Stairs are an irreplaceable structural solution, thanks to which a transition is made between rooms or zones located at different heights. It should be noted that these structures have recently not only functioned as technical structures, but can also become a real decoration of the interior.
That is why staircase fittings are very popular with modern builders and designers, since it is they who give the structures functionality and good appearance.
Types of fittings and their purpose
First of all, it should be noted that the fittings have different purposes. Some types are designed to fulfill the functions of decoration, while others are made to perform specific functions.
For example, fittings for an attic staircase consist of special elements that allow the device to fold and, thereby, save space, and the knob on the railing simply gives the structure a good appearance.
Functional component
This category includes such elements, without which the device simply will not function. This includes accessories for folding ladders, special hatches, lifting mechanisms and even fasteners.
Moreover, this material has certain characteristics and has its own characteristics.
- First of all, it should be noted that fittings with a functional component are usually sold complete with the product itself and is an integral part of it.
- If the staircase is made by hand, then you should select the material for the fittings, and not vice versa. Otherwise, you may not find parts with the required parameters.
- The design of such devices is usually developed exclusively for a certain type of material for the manufacture of stairs. In this case, the delivery must include the appropriate fasteners.
- All devices of this type must be accompanied by installation instructions.
- Accessories for elite staircases can be made of expensive metals or precious woods. These products have a rather high price, but they are also of high quality.
- In fact, these products can be compared in terms of their functional load with hinges and guides on cabinet furniture. This will allow inexperienced craftsmen to get a more complete picture of the purpose and complexities of installation.
Advice! It is necessary to use such accessories only for its intended purpose, since its designers have calculated all possible loads and influences in a certain position. Otherwise, the product could be damaged and even injured.
Security systems
Stairways are hazardous areas. While on them, there is a risk of falling from a height of a person or object, and there is also a possibility of catching over a step when walking.
That is why special accessories for stair railings made of stainless steel or other materials are being developed, which in its essence acts as an integral security system.
- These products must be of high strength, reliability and degree of protection.
- They must comply with the technical safety standards that apply to the specific design.
- Such elements should not contain sharp corners or cuts, while for installation and operation in the open air, stainless steel stair railings are usually used.
- It is worth noting that such products must have properties, withstand certain loads and fasteners that provide a reliable connection. That is why you should immediately abandon plastic parts.
Advice! When choosing this fittings, you must be guided by safety standards. Otherwise, you can get a structure that will have a good appearance, but it will not fulfill its functions in terms of providing protection.
Aesthetic component
For a long time, accessories for assembling stairs perform not only the functions of fastening or protection, but also a decorative element that can turn a simple structure made of concrete or wood into a real work of art.
Such products include various types of overlays, inserts, tops, railings, racks, etc.
It should be noted that modern fittings for glass stairs are significantly different in design from other types of these elements, since they require special fastening.
- The choice of these products depends only on the personal preferences of end users or on the project that the designer created.
- Also, when buying accessories, you should think in advance about where it will stand and, based on this, choose not only the appropriate elements, but also the material for their manufacture.
Special attention should be paid to the decorative coating. The fact is that some parts made of stainless steel or other metal are located in places where they are subject to mechanical stress.
This can cause damage to the coating over time.
- Therefore, professional craftsmen recommend choosing fittings from natural materials without spraying. It can be marble, gilding, non-oxidizing metal or expensive wood parts.
Advice! When buying accessories with decorative content, you should ask the seller for instructions, which usually contains a picture of the appearance of the stairs with these elements. This will help you make the right choice and get an idea of the final appearance of the stairs.
Homemade products
Quite often, when decorating staircases, you want to install unique elements on the bolts or other parts of the structure that can emphasize the individuality of the owner of the house and the creativity of the master.
In this case, you can resort to various kinds of materials and show all your imagination. However, there are certain rules and recommendations that should be followed:
- First of all, you need to choose the right fasteners for installation. It can be assembly glue, cement, self-tapping screw, and even an ordinary nail. At the same time, accessories for wooden stairs are often fastened with cotter pins made of a similar material, which, after installation, are rubbed flush with the part.
- The finished product should be not only beautiful, but also practical. It should tolerate wet cleaning and slight mechanical stress well. Some craftsmen believe that the furniture should be made from the material that was used to create the stairs, but modern designers have long proved the opposite.
- Quite often, the price of such decorative ornaments can exceed the cost of the staircase itself, but this is only in exclusive manufacturing options where gilding and natural stone are used.
Advice! Homemade accessories should fit perfectly into the interior of the room and be not only beautiful, but also functional. Therefore, before starting work, it is necessary to create a draft of the future structure.
