Knowledge base – Vonka Stairs

Case study no. 2 – Zig-zag stairs.

V0nka-admin — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:07:00 +0000

Take a look at our completed project and discover the process behind its installation!

Our customer sought for an unconventional, modern solution. As a result, we designed 2 sets of zigzag staircase that is a combination of metal and wood. The base of layer-like construction is made out of metal and is lined with 40mm oak cladding. A balustrade made of 18 mm toughened safety glass is slotted into the steel bracket.

Require something similar?

We are passionate about delivering bespoke staircases. Contact us for a design and quotation for your staircase!

Staircases and LED lighting

V0nka-admin — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:58:00 +0000

Have you ever considered adding low level LED lighting to your staircase? Stair lighting not only will provide a safety function, like preventing you from the dangers of missing steps in the dark but will also add wow-effect and a new ambience to the overall view. LED technology provides optimal brightness levels, with a longer life span than other types of light sources. Its great advantage is high energy savings, the ease of assembly and a wide offer of design possibilities.

Additionally, there’re plenty of different control technologies available that can allow you to change the colour or the brightness of the LED light. Glare control will help you set appropriate brightness levels for different times of the day and also create a dramatic lighting impression that will simply transform the atmosphere in your house.

Add a colour changing option using an RGB LED strip and explore a multitude of colours that will be an element of entertainment to your staircase lighting scheme. You can also install a motion sensor that will detect movement and turn on all the lights only when needed, so basically at the time when climbing or descending. As a result, you can save electricity by using a small amount of it.

When choosing the type of lighting, you have to consider two issues: what kind of look do you want your stairway to have and which area you want to be illuminated?

Your decision can be easier if you will follow certain guidelines:

Determine how much light you want in the room. You have to consider what kind of final effect you want to achieve, depending on the distance between every light you can achieve softer or stronger ambient lighting. Remember to balance your choice so you won’t have too bright or too dark surroundings. The best option is to use the already mentioned controlling system that can adjust the brightness up to your preferences. Choose between linear and spot LED light.
Mix the lighting Another key element to achieve the desired effect is to consider placing ambient lights to only put delicate glow and some extra lights in places that you want to expose.

Creative ways to light your stairs:

Tread lighting
In this case, the LED strips can be assembled under treads to throw down the light onto the steps and create a soft floating effect. Depending on the desired effect you can install a light source on every tread or every 3 treads etc.
Handrail lighting
The LED technology integrated into handrails makes your staircase safe and adds a unique style and ambience to its surrounding. The LED strip can be completely hidden and placed in any shape of the handrail. It won’t become too hot to touch. You can choose from warm, cold to any RGB light colour variant.
Stringer lighting
When you want your staircase to lead your way step by step up to another level, choose the installation of LED strips on its stringer. It’s an easy way to ultimate dramatic effect.
Wall-mounted step lighting
Lights inserted into the wall can also create a luminous patch between two floors. Keep in mind that it should not cause unwanted glares while going up or down the stairs.

So there you have plenty of examples for adding light to your stairs. Intelligent lighting brings much more benefits besides appearances. What is most important, it does not have to be associated with a major renovation or a huge expense.

Case study no. 1 – Central stringer stairs.

V0nka-admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 09:46:00 +0000

One of the latest projects. Our clients requested a staircase that connects the basement and second floor.

Our designer created 2 sets of U-shaped central stringer stairs. Oak treads are combined with a steel stringer and 18 mm toughened safety glass with a metal handrail. Adding a modern touch to the entryway!

Require something similar?

We are passionate about delivering bespoke staircases. Contact us for a design and quotation for your staircase!

Why do Vonka Stairs choose hardwood? Types of timber.

V0nka-admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:38:00 +0000

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a staircase is the type of material. There is a multitude of choices and combinations, each comes with some pros and cons. The most traditional staircase constructions are made of timber. Wood is being identified as a key constituent in a group of materials used in the architectural industry.

The term „timber” enclose materials from a large group of different species. Each of them is characterized by different performance features. Timber is classified as hardwood or softwood depending on the seed the tree produces. They also differ in appearance, density and workability.

What's the difference?

Hardwood comes from trees known as angiosperms, which produce seeds that are covered with a shell or skin. Softwood comes from trees known as gymnosperms, which produce seeds that don't have any covering. Another difference lies in the fact that angiosperm (deciduous) trees shed their leaves in the winter months meanwhile gymnosperms (evergreens) remain green all year.

Hardwood properties

Hardwoods are more expensive due to their better density and tough workability. They also have a slower growth rate and better fire resistance. Not only great strength and durability should be mentioned, but also fact that its colours and finishes can suit almost any style setting. Any scratches or dents can be easily fixed, as they are easy to maintain.

Hardwood can bring incredible warmth and character to your property. They’re mostly found in high-quality workpieces. Not all hardwoods are the same; some of them have bigger densities than others, which makes them better suited to certain applications. They’re used when durability and strength are of utmost importance .

Common types of hardwoods: oak, teak, ash, beech, walnut.

Softwood properties

Softwoods are cheaper, easily manipulated and readily available. They are less dense than hardwoods, have a shorter service life, require more care and maintenance over their lifespan. But on the other hand, they’re more flexible, lighter in weight and cheaper.

Common types of softwoods: pine, cedar, redwood, douglas fir.

Why hardwood?

When choosing timber type, consider what you’d like to achieve in the short and long term future. Carpenters tend to enjoy working with hardwoods because of a huge amount of colours, grain patterns, textures and finishes. Hardwood workpieces are considered an investment, as they offer a superior level of strength and better durability than cheaper softwood alternatives.

Types of stairs depending on the layout

V0nka-admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 21:57:00 +0000

Depending upon building requirements or the owner’s preferences, staircases designs can be configurated in many ways, the combinations are basically endless. Design can vary from simple straight flight to breath-taking split bifurcated type. Any change in form, type or function provides different visual aspects.

Types of stairs depending on layout:

Split bifurcated type of staircases (known also as t-shaped staircases) are mostly used in the entryway of an upscale and spacious home. They consist of one sweeping set that splits off into two smaller flights going in opposite directions. This kind of construction adds iconic and impressive architectural design statements to the property. The large landing encourages the climber to rest, making the climb more comfortable.

Curved stairs create a big radius but don’t form a circle. They are continuous, without any landings. The bannister is bent. Added to entryway make a huge impression. They are costlier due to the difficulty in the building.

Spiral stairs are centred around a single pole which forms a perfect circle. They mostly have a very compact design, they’re not very safe, but perfect for small and minimalist spaces.

Winder stairs consist of winder-treads, that are wider on one side than the other (they form triangular, pie shape). This style is chosen to save some landing space.

U-shaped stairs/half-turn stairs consist of landings that connect two opposite/parallel separate flights. They’re easy to fit into an architectural plan.

L-shaped stairs - in this style linear flight at some point make a 90-degree turn after landing.

Straight stairs have a single linear flight with no bends and no change in direction. Most common, affordable and easy to install. They tend to be the easiest to ascend/descend. There’s an option of central landing for spaces with high ceilings. This style works well with minimalist designed homes due to their inherent simplicity.

Types of stairs depending on the construction

V0nka-admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 21:31:00 +0000

Not only do the staircase perform a practical function but also a decorative one. It sits at the heart of the property and occupies its significant area. Well fitted staircase can create a visual impact that reflects upon the whole property.

Cantilevered stairs - also known as floating stairs, because their treads appear to be floating in the air without any support. Treads are fixed to one end, while another end secures the railing system. Stringer – the backbone of the structure can be exposed or hidden in the wall. They don’t have risers. This type of stairs is a bit costlier due to additional structural requirements. Cantilever stairs bring spacious feeling and a lot of visual interest.

Zig zag stairs – in this style, treads and risers continuously follow a zigzag like structure. It’s a popular option for residential and commercial buildings. There’s plenty of available finishes to suit your interior decor requirements.

Cut stringer - the upper edge of the stringer is cut so the treads and risers look like they sit on top of it. Spindles are attached to the top of the treads.

Closed stringer - the edges of treads located between stringer are hidden by it.

Central stringer – beam-like supporting stringer is located in the centre underneath the treads.

Spiral stairs are build of the central post to which ale treads are connected. They are a perfect solution when you don’t have enough space or you want to save it. Their compact design provides visual attraction. Many available options of balustrades have a great impact on the overall look.

Curved stairs are also known as helical stairs, in comparison to spiral stairs don’t form a perfect circle, they create a much bigger radius by following a helical arc. This design does not contain a central column or landings. Mostly, treads are attached to two rolled stringers. This type of staircase adds elegance and an exclusive look to make the best first impression of the entryway.

Types of materials used for stairs

V0nka-admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 21:13:00 +0000

Whether you renovate your stairs or build a new one, right after choosing the type of stairs, you have to make a choice about all of the details. The amount of configurations of materials for treads, risers, balustrades and newel posts are almost endless. Each decision over style makes a huge difference. It’s better to think over a perfect staircase design at first go and opt for a practical solution that will stand the test of time. Staircase renovation or replacement comes with consequences such as getting building regulation approval, disruption, dust or design costs.

In terms of material, people mostly choose timber, glass and steel.

Glass stairs play an increasingly popular and important part in modern architecture. Toughened safety glass easily adds a luxurious look to your interior. It’s also a great option to bring light and spacious feeling. Glass can be combined with wood or metal in many configurations.

Wooden stairs are definitely a choice for enthusiasts of traditional craftmanship. They ensure durability, versatility and longevity. Its colours can be matched to any décor. You can combine wooden stairs with metal for ex. wrought iron spindles or glass balustrade. They will surely look great in any setting.

Steel stairs are characterized by durability, strength and versatility. They can be installed in a variety of surroundings from industrial to elegant architecture styles. Metal staircases can be paired with other design materials to create stunning looks. When combined with wood and glass, stairs give your room modernity and lightness.

Purchasing process – step by step

V0nka-admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 21:00:00 +0000

1. Contacting and requesting an enquiry

Get in touch with us via email, mobile phone or by filling in the form on our website. Don’t forget to provide us with drawings, sketches or photos. Your documents will be helpful while making quotations and preliminary projects.

2. Acceptance of quotation, arranging an appointment.

At this point, one of our account managers will visit you and conduct a survey to measure all of the dimensions needed in the final designing stage.

3. Final design project

Creating bespoke stairs, perfect for your needs includes selecting material, balustrades, colours and finish options. At this point, your stairs are fully customised to your requirements. Your concept design will be shown in a form of 3D visualisation.

4. Manufacturing

After your approval, the project is handed over to our workshop. Due to the quality of workmanship, getting your staircase manufactured takes about 8-10 weeks.

5. Delivery and installation

Finally, your bespoke staircase is installed by our expert assembly team who ensure a solid and perfect fit.