Log homes with a second floor or loft need comfortable and safe access to them. There are many popular styles of staircases available to meet your needs. At the same time, you should consider their functionality for moving furniture and appliances up and down. Also plan for anyone’s special physical needs that live in the home.

You do not have to settle for plain utilitarian stairways in your log home. They can be as fancy as you wish when they fit into your budget. Staircases can be installed in new homes or as replacements for existing ones. Consequently, make sure they are functional, meet your décor needs, and are constructed solidly and safely.

Conventional Log Home Staircases

Conventional stairways are a lengthy and straight series of steps made up of risers and treads. They typically have a handrail on one side or both sides to hold on to. Modern staircases are not as steep as ones found in the oldest homes.

Typically, straight flights of stairs have 13 to 16 steps, and average a vertical height of 8.5 to 11 feet in most homes. Local building codes can dictate the:

  • Firstly, Number of steps
  • Height of individual steps
  • Height of the entire staircase
  • Other dimensions

Typical staircases are painted or stained followed by several coats of clear finish. Some people prefer each step to be carpeted to prevent slipping, falling, and wear on the wood.

Conventional Staircases with Landings

A variation of a conventional staircase is one with a landing to break up the long continuous climb up and down. A landing is a flat area about halfway up the steps. It has these purposes:

  • Depending on the run, some steps are shaped like a trapezoid
  • The outer part of each step is wider in this case
  • Each step tapers to a narrower size toward the center
  • The staircase can turn to the right or left

The minimum landing size should be a square with sides the width of the stairs. If a door opens on to the landing, it should not reduce the landing smaller than half of its width to be safe. As a result, Stairways with or without landings can have flat or half log steps.

“Log homes with a second floor or loft need comfortable and safe access to them”

Spiral All Wood Log Home Staircases

 A wood spiral staircase is a thing of beauty to behold whether in a log or conventional house. It is a round stair system where the individual steps connect to a center column that forms a complete circle. Its structure is built around a central post that acts as an axis for the steps.

The main benefit of a spiral staircase is that it optimizes space by occupying a smaller area. The design of a spiral staircase must be comfortable and safe to use. Its features include:

  •  All the steps are shaped like a trapezoid
  • The outer part of each step is wider
  • Each step tapers to a narrower size toward the center
  • The staircase can turn to the right or left

Spiral Staircases with Iron Works

 A variation of an all-wood spiral staircase is one that incorporates ironwork balusters. Like traditional spiral staircases, the banister or handrail is made of heavy wood. The iron balusters look great painted black but other colors look great too.

Metal balusters tend to add heft to the stairway. They can be straight or twisted in shape and vary in width from narrow to several inches wide. They work well in both log homes and conventional homes.

Graceful Curved Log Home Staircases

A spiral staircase makes a complete circle from bottom to top. A splendid variation is a graceful curved staircase that makes about half a turn from bottom to top. This style typically has:

  •  Smoothly finished open treads
  • Balusters that enhance a country décor
  • Railings that also enhance a country décor
  • A structure that takes up less space than straight-run stairs
  • A structure that takes up more space than spiral staircases
  • Easier access to carry furniture or appliances up or down than spiral stairs

And now on to the last design that also looks super in a log home.

Metal and Glass Stairways Are the Latest Trend

 Metal and glass stairways form the latest trend for homes and businesses. They are stunning and provide a dramatic and sophisticated appeal. They feature metal banisters and balusters with thick glass steps and risers. You should consult a professional for plans for building this unique staircase.

 Now it’s your turn to pick one of these staircase styles or a custom design of your choice. Beautiful stain colors and finishes are available online for do-it-yourselfers.

References and Resources: