Building Stairs in the House – from Planning to Realisation

A stairway is more than just a practical building element. It forms the backbone of a house, connects rooms, shapes how you experience the space, and can even serve as a true design highlight. Anyone wanting to build a stairway should not only consider functional aspects, but also think about style, materials, and the structural conditions.

How should the perfect stairway look? Should it be straight, spiral, or include a landing? How does it best fit into the floor plan? And what if you want to install a stairway at a later stage? If you want to design your home meaningfully, ATLAS HAUS will help you understand.

What makes a good stairway

A stairway can play very different roles—it can, for instance, be a space-saving connection between floors, a statement piece that elevates the look of the house, or an essential element of the living area. Before diving into the details, it’s worth clarifying a few basic questions:

Once these points have been clarified, it’s time to plan the floor plan with a straight stairway or a different design.

Stairway designs for every house

Every floor plan is different, so each single-family home needs a suitable stair solution. Some prefer a classic look, while others opt for a modern, space-saving alternative.

Straight stairway – simple and effective

A straight stairway in the floor plan is one of the easiest variants. It takes up more length but offers plenty of comfort. It’s perfect for modern home concepts where clean lines play a large role.

Spiral staircase – elegant and space-saving

If you have less space to work with, a spiral staircase could be a good choice. It can usually be placed in a corner and occupies less floor area. However, going up and down might feel less familiar because of the curved steps, especially for children or older adults.

Landing staircase – practical and comfortable

This type combines straight stair sections with one or more landings in between. It’s especially comfortable to walk on and is a great solution for larger homes or higher floors.

Space-saving staircase – compact yet steep

If space is extremely tight, a space-saving staircase might be the answer. The steps are often narrower or have a special shape. This option may not be particularly comfortable, but it serves its purpose—especially when finishing an attic or in very small apartments.

Planning a stairway correctly in the floor plan

A well-thought-out stairway fits seamlessly into a home without using up too much living space. When drawing a stairway in the floor plan, pay particular attention to the following:

• Find the right position – The stairway should fit naturally into the layout and not block traffic areas.
• Calculate the space requirements – A straight stairway requires more length, while a spiral staircase makes more use of vertical space.
• Determine step height and tread depth – The steeper the stairway, the more space you save, but the harder it is to climb comfortably.
• Include safety measures – Railings, slip-resistant steps, and adequate lighting are essential.
• Observe building codes – Guidelines for minimum widths and maximum rise must be strictly followed.

Drawing and planning a stairway in the floor plan can be tricky. Anyone wanting certainty should consider consulting a professional.

Installing a stairway later on – is it possible?

Not every building plan includes a stairway from the start. If you decide to create additional living space later—maybe by converting the attic or splitting a story—you’ll eventually need to install a stairway afterward.

Keep the following in mind:

• Cutting an opening in the ceiling – Installing a new stairway requires cutting through the ceiling. This demands a structural assessment to ensure stability.
• Enough space – The new stairway shouldn’t take up too much living area but still has to be comfortable.
• Design and materials – The new stairway should fit in with the existing interior style.
• Building regulations – Rules can be particularly strict in multi-family buildings.

Often, a straight stairway in the floor plan is the simplest option because it’s generally easiest to retrofit. A spiral staircase can save space but requires an appropriately shaped opening in the ceiling.

Important tips for stairway planning

To ensure the stairway in a single-family home really stands out, consider a few details:

• Don’t overwhelm the space – The stairway should fit seamlessly into the overall look rather than dominating it.
• Coordinate colors and materials – A stairway is part of the interior and should match the home’s style.
• Think about accessibility – If you’re thinking long-term, plan a stairway that will still be easy to use as you get older.
• Don’t underestimate lighting – Illuminating the steps or integrating lights into the railing can enhance both safety and atmosphere.

Conclusion – Why good stairway planning is so important

A stairway is much more than just a link between two floors. It can be an eye-catcher, improve the overall space, and increase living comfort. Without good planning, you may soon run into issues like limited space, uncomfortable steps, or safety concerns.

Anyone looking to build or add a stairway in a single-family home should address the floor plan early on. A straight stairway often provides the simplest solution, but depending on the layout, a spiral or landing staircase could be more suitable.

Those considering Modular Houses in Germany should factor in the stairway design right from the start. Providers such as ATLAS HAUS often have thoughtful concepts to use the available space most efficiently.

All in all, a stairway is more than just a functional element. It should look good and remain comfortable to climb. By planning well in advance, you lay the foundation for a home you can enjoy for many years.