Open basement stairs
Open basement stairs are the set of stairs that provides access to the bottom floor (basement) of a house. The staircase can be either fully or partially exposed, giving the homeowner an opportunity to choose between two distinct railing designs for safety and/or style.
An open stairway is one where the risers are visible from floor to ceiling. Open stairs are usually desired because they provide a clear separation of levels, making them perfect for any kind of stylish home.
Open Staircase Railing
Every open staircase is different, but there are some common elements that can be used to make sure your new banister looks great and works perfectly. Here’s what you need to know to create an attractive railing for your open flight of stairs.
Railing material
Railing Materials The right materials will make or break your rail design. Metal posts at the center of each step will help anchor the entire stair railing. If you have wood steps, moldings around the edges are helpful. Constructing the Railing the railing itself should be sturdy, but you can also add moldings and ornate designs to make it look beautiful. A handrail should extend several inches past each step so it doesn’t feel like there’s nothing there.
Addition in open staircase
Additions to the Open Staircase Adding small, classy fixtures to your open staircase will help take it from plain to spectacular. Accent lighting along the sides of steps may not be necessary during the day, but can create a lovely mood at night. You can use colored light bulbs or put in an actual chandelier for an ancient look that works well with many styles of home décor.
You don’t need much to finish off your new staircase railing design: a few pieces of furniture, a plant or two, and some tasteful artworks will make your new open staircase look like it’s been there forever.
What is the best design for a railing on your open basement stairs?
There are several different ways to deal with an open stairwell situation. They range from easy to most difficult. They can simply have a wood rail, metal railings, glass panels, wooden slats etc., – even built in storage units for hats and scarves near the bottom of the stairs. And they don’t have to be boring either.
You could paint them bright yellow if you want. A colorful modern one-piece handrail is just what many people need to make their open flights of stairs more safe. For a home with an open basement stairwell, the method of railing and balusters will depend on several factors.
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Basement with outside entrance
If the basement has an outside entrance or exit, then it is recommended to use 4-5′ tall railings that go from the bottom step all the way up to the ceiling along one side (ideally with no gaps). The other side should either have an existing guard (like a metal banister), or some sort of guard in front of any windows or French doors in the basement.
If there isn’t an outside entrance/exit in the basement, you can choose whether you want your railing to be more decorative (with balusters).
NOTE: Note that balusters are an additional piece of wood between each section of railing. They serve to support the weight bearing down on the staircase, but also improve safety by preventing little children from squeezing through small gaps in the railings and falling down the stairs.
What is an open stair?
In contrast to closed riser stairs, an open riser staircase has an open rather than a closed space between each step, enabling you to view below or between the steps. This explains why open riser stairs are occasionally referred to as floating steps.
Types of basement stairs
A finished basement is one of the most common home improvement projects for homeowners looking to add both value and additional living area. To make this space feel like an actual part of your home, it’s important to plan ahead when finishing your basement stairs.
Open Basement Stairs
There are many steps you can take to ensure that your stairs contribute seamlessly to the overall design of the room while making sure they provide a safe way for your family and friends to access different levels in the house. The two main options homeowners have when building stairs in their basement are open or closed staircases. Here’s what you need to know about each type so you can choose which will work best for you:
Closed staircase
A closed staircase typically starts at the base of the stairs, goes vertically through the ceiling and floor above, and continues up to a wall on the upper level. This design creates a more polished look that allows you to conceal any unfinished areas.
Sunroom Stairs
Closed staircases are best for homeowners who want to emphasize the benefits of having an open basement, but still want to maintain some sense of privacy throughout their home. For example, additional living area for children or entertainment space is perfect for this type of staircase since it can be easily concealed by closing a door if needed. They also help keep sounds down between floors so you don’t have to worry about bothering different family members upstairs when watching TV with friends in your new media room.
Library Stairs
On the other hand, open staircases aren’t always ideal for basements with multiple levels since they limit privacy between floors. They’re also only appropriate if your desired look features exposed beams or support columns throughout both areas since it can otherwise distract from the cohesive feel you want between both spaces. Homeowners who choose an open staircase will also need to factor in the cost of building materials and construction time.
Advantages of open stairs
Many homeowners are turning to open the basement stairs. Open stairs are a great design idea for informal or casual living room areas. They’re also more functional, especially if you have children who might dart up and down the stairs without warning.
The open design offers increased visibility of the stairway while still maintaining some privacy, but it does this while sacrificing storage space in some homes that rely on closed-off staircase walls for additional square footage. This is one reason why many homeowners are opting to use built-in shelving instead of closed off space when they build open basement stairs.
Building shelves is basement
Built-in shelves are a great way to increase storage space, while still maintaining the open feel of the staircase. With these kinds of stairs, you can easily store books, games, or other items that could be otherwise relegated to wasted space in closets. You may also want to consider using your open basement stairs as an architectural feature in rooms where there’s no walk-through traffic. If you have wall space close enough to the stairway for shelving, this may be a good alternative.