Create an Inviting Stairway
by David Wynne
Grand staircases in foyers or one-of-a-kind stairways as focal points in other rooms provide an opportunity to make a lasting impression on home shoppers. Models that include unique interior design elements are one way builders can gain an advantage in a tight housing market, and offering interior features complementary to the overall home design but boasting a distinctive look is a sure way to catch the eye of potential buyers.
To this end, many homebuilders are incorporating stairways as a showcase interior design element. Today's stairway offerings include a myriad of styles and accessories, from traditional craftsman to contemporary. With so many options, builders can create their own custom designs for any interior style.
Stair Products
Modern baluster and newel designs offer a simple way to create a stairway that stands out while still blending in with the rest of the interior. Manufacturers provide balusters in a great variety of styles in both hardwood and forged iron profiles with a wide selection within each category. Hardwood styles remain a popular choice, with offerings that include traditional looks such as Victorian as well as bolder, more contemporary styles.
A wide range of wood species is also available, from rich mahogany and walnut tomore exoticwoods such as Brazilian cherry. Forged iron balusters come in patterns including globes, classic twists, graceful baskets, intricate scrolls and twisted ribbons. Iron baluster systems are now available with a hollow core, which reduces weight while maintaining strength.
Form blends with function in the newest forged iron baluster styles. One challenge builders face is finding a consistent pattern for decorative baluster designs in knee wall installations. New, shorter balusters allow for a consistent forged iron design with less cutting, saving installation time and cost. Builders benefit from balusters that solve a major knee wall challenge while balancing scale and style.
Newels, the structural component of a stair typically located at the bottom of a staircase and at rail transition points, can also set stairway designs apart. Hardwood styles include box newels that transform a stairway into a beautiful piece of furniture, and iron newels can be used in place of wood for a contemporary look.
Custom Stairways
For higher-end and custom homes, builders are increasingly focusing on custom interior stairway designs as part of the overall craftsmanship of the home. Combining forged iron balusters with the warmth of wooden handrails and newels, for example, is a popular interior design trend that enhances visual interest.
Forged iron is also well suited for showcasing grand staircases in great rooms. Homebuilders are also creating design consistency with forged iron finishing colors that complement furniture, cabinet and window hardware. Special forged balusters can incorporate designs with feathered, scrolled, hammered, butterfly and basket profiles.
Some manufacturers offer programs designed for ready implementation of custom staircase designs. Builders can simply provide a sketch, photo or description of their project to a stair parts dealer who can turn those ideas into reality with quick turnaround to meet construction schedules.
Finishing Options and Accessories
Several finishing options and accessories are available with contemporary stair products. For forged iron, these range from matte black and satin black to antique bronze and powder coat. Oil-rubbed copper and antique nickel finishes blend with many modern home hardware looks.
For a ready-to-install hardwood staircase system, factory-applied finishing saves time and labor. Available for complete stair systems from starting steps to railing accessories, pre-finishing programs simplify stair construction. Installation crews can complete more jobs in less time,with no sanding or finishing required.
Decorative forged iron accessories add a twist to Old World style. Medallions used with medallion balusters are available in simple or ornate round styles. Brass baskets can also be incorporated into balusters for a more elaborate look. An array of options in starting steps, rosettes, half newels and tread brackets are also available to provide a richly decorated stairway.
Builders looking to add attractive staircases to create a customized interior design have many options in today's market. A variety of profiles and finishes are available to match any style of home.
David Wynne is Vice President of Market Development for Coffman Stairs. He has held a number of leadership positions in the stair manufacturing industry, served two terms as president of the Stairway Manufacturers Association (SMA), and managed the development of the Stair Building Guide-the (rst comprehensive visual book on stair building, which is utilized throughout the industry today.
