How many steps does the typical 2-story home have? And does it even matter? Believe it or not, most homes have about a dozen steps for each staircase. In general the number of steps tends to be an odd number. The rise for each step usually averages several inches in height. In general, a homeowner should prioritize safety above style. For example, custom stair treads remain a popular trend today for homes with elderly residents or children. Does the number of stairs matter in your home?
Why Odd Numbers Matter?
Believe it or not, the number of stairs in your home brings balance to your overall home design. In fact, old traditions like building a staircase in the western or southern part of your home for good health and prosperity may have also informed your staircase design! Whether you want to keep to these traditions or not, design your staircase for safety. This might include a variety of features like:
- Handrails on both sides
- Wider steps
- Lower height
- Avoid steep steps
- Adding a landing
- Stair treads
- Custom lighting
- 3-foot landing at base of the stairs
- And more
In general, avoid very lengthy staircases in your home. Why? If you have visitors with physical limitations or elderly family members, even small children, a lengthy staircase can result in dangerous falls. Instead, speak with your designer about how to best design a staircase for your family’s unique needs.
More Interesting Fun Facts About Staircases
Did you know that many homes have staircases with either nine, eleven, fifteen, or twenty-one steps? Designers sometimes avoid steps with a number ending in zero. In good Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese practice of arranging spaces for harmony and balance, staircase steps should be one, two, five, ten, thirteen, fourteen, seventeen, or twenty-two steps. So how many steps should your staircase have?
When you install a new staircase or need to update an old one, speak with our talented team of designers at Stair Star. Discuss the needs of your family and budget concerns. Our seasoned stair experts will guide you through the wide array of exciting styles and options for your home.
We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and superior workmanship. Find out why our clients trust us to install beautiful staircases in their homes and businesses. We want to help you. Call us now. Schedule your initial consultation with Stair Star today.
