A good staircase should incorporate technology, creativity and functionality and will also blend well with the place where it is to be installed. In any event when you are decorating you must ensure that the various elements fit well with each other, and that no single feature dominates.

Here is a description of some of the most common types of staircases by reference to the arrangement of steps, structure or number of flights:

• A single straight flight: this is the simplest form of staircase, consisting of one flight connecting one floor to another, without landings, and consequently the use of this type of staircase depends on the architectural design of the house.

• A straight staircase with two flights: this type of staircase consists of one flight, followed by a landing and then a second flight.

• Two flights at an angle to each other (in an L shape): one flight of steps, a generous landing, and an L shaped turn leading to the second flight.

• A double flight that turns back on it: This staircase is composed of two flights, the first of which ascends to a wall and the second one then turns back on the first through 180˚. This is a fun layout and brings informality to the house but above all this arrangement is imposed by the layout of the available space.

• Mixed or horseshoe shaped: this comprises two halfcircle flights connected to the landing, leading in opposite directions.

• Imperial: this consists of one flight leading to a landing and continuing as two further flights in parallel, or the reverse.

• The Catalan or three flight staircase (in a U shape): this design occupies a rectangular area, with three flights, each successive flight turning at an angle the preceding one and each flight separated by a wide landing stretching the width of the staircase.

• The Spiral: this consists of a single circular flight ascending in a spiral, without landings.

• Suspended: This is formed of steps without any support, in other words, a single flight of stairs giving a minimalist metal or wooden profile that is homogeneous and compact. This design allows the area underneath the stairs to be used as a workstation or place for reading etc.

• Folding: This type of staircase is completely detachable from the walls. It is a practical design that can be stored when not in use, although its appearance is rustic and austere. It may be constructed of wood or metal and is very useful in houses with storerooms that do not need to be accessed very often.

Staircases may be situated either inside or outside, and they allow us to move between floors by means of a series of flights.

The different components of a staircase are as follows:

• Step or stair: the element that we step on to go up or down.

• Tread: the horizontal surface of the stair.

• Riser: the vertical face of the stair.

• First step: the first stair of a staircase.

• Lip: the part of the tread that juts out over the riser and is unsupported.

• Landing: the area or platform that joins two flights of stairs.

• Handrail: the upper part of the banister.

• Bannister: made up of small pillars supporting a handrail. It is used to divide or separate.

The degree of incline and the proportions and measurements of the individual steps are important factors in making a staircase comfortable for the person using it. Specific formulae are used to ensure that these proportions and measurements are correct, but here are some general guidelines that can be used:

• The tread should be 35-37cm. long.

• The riser should be 15-20cm. high.

• The handrail should be 80-85cm high.

• If the staircase is in a public place or is likely to be used by a large number of children, a second handrail should be installed at a lower level.

• The width of one person required to pass another should be 65-70cm.

• The ceiling height above a staircase should be in the region of 215-250 cm.

• The landing should not interrupt the rhythm of the user, and it should therefore not be more than 1 meter square. For the same reason it should also not incorporate any steps.

• It is not advisable to have more than 16 steps in each flight.