Choose A Staircase Design For Your Loft Conversion Stairs

by | Sep 19, 2022 | Loft Conversion | 0 comments

Converting a loft can be tricky, especially when it comes to stairs. Additionally, the layout of your existing house will also be affected by its location. The stairs in loft conversions are a significant reason why building inspectors reject loft conversions. Did you know that? Do you have stairs for a loft conversion?

The design of loft conversion stairs should be done at the start of the process, and any reputable loft conversion company will have expertise in this area. If they are discovered later, you might have to make significant structural changes to your loft stairs, which can be very expensive. This article is for you if you are looking for a guide to loft conversion stair ideas. 

Loft Conversion Staircase Ideas

A loft conversion can take one of three primary forms, and to accommodate these three types, there are four types of staircase solutions. It may be necessary to select a staircase depending on the type of property or its size, though you are free to choose the kind of solution for your home. For example, the stairs on a smaller home may need to bend as it goes up to ensure that it complies with regulations while still offering a safe foot space. Staircases can be categorized into four main styles:

Ladder Staircase

Using a ladder staircase is an excellent option if your home is tiny. It can be placed in various rooms and takes up very little space. However, this staircase is less prevalent due to its less convenient design.

Spiral Staircase 

This model is an excellent choice for traditional homes for those with tiny spaces.

L/U Shaped Staircase 

It is ideal for installing an l or u-shaped staircase in even the smallest homes, so you will still have adequate space. With them, you can create different elevation levels in the loft while incorporating a paddle design.

Paddle Staircase 

It is common practice to install paddle staircases in loft conversions, which mimic the style of a modern staircase.

Do Stairs In The Loft Cost A Lot?

When you have loft conversion stairs ideas, it is essential to calculate the cost of that loft conversion staircase. The staircase to the loft will be part of the total cost of your loft conversion if you work with a loft conversion company. A basic conversion costs around £25,000, whereas a dormer loft can cost approximately £35,000. Considering each component separately, the staircase will likely cost around $2,000.

Things to Consider

When you’ve chosen your loft conversion staircase solutions, it’s time to think about how you can customize it. The following are some easy ways to make a loft conversion staircase solution look more traditional or modern, depending on your style preferences.

Materials

Regarding materials for your staircase, there is no shortage of options, but some are better suited to specific projects based on your budget and requirements. For instance, children and homeowners with carpets in their other homes may benefit from carpets. For example, the contrasting carpet in a hallway might make it challenging to match the wooden stairs. On the other hand, carpet is also a great choice if you want to add some colour to your staircase. A home with a contemporary design may benefit from using wood with a touch of glass on its staircase; this will add a touch of elegance. Furthermore, you can choose multiple wood colours, such as oak and grey, to match your existing flooring or create your own modern design. Loft conversion stairs ideas differ from person to person. Thus the material used will be according to that.

Colour contrasts

You can take loft conversion stairs ideas from various platforms and architects. Black and white, for instance, are both stunning colours that elevate your staircase. It is possible to do this by making both the spindles and the handrail white or mixing white and black on the steps. Creating a space this way will make it stand out from the crowd.

Lighting

How can you forget when considering your loft conversion stairs ideas? Lighting will be of great benefit on the staircase since it can sometimes be a dark place. The staircase can be enhanced with some elegant lighting instead of lights hanging from the ceiling. Your staircase frame can be equipped with LED lights on each step to make it a functional and attractive addition to your home.

Stairs for loft conversions: Building Regulations

Choosing loft conversion stairs ideas might be easy, but there are some laws made to follow each design. During the design of your stairs, several building regulations must be followed. For the rest of the house to be stable, the stairs opening into the loft must meet building regulations, and we will ensure it does. On the stairs, there must be enough headroom clearance. Following building regulations, the stair width at the centre should have 1.9m of support for headroom, and that at the sides should have 1.8m. Riser width and height regulations are also regulated, as well as step pitch, to keep the stairs from being too steep. If a space saver staircase is used, the access can typically only be to one habitable room, even if a maximum pitch of 42° is required.

Final Thoughts

You can choose your preferred style with numerous loft conversion stairs ideas. Often, people plan out their lofts months in advance, and the stairs are merely an afterthought. For example, the attic space in my former house was unused for years due to difficult stairs and difficulties getting furniture up there so that great views could be enjoyed.   FAQS

What is the recommended width of the loft stairs?

To be compliant, staircases must have a tread depth of 9 inches at the lowest point. In addition, ensure that the width is at least 36 inches.

Is a loft conversion worth the money?

It has been reported that you can increase the value of your house by 20% by converting your loft. It can add up to a significant amount in high-priced areas.

Can you build loft stairs without planning permission?

It is important to note that loft conversions fall under permitted development, which means they don’t require planning permission as long as they meet the following conditions. New loft spaces cannot exceed 40 cubic metres in terraced houses and 50 cubic metres in detached and semi-detached houses.

If you want stairs in your loft, how much does it cost?

The average cost of a staircase is between £1,000 and £1,500. You’ll likely spend between £5,000 and £10,00 on custom-built stairs. Purchasing a spiral staircase can cost anywhere from £2,500 to £9,500.

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Emmanuel Nwaebo

Emmanuel Nwaebo is the Managing Director at Powerpillar Ltd and has more than 25 years experience in building construction and renovations. He has a bachelor’s in Electronics and Electrical Engineering with certification in Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). With an experience in managing construction and renovation services for years, he is extremely passionate about property management and loves helping people find their dream property.

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