|
Description of Stairs - Stairs are variously
named according to their shape and plan, or the method of
constructing the strings, and they may be roughly divided
into two clases, newel and non-newel. In the first of these
the newel post is an essential part of the construction, and
this includes dog legged, open newel, and spiral or circular
newel stairs. In the second class the newel is usually dispensed
with, or when used it is merely as an ornamental finish to
the balustrade, and is in no sense a constructive part of
the stairs. To this class belong the continuous string or
geomatrical stair, the elliptic, polygonal, and circular well
stairs. All of these names refer to the disposition of the
stairs in plan, and they are otherwise designated, in reference
to the manner of treating the strings, as close or housed
string, open or cut string, and bracketed strings.
A straight Flight is one composed entirely
of flyers, and differs only from a ladder in that the spaces
between its steps are filled with risers.
Dogleg Stairs are those without wells or
spaces between the outer strings, the return strings and rails
being in the same vertical plane, and both are framed into
the same newel post and turns. The stairs occupy less space
than any other variety with the exception of the spiral, and
for thisreason are the kind mainly used in cottages and smeller
houses.
Open Newel termed often as open well stairs
are those having rectangular planes with an open space or
well between the strings successive flights. These are both
from a constructive and an artistic point of view, the best
form of stair there is. They are substatial, massive in appearance,
and convenient in use. Most mediaeval and Renaissance stairs
still in existence are of this type.
Geometrical or Continous Stairs
So called because the setting out of the strings
and rails is based upon geometrical principles. In these stairs
one or both strings and hand rails run continuously from top
to bottom of the successive flights. The well holes are always
curved at the ends, this being the main characteristic of
this type, usually the curve is circular, and occasionally
elliptic.
Circular Geometrical Stairs are similar
to ordinary continuous strings atairs, with the difference
that the space occupied by the stairs in plan is circular
instead of rectangular, and there are no flyers - double width
steps are used as the landings.When these stairs stand clear
of the surrounding walls, thay are termed 'independent' or
'self supporting'.
Elliptical Geometrical Stairs differ only
in having their plans elliptical instead of circular or rectangular.
Circular, Newel or Spriral Stairs are composed
entirely of winders radiating from a central newel post running
through the entire height of the flight. They are usually
built within a circular wall, but are sometimes treated as
'independent' the steps are framed into the newel, and carried
on bearers, fixed to the same cantilevers.
|
