A well-designed staircase can do wonders for your interior space. But how do you choose the right design? U-stairs are the way to go and offer plenty of creativity and style. In this article, we’re going to discover how you can upgrade your staircase, why it’s worth it, and some of the stair designs to consider.
What are U-Shaped Stairs?
U-shaped stairs are the most common staircase designs. They consist of two parallel flights of stairs with a landing between them that creates a 180° turn.
U-shaped staircase designs are more desirable than straight staircases and are a top option for many homeowners. They can blend well with just about any design theme and take up less space than other types of stairs.
How to Design a U-Shaped Staircase
This staircase design has a landing in the middle, bottom, and top of the stairs. When designing a U-shaped staircase, you will need to determine the number of stairs and the depth of each one. You’ll need accurate measurements so you know how much room you have available for the stairs and landing. Also, think about using the space under the staircase for other purposes, i.e. a closet. Consider your home’s interior design and how best to remodel your staircase in a way that complements and enhances it.
Also, ask yourself whether you want your U-shaped staircase to be a focal point in the room or have a more subtle effect. The stain on your staircase should match your floors. This creates continuity in the design of your home and a cohesive flow between the floor and the staircase. So you can either stain your staircase to match your floor, or you can go with a different stain on your staircase and refinish the floor to match the staircase or install new flooring.
U-Shaped Staircase Designs
Staircase Renovation with Metal Window Spindles
These U-stairs offer a unique look with the use of metal spindles. The black colour creates a nice contrast to the lighter shades in the room and stairs. The design is simple and elegant. The black spindles make the details in the staircase stand out.
Downtown Open Riser Staircase
The floating stairs in this U-shaped staircase give the space a modern look. The space between the stairs opens up the space more and the stain on the stairs matches the window frames. Tying the elements in this space together harmoniously.
Ajax Staircase Recapping
The use of two tones in this U-shaped staircase makes it a stunning one that commands attention. Wood makes anything look classic, and we see the perfect example here. The white and the wood add richness to the room, with the white creating a beautiful contrast.
Midtown Stairs Reno
We see the use of rich, brown tones that are timeless and classic. The simplicity of this design shows how subtle can still have a great impact on the look of your interior design. There’s just something about wood that never gets old.
Richwood Dr. Markham Staircase
The stain on the staircase is breathtaking, and the lighter stain makes the space bright and cheerful. It’s perfect for a contemporary theme. The black stain is simple but beautiful.
DIY vs Hiring Professional
Installing stairs is something you can do yourself if you have the right tools and know what you are doing. But before you decide whether to hire a professional or install your own U-shaped stairs with a landing, here are some things to consider.
Cons of DIY
- Time – Installing U-shaped stairs takes time – several weeks sometimes, which means there will be certain floors in your home you may not be able to access during this time. Consider your family’s daily routine and the disruption this may cause.
- Requires Skill – One of the things to consider with a DIY U-shaped staircase remodel is that you will not have the assurance that the installation has been done correctly. If your renovation is not done up to code, you could face problems later. You’ll also have to go through the hassle of making sure that you acquire the necessary permits.
- No warranty – Installing your own staircase means that you won’t be able to rely on a warranty to protect your home in the event of incorrect installation. Also, if you choose to sell your house, having a DIY staircase can work against you if it doesn’t pass the local inspection code.
- Safety concerns – If the installation is not done properly, you may put those in your household at considerable risk or cause damage to your flooring or other interior fixtures.
Pros of DIY
- Saves money – Deciding to remodel your staircase on your own means you could save on labour since you won’t be hiring professionals to do the installation.
- Satisfaction – Knowing you installed your own stairs can feel rewarding.
Cons of Hiring a Professional
- Cost – Hiring professionals will cost you more than installing your staircase on your own.
Pros of Hiring a Professional
- Specialized skills – skill and precision are required to install parts of the staircase correctly. Professional staircase contractors will specialize in this, and have the knowledge and equipment needed to safely remodel your U-shaped stairs. They know the building codes in your area and will ensure that the stairs are built up to code.
- Increased safety – Because stairs are used on a daily basis to access different floors in your home, it’s imperative that they are safe. With a professional staircase installation company, you won’t have to worry about safety issues. They will ensure that the safety of your family is prioritized before during, and after the renovation passes.
- Saves time – Having your staircase remodeled by experts allows the job to be completed quickly.
- Warranty protection – With professional staircase installers, you’ll have a warranty that covers the workmanship for a specified period of time.
Talk to the Staircase Experts
Remodeling your staircase has numerous benefits can enhance the aesthetic of your home and adds value to your home.
Hire the pros at for professional U-shaped staircase installation. Choose from an abundance of staircase options that suit your style. Find out more by getting in touch with our team.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of the U-shaped stairs?
U-stairs have a complex design that requires significant planning to build and remodel. You’ll need an experienced architect to consult on the design, which means an additional cost. U-shaped stairs also need additional support to reinforce safety.
What are the advantages of U-shaped stairs?
Due to their design, they take up less space, which is great if you have limited space. They are also versatile and the handrails are generally easy to install. These stairs are also easy to incorporate into an interior design and are useful in both residential and commercial spaces.
What is the difference between U-shaped and L-shaped staircases?
These two types of staircases are very similar. However, an L-shaped staircase has a 90° turn while a U-shaped staircase has an 180° turn.
