ᐅ Requesting opinions and experiences regarding the choice of interior stairs

Hello dear forum members,

our interior construction plans for a semi-detached house are well underway. The staircase is now the focus, and since we are not experts, we are very interested in professional opinions.

Floor Plan

The stairwell is planned in the middle of the semi-detached house. Two staircases extend over three floors (basement, ground floor, upper floor). The staircase is designed as a double quarter-turn staircase. Here are the floor plans for each level.

Our Requirements for the Staircase

• The staircase should have both treads and risers
• Stringers or beams should be minimally visible or "invisible" if possible

Staircase Options

The current selection includes the following staircases (and ideas):

• Double-stringer staircase (standard). This is included in the purchase price.
• Applied stringer staircase with folded framework design and railing. The additional cost for the complete staircase system is about $14,000. Example images:







• Another idea: double-stringer staircase between walls with LED spotlights on the wall side and a handrail on one side. Similar to these images:







• Another idea: recessed stringer staircase between walls with LED spotlights on the wall side and a handrail on one side. Similar to these images:

Our Questions

We don’t really like staircase option 1 (standard) very much. We have a few questions about the staircase options:

• Regarding option 3: Our staircase builder mentioned in a brief conversation that a double-stringer staircase with risers can sometimes be noisy (occasional creaking). He recommends a stringer staircase when risers are used. Is this true? Does anyone have experience with this?
• Regarding the staircase between walls (options 3 or 4): Walls naturally reduce light penetration. Does the lack of light impact our floor plan significantly? Should option 2 be preferred instead?
• Do you have other ideas?

Hmm... Bold choice... Don’t you think you should have the floor plan reviewed first before committing several square meters (square feet)? Otherwise, I really like the two-stringer staircase when it comes to cost efficiency and style – we have one too and still really like it. Somehow, it’s timeless and fits well in today’s “metal society” 🙂

I would definitely avoid building walls, as it makes transporting larger items upstairs much more difficult.

Besides, a staircase is quickly out of sight. People usually focus just on the treads, and the appearance of the stringers isn’t very important, in my opinion. I think spending money on a folded staircase isn’t worth it, especially since you don’t have a clear view of the stairs. And a landing staircase isn’t that special to begin with, so there’s no need to make it overly elaborate. That’s just my view. I have a winding staircase and could have saved myself the extra cost for oak treads.

bugdder schrieb:

Our planning for the interior finishing of a semi-detached house is in full swing. The staircase is now up next, and since we are not specialists, we are very interested in expert opinions.

If you don’t have professional expertise in this area, why stress over a detail that no one really sees in practice? – For a mid-terrace house, I wouldn’t make a fuss about it. It’s better to leave it to the builder or general contractor to handle it in the most efficient way they know. The folded structure look of the staircase won’t justify its extra cost in a semi-detached house.

ypg schrieb:

Don’t you think you should first discuss the floor plan before spending several square meters on this?

I don’t see any floor space under debate here and suspect there’s little room for discussion since construction is probably already underway. Are the gable ends located on the short sides, or where do those narrow spaces come from? – if so, I would consider changing the staircase’s direction. You’d better get advice regarding the kitchen; I think there’s more potential there.

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@11ant Our construction company is working together with a staircase manufacturer. Of course, we can still have some influence there. To answer the further question about the pipe spaces: the semi-detached house has shed roofs that are oriented to the north.

@Bertram100 I actually hadn't thought about transporting larger items yet. Thanks for the tip.

ypg schrieb:

hmm… bold move… don’t you think you should discuss the floor plan first before committing several square meters?

I completely agree with you. Those “dark corridors” behind the stairs are quite unusual. The entrance area is far from welcoming as well.
It’s a shame to waste the square meters… and by the time you reach the upper floor, the stairwell is dark.

Regarding the stairs: none of your pictures match the 2x1/4-turn staircase you are looking for.