Concrete, Wood, Steel and Glass: How to Choose the Material of a Staircase?

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Most of us use stairways every day, but few times do we stop to contemplate their design or put much thought into their function. With their steps, treads and railing, they are easily one of the most fundamental architectural elements in any home. Apart from providing a safe, simple and easy access from one floor to another, it is through staircases that architects create unique spatial forms and strong visuals. From afar, one can observe people moving up and down repeatedly; from within, the user is treated to new angles and ways to perceive a space. Therefore, good staircases are more than just means of vertical circulation. Through their might and scale, they can become the protagonist of a space – a design focal point that rises to the level of art. In this article, we present their versatile characteristics and material qualities through a selection of inspiring examples, all of which can be found in Architonic's 'Staircases' section.

Stairs have evolved drastically throughout the years. From the intricate, ornamented designs of the Art Nouveau, to today’s more minimalistic, clean-line aesthetic. With innovative technologies and improved manufacture methods, stairs can now adopt complex sculptural shapes, explore new creative possibilities and even challenge structural limitations. And thanks to this high design flexibility, there are practically endless options to choose from when selecting the right fit for your home. Of course, most of us don’t get to replace interior staircases very often, so whether it be for new projects or renovations, it’s important for architects, designers and homeowners to choose wisely.