Stairs of Different Materials

The following materials are used in the construction of stairs:

Stone stairs

The stones employed in the construction of stairs are hard, durable, weather resistant and fire resistant. The stone steps can be either

1. Cantilevered from the wall
2. Built into the wall at both ends

Brick stairs

They are rarely used except as entrance steps. A brick stair may be built of solid masonry work. The surface of the stair may be given any suitable type of floor finish.

Wooden stairs

Wooden stairs are light in weight and they are generally used for residential buildings. The greatest limitation of wooden stairs is that it catches fire easily, and in case of a fire, the occupants of upper floors will find no way of escape. If good quality of timber of proper thickness is used, it resists fire to a great extent and the occupants will have enough time to escape.

RCC stairs

These stairs are commonly used in all types of constructions. They can resist wear and fire better than any other material and can be casted to the desired shape. The advantages of the RCC stair are as follows:

1. It can resist fire in a better way.
2. Movement over it produces less noise.
3. It can be cast.