should be easy to lift, safe and durable.

    The presence of such properties is determined by many different factors:

    Types of entrance stairs

    All entrance stairs can be divided into separate types, which differ in the material used to make the structure. The durability of the structure and its safety will depend on the right choice.

    Wooden

    This type of entrance staircase is made of hard wood, which is treated with special compounds.

    The design is perfect for a wooden house or cottage. You can order a handmade product, which is decorated with a variety of patterns and shapes. It is worth considering that such a ladder is not very cheap.

    In addition to all the charms, a wooden staircase has disadvantages - the wood is easily damaged, it is subject to swelling and decay. It can also be bitten by insects.

    In order to maximize the life of the entrance staircase, it must be installed on a high foundation and constantly treated with special means to preserve the tree.

    Metal

    These buildings can come in many different shapes and configurations. Such stairs are often complemented by forged figures and elements. This option will make the entrance part of the house beautiful and durable. The only drawback is that it is expensive and not everyone can afford it.

    The most commonly used material is stainless steel, as it has a high resistance to corrosion and rust.

    Aluminum, on the other hand, is not very suitable for the entrance stairs, as the soft material can be deformed.

    Lifting structure on metal bolts suitable for a high-tech or modern home. Many options can be found in the photo

    Glass

    Increasingly, glass is being used to make entrance stairs. It looks beautiful and unusual. The disadvantage of this design is that the glass is very slippery and can easily fall.

    In this case, rubber pads that are attached to the surface of the step help out.

    Concrete

    Concrete structure is characterized by high strength and resistance to external negative environment. This option is really reliable and can last 30-40 years without losing its original appearance. The concrete product is distinguished by its simple appearance and uncomplicated forms.

    As an addition, you can use a stone that decorates the steps. For a classic style, such an idea would be just right.

    Combined

    Such an entrance staircase can be found quite often. It looks like a structure that combines several materials - metal and concrete, glass and steel, or wood and metal.

    The combined entrance staircase looks unusual and bright. During construction, it is necessary to take into account building codes and then the product will serve its owners for a long time.

    Do-it-yourself metal staircase to the basement with a hatch

    In a house with a basement, a staircase is simply an irreplaceable detail. In order for it to be comfortable and fit perfectly into the construction project, it is necessary to think over all the main issues of its construction.

    When designing a staircase for a basement, consider:

    Construction

    There are not so many types of such constructions. The thing is that they must comply with strict requirements and standards that are associated with the characteristics of the basement.

    Marching

    This type of stairs is quite easy to make, even without special skills and special knowledge. But a flight of stairs may not always be suitable for a basement, as sometimes there is simply not enough space for it.

    Staircase with intermediate platform

    With a direct march, the product will be even longer and may not fit in the basement. If you reduce the size, such a staircase will be great even in a small room.

    The advantage of such structures is that they have a slight slope and make it possible to stand confidently on steps, when descending or ascending.

    A landing stair requires a larger basement and may also be problematic to install a basement hatch.

    Spiral staircase

    For a small basement with a hatch, a spiral staircase is best suited. But it is not very convenient, as it has narrow steps and it is difficult to carry dimensional things on it. The ladder is appropriate if it will be rarely used.

    Sequence of work

    Metal is simply the ideal material for creating stairs to the basement, as it has several advantages: inexpensive cost; high moisture tolerance; durability; ease of self-assembly.

    1. The first step is to prepare a place for the foundation. To do this, dig a hole 80 cm deep and 40 cm wide.
    2. The recess must be filled with concrete, leaving 15 cm to the edge and put into the composition of the reinforcing mesh with rods with a diameter of 1.2 cm. Two anchors are brought out of it by 25 cm. Then the ditch is completely filled with the remaining concrete.
    3. It is necessary to take three channels 14 cm wide and weld a U-shaped structure from them. Fix two free ends against the wall and pour concrete. This design makes it possible not to use additional supports.
    4. Take four metal stringers with a width of 2.5 m and a width of 14 cm. Weld their lower ends to the foundation anchors, and the upper ends should be in the landing, and the lower ones on the ceiling.
    5. It is worthwhile to prepare metal steps of the required size in advance. The step shelf should be about 5 cm. Weld it to the channels from the inside. Cut off the excess ends.
    6. At the final stage, the steps and stairs are finished.

    How to make and equip a cellar in a garage

    There is a cellar in almost any private house. Those who do not have such a room store blanks for the winter and other things in the garage. It's not that difficult to make a basement yourself, and it also provides more space.

    It should be borne in mind that construction work requires a lot of effort to ensure good hydro and thermal insulation.

    Excavation

    The size of the cellar ditch can be any size, it all depends on personal preferences and the required size of the room. The hole will have to be dug by hand. At the end of the stage, the walls and the lower part of the pit are leveled with a shovel.

    Finishing the floor

    First of all, the earth at the bottom is well tamped with a shovel. At the bottom, 2-3 cm thick, sand is placed, which must be carefully pressed into the ground. If desired, you can put gravel on the bottom.

    In the future basement, it is best to make a concrete floor, which is reinforced with reinforcement. It will make the structure stronger and more durable. When the floor filling is dry, you can proceed to the decoration of the walls.

    Working with walls

    Cellar walls must be made of solid materials. If the construction takes place in an old garage, there may be problems with laying the outer layer of waterproofing. But in any case, everything can be done independently. Before you make walls, you should decide where the stairs will stand.

    Wall finishing begins with the laying of reinforcing mesh. For self-production, you can use scraps of old pipes or annealed wire. In this case, the welding apparatus cannot be used, since the wall may crack with temperature changes.

    After the reinforcement, formwork is installed on the walls. You can make it from ordinary boards, scraps of plywood or thick slats.

    For walls, it is better to take concrete grade M400. If possible, a little crushed stone is added to the cement mortar. The walls are poured with the finished mass in several layers, 3–4 cm each. The bayoneting of the layers is immediately done. Now it remains to wait for the cement to dry, and proceed to the next step.

    Ceiling and hatch

    For a large cellar, its ceiling must be reliable and durable, as a car will stand on it. The best option is to use a reinforcing frame. If the basement occupies a small area, the ceiling is made of ordinary wooden boards, insulated from the inside.

    The ceiling must have a hatch. It can be ordered or made independently from improvised materials.

    The cellar in the garage must have a ladder. In this case, an attachment is suitable, which goes from the bottom of the storage to the first cover. If the dimensions of the room allow, you can make a monolithic staircase structure.

    Floor and wall waterproofing

    Good waterproofing is essential for cellar durability. To do this, it is best to use a rolled roofing material based on bituminous mastic.

    Ventilation

    Ventilation is planned at the stage of storage construction. The easiest option is natural ventilation. For its construction I use supply and exhaust pipes. The lower part of the supply pipe is installed at a level of 25–35 cm from the basement floor, and the upper part goes outside. The outer part of the pipe must be covered with a metal cap so that precipitation does not penetrate inside.

    Basement design in a private house with stairs

    Each owner chooses the design of the basement according to his taste. The walls must be coated with an antifungal agent. The design of the room should be such that any surface can be washed.

    The room is equipped with reinforced shelves for storing tools, cabinets and other special equipment.

    If the basement is intended for storage of blanks for the winter, you can put compartments-separators, as well as racks for preservation.

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