In an attempt to give their home personality, owners often resort to non-standard solutions. And it concerns not only the exterior, but also the arrangement internal space. One such option could be the construction of a staircase structure made of cylindrical logs. This solution will help immerse you in a pleasant fairy world. You can make a staircase from a log with your own hands.
Features of a log staircase
It is very convenient to use such a ladder. Its steps are made of half-logs. Thanks to this material, they look solid and massive. A staircase made of logs eliminates the possibility of treads bending under the influence of a person’s weight. And its service life is estimated at many decades.
A log staircase will fit perfectly into a country or ethnic style. Russian hut is today not only a type of housing, but also a style interior design, into which this rough structure will organically merge. Bath or hunting lodge will also be an excellent place to place it.
Among distinctive features log stairs can be called:
- exclusive appearance;
- high quality;
- ecologically pure material;
- staircases made of logs are safer compared to metal or concrete ones;
- long service life proper care.
The staircase structure, made of logs, can be made in several versions. Steps made of half-logs, which will differ various types treads, installed on a bowstring or stringers made of logs. Such a staircase can be placed not only in interior spaces, but also outside the house. As with other staircase structures, before starting work it is necessary to carry out calculations for the operating loads. Special attention It is worth paying attention to supporting and fastening elements. Project development will also require certain knowledge regarding permissible dimensions and regulatory requirements.
A disadvantage of wood can be considered a characteristic change in its color over time.. Light shades When exposed to moisture, they acquire a darker coating. In addition, making such a structure is quite a labor-intensive task. And if you take everything into account preparatory work wood processing, creating a staircase from a log will take a lot of time and require certain skills.
There are several options for stairs using logs:
- Designs that use steps hollowed out of wood.
- Structures with scaffold steps. They are equipped with end-to-end consoles.
- Designs that are distinguished by the presence of two log bowstrings equipped with flat steps-blocks.
- Hanging vertical structures. The steps are made of round timber, placing them in the form of through consoles.
- Vertical structures equipped with two strings made of logs. It is recommended to make the steps from round timber;
- Corkscrew cantilever twisted structures with flat steps and blocks and a 1/3 or 1/4 turn.
Wood preparation
The logs from which the stairs will be made should be thoroughly dried first, because excess moisture will affect the premature formation of rotting or drying out. Such an error in preparing the material can lead to cracking and rapid loss of strength, as well as rapid loss of its shape. Sometimes there is an option to use logs from a disassembled log house, but this will require special care, because during the cutting process old ones may come across fasteners such as nails, which will damage the saw.
Elements of the staircase structure must be prepared before starting work. To do this, you will not only have to clean the knots, but also pay attention to the following steps:
- processing wood using an antiseptic. This measure will eliminate the possibility of the formation of small pests that will cause the material to become unusable.
- necessary coating of ends with resin. It will also be necessary to treat the surfaces of the logs that will come into contact with the ground to avoid their destruction over time.
When placing the stairs outdoors, resin coating - required condition long-term operation of the structure.
- the logs need to be painted. Moisture-resistant paints and varnishes are best suited for this.
The choice of wood depends on the owner's preferences and expected costs. But it is worth noting that the most suitable options will use oak, beech or larch. True, material of such quality may increase the cost of the structure. Among the more economical types of wood, which are also often used to create staircase structures from logs, are soft pine and spruce. It is worth noting that tangible budget savings can be achieved if you use steps made of half-logs, in which the cut will act as a tread. The rounded lower part in this case is used as a riser.
Proper processing of the material will provide protection from injury. It is necessary to carefully check all elements of the product to ensure that there are no burrs or knots.
Making a staircase from a log
First you need to decide on the appearance future design . Are you going to use logs as load-bearing elements or are you planning to make only log steps, for which, by the way, you can use individual logs or construct the structure as a solid mass. The treads can be placed not only along, but also across the direction of movement. It is also worth deciding on the appearance of the handrails.
The material processing process is carried out using a certain technology, which includes the following stages of work:
- cleaning wood from bark;
- drying the material;
- treatment with antiseptics to avoid rotting and bacterial growth;
- coating with moisture-proof paint;
- if there are elements that will come into contact with the ground, they must be treated by tarring and isolating them from it using roofing felt (similar materials can be used).
Among the tools that you will need for work, you should definitely mention carpentry tools. You also cannot do without a gas or electric saw designed for longitudinal and transverse cutting. The material is processed using a grinding machine.
The complexity of making a staircase from a log will depend on the chosen design. When the steps are cantilevered, the fastening is placed on the wall. It is possible to provide for the installation of treads during the construction of a house. This will make the structure stronger.
Durable wood species are used as bowstrings or stringers. Manufacturing is similar to installing a conventional wooden staircase on load-bearing structures. If there is a central load-bearing pillar You can diversify the design by adding decorative elements. This will create an even greater feeling of a fairy tale. The design options are limited only by your imagination and carpentry skills. It is important to monitor the strength of the steps. The screws are screwed in “sunk”, and after that the resulting holes are sealed with a wooden plug. When installing stair elements for greater reliability, you can use adhesive compositions together with the necessary fastenings.
Staircase made of logs on the street
Staircase made of logs on the street
This method of constructing a staircase structure will fit perfectly into the design. suburban area, garden or park ensemble. Using logs as the main structural element will allow you to create a staircase that blends perfectly with the surrounding nature and landscape. If there is a slope on the site, as well as the construction of main buildings from logs or wooden beam, the use of such decorative element will be the most justified.
Steps of this design can be laid on the ground using resin to treat its lower parts. On top part elements are applied moisture-resistant paintwork, intended for outdoor use. The arrangement of logs is allowed transversely or along the steps. A decorative wooden fence is perfect for decorating a fence.
For many years you have dreamed of your own log house, where comfort is so harmoniously formed from the warmth of wood shades, natural textures and clean air.
The staircase is the soul for such a house. But the structure of the soul cannot be treated negligently - it is necessary to take into account all the nuances, pros and cons of both the construction itself and further operation at the design stage.
Features of building a staircase from log logs
A staircase made of logs is heavy and therefore requires careful calculations. First of all, this is the calculation of the loads on the load-bearing frame of the building. Secondly, calculation of the parameters of the staircase itself - width of treads, height of risers, angle of inclination, width flight of stairs etc. Calculations are carried out from the point of view of comfort and based on design parameters home: floor height, space allocated for the stairs, its type.
Log selection
Decide on the type of wood. This choice consists of three components:
1. Purpose and strength characteristics.
Oak has the highest strength and hardness characteristics. It is followed by beech and larch. Third place coniferous species– their hardness is almost 2 times less.
Combine materials depending on the purpose. For the load-bearing elements (strings and bowstrings) of the stairs to the second floor, it is better to use hardwood - oak, beech, larch. And for finishing or installing an external staircase they are suitable coniferous varieties wood - the resin contained in them will act as an antiseptic and help protect the structure from moisture.
2. Financial capabilities.
Oak is a durable and expensive material. Larch and beech are cheaper, but not much. Budget option are considered coniferous species that represent optimal combination prices and quality.
3. Personal taste preferences.
Having decided on the species, the question arises of choosing the highest quality logs from all those offered on the market. Focus on:
1. Wood moisture content.
Wood that is too wet rots and is susceptible to the formation of fungus and mold. Too dry - it deforms and dries out, which leads to loss of strength and aesthetic appearance.
2. No visible defects.
Logs should be carefully inspected for rot, damage, and cracks.
3. No invisible defects.
It’s more difficult here - tap the logs with the butt of an axe. If the log is good, the sound will be the same along its entire length, the sound will be clear.
If you want to use an old log house, you also need to carefully examine and tap the logs, and carefully ensure that there are no screws or metal fasteners left - otherwise the tool will be damaged when sawing against them.
Log processing
Before installation, the logs are carefully processed - special tools remove blue stains and mold. chemical compositions, the wood is sanded, cleaned of knots and other deformations.
To increase its service life, it is better to coat the wood with paint or clear varnish.
Installation of stairs
Wood is a comfortable and pliable material that can satisfy the richest imagination. But to implement your ideas you will need to acquire the appropriate tools:
- Saw – a gas or electric saw will expand your capabilities and speed up the process;
- Grinding machine - will help make the product smooth, without splinters;
- Carpentry utensils (hammer, chisel, files, etc.).
Installation tips:
Steps made from half-logs will help you save on material - the cut will act as a tread, and the rest of the “round timber” will become a riser;
For fastening, use self-tapping screws - for greater aesthetics, tighten them with the heads deepened and rub them with wood putty;
In addition to self-tapping screws, the steps can be mounted on wood glue;
Try to build the upper platform a couple of centimeters below the door.
Construction takes place in accordance with the project and type of future staircase. The choice of its design depends on your tastes, financial capabilities and square meters allocated for this purpose.
Pros and cons of such a staircase
A log staircase is a specific choice for the interior, which entails a number of positive and negative aspects.
Advantages:
High level of environmental friendliness;
Safety – metal or concrete are more dangerous due to the hardness of the material;
Aesthetics - even without treatment, the wood has a pleasant texture and color;
With proper care, durability.
Flaws:
Long period of material shrinkage (3-5 years);
Fire hazard - after all, a wooden staircase is more susceptible to fire than a concrete or metal one;
Wood darkens over time;
Susceptibility to rotting and cracking.
Proper care helps eliminate a number of shortcomings. For example, to prevent wood from darkening, cover it with a special transparent varnish. To prevent rotting, treat with antimicrobial and antifungal agents. There are also solutions that increase the fire safety of wood.
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Service life and operating costs
Wood is a delicate material, so its service life will depend on the measures taken for this.
First of all, choose the “right” place for the stairs: away from sun rays, heating devices and areas of high humidity.
Wood is an atmosphere-dependent material; to increase its service life, an optimal balance of humidity (45-60%) and air temperature (18-25ºС) must be maintained in the room. By the way, this balance is optimal for humans, so by maintaining a favorable environment for the tree, you create a favorable environment for yourself and your household.
Tip: in heating season the air is dry - use live plants or aquariums, they help regulate the humidity in the room.
Rules for cleaning wooden stairs:
- Do not wet - wipe with a damp cloth soaked in detergent;
- Do not use aggressive liquids - chlorine, acetone and other solvents;
- Most The best way cleaning - using a vacuum cleaner.
Stairs are completely different. Some models look elegant, others look massive. Stairs made from logs will fit perfectly into any interior. Such stairs are used in country-style interiors. Stairs made of logs are also used for baths and other objects. Wooden structures made from logs have a long service life. A beautiful staircase can be made in any style and is suitable for a cottage or a two-story country house.
A log staircase can consist of several elements:
- Steps:
- Handrail;
- Support elements
A log staircase may not have additional decorative finishing. The design itself, made of such material, looks like a finished product.
Many people decorate their stairs additional elements- handrails made of tree branches. Cover them with varnish and remove excess branches.
Such handrails are only used decorative function, but are not the main supporting element. Such stairs are installed between floors log house or as a porch finish.
Stages of work: do-it-yourself log staircase
A log staircase can be ordered from a specialized workshop, store, or made with your own hands. The construction of such a staircase is a labor-intensive process that will take time. But, you will save cash, if you engage in the manufacture and installation of stairs yourself. Moreover, you will do it in a style that suits the interior of the house.
Making a staircase from logs occurs in several stages:
- Make a sketch;
- Take measurements of the room;
- Make a drawing of the future structure;
- Prepare necessary materials and tools;
- Manufacture individual elements stairs;
- The finished structure is installed in the required location;
- Make a decorative or protective coating.
Stairs made of logs look beautiful, natural, but massive. For strictly interior classic style they won't fit.
Convenient half-log staircase
The feet for the stairs can be made from half-logs with your own hands. To do this, saw the logs in half along the axis. Such steps look original and unusual. Half-log steps give the house a fabulous and beautiful view. Railings can be made from twisted trunks, and balusters from thin branches. These stairs have a comfortable and durable design.
Among the advantages of a wooden staircase it is worth noting long term service and excellent aesthetic properties. Read more about such stairs in the material on our website:.
A house with a staircase made of half-logs resembles a tower. You will feel comfortable in such a room and conveniently go up or down from one floor to another.
This ladder will serve you long term. Half-log steps are practical and do not bend under heavy weight.
Features of a staircase made of half-logs:
- Has a long service life;
- Made from durable material;
- Looks original.
These stairs look good inside and outside the house. But, when developing the design of a staircase, it is worth taking into account the load that will be placed on it, the permissible dimensions and regulatory requirements.
Preparation of material: chopped log stairs
Logs chopped in half are used to make stairs. The steps are made from dried and prepared logs. They look original in a log house. Such a staircase can lead you to the second floor of the house. The steps can be made from rounded logs, sawn in half.
Logs chopped into two parts are suitable for making stair steps. Exterior decoration logs may include varnishing.
For wooden house you need to choose the right staircase model. We'll help you choose the best one beautiful staircase for your home: .
Such stairs are suitable for “wild” and harsh climates where there is sub-zero temperature, high humidity and precipitation in the form of snow. The tree is resistant to such external factors, That's why wooden stairs can be used not only indoors, but also outdoors.
In order for the logs to be used as steps for the stairs, you must prepare them in advance.
You need to properly prepare the wood to make stairs from it:
- Dry the logs;
- Clean the logs from resin;
- Treat the material with an antiseptic;
- Cover the surface with a special varnish or moisture-resistant paint.
If you decide to make your own staircase from logs, but have not decided on its appearance and design, you can look at examples of ready-made stairs and make the same one.
DIY log staircase (video)
A beautiful and environmentally friendly material, such as logs, is ideal for making stairs in country houses. You can cut an ordinary log in half and make your own original steps from each part. Then you can make beautiful railings for the stairs that will complement the appearance of the stairs and match the interior of the house with your own hands. This detail in the interior will add a fabulous and exclusive look to the house.
Stairs made of logs (photo examples)
In addition to fulfilling their direct purpose, stairs in a rounded house play an important role in the interior. Their types are numerous, have their own characteristics, and choosing your own staircase for a one- or two-story building is somewhat problematic. Read below about the types and materials used.
Types of structures
A rounded log house is characterized by wooden ones, as well as those made from other building materials designs.
They are different: A professional designer will help you choose a staircase for your own home. He will calculate required quantity
steps, parameters for all components and its ideal position.
Material selection
The type of wood suitable for constructing a building may not be suitable for making stairs. For any type, you should select hard varieties - oak, beech, maple. Rare and expensive ones include walnut and ash.
Pine and spruce, as a rule, are not used because the former is soft, and the latter has a large percentage of knots. In the future, if it dries out or becomes mechanically damaged, such a staircase in a house made of rounded logs will pose a danger. The most durable and reliable option will be larch. It is not subject to cracking, rotting and other troubles characteristic of wood. Stairs in wooden building
can be made from other materials, and wood can also be combined with metal, stone, glass. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages: There are folding or telescopic stairs made of aluminum or timber. But for the interior, their presence does not matter, since almost always such options are hidden and lead to the attic. Their production is required in mandatory
, because in case of fire they will help to quickly evacuate. The best option for a wooden house made of solid logs would be stairs made of rounded logs. In addition to the advantage independent work – prepare the steps and install them in in the right order
, this type will be characteristic of the main interior of the object and will not create dissonance. Total score: 7
Voted: 5
Most home owners will prefer wooden stairs to their counterparts made of other materials, as they are not only beautiful, but also pleasant to the touch, strong, and durable. And wooden stairs made of logs are also unique - each of them is one of a kind.
Those who value exclusivity and want to install something similar at the entrance to the house or between floors will certainly be interested in studying the types and designs of log stairs. As well as the technology for their production. Wooden stairs for a log house can be made different ways
Such interior decoration is not a cheap pleasure, especially if you use valuable varieties wood and original design. When building a log house, there are often scraps and remnants of logs of sufficient length, which can make excellent steps, support posts and even stringers.
Since the prices for the manufacture and installation of a wooden staircase can hardly be called humane, you can try to cope on your own. Why do you need to choose a design and make the necessary calculations?
Constructive decisions
The choice of staircase design depends on its purpose and the area that can be allocated for it in the house. It can be one- or two-flight, straight, rotary, with a platform or winder steps. And also screw or spiral.
Examples:
In general, everything is the same as with ordinary stairs. The only difference is that a wooden staircase made of timber or logs usually takes up more space due to its massiveness.
Design elements
Let's see what elements wooden stairs in a log house can consist of, and how these elements are connected to each other.
Let's start with the steps. They can be done:
- From regular or rounded logs, sawn in half lengthwise;
- Made from logs with a hollowed out tread;
- From timber.
The support for the steps can be not only stringers, but also a log frame folded with a ladder, as well as stone or concrete base. And if wooden log stairs are located between the walls, then the steps can crash right into them even at the stage of building the walls.
And again I suggest looking at examples of different designs.
External wooden staircases made of logs are best built from oak or coniferous wood. The resin they contain has antiseptic properties and protects the wood from moisture. But in any case, after cutting, the material must be treated with antiseptic and fire-retardant impregnations.
Calculation and design
When starting design, you need to decide on the space that the staircase can occupy. You also need to measure the height between the floors, or between the platform and the level of the entrance to the house.
Basic design parameters
In order for wooden stairs for a log house to be comfortable and safe, when designing them you should be guided by the standard requirements:
- The width of the structure should be such that two people can pass each other on the steps. And in the case of an interfloor staircase, its width should allow furniture and other large objects to be lifted to the upper level.
- It is advisable to make the tilt angle no more than 35 0, especially for long spans.
- The optimal tread width is 25-30 cm. Therefore, the diameter of the log for the steps should be no less, otherwise walking on them will be inconvenient and dangerous.
- The instructions also regulate the height of the riser, which should be 15-20 cm. In the case of structures made of logs, risers are usually not made, and the vertical distance between the steps depends on the thickness of the log. It can be adjusted by laying the steps close to each other, or by making gaps between them.
- The optimal height of the railing is 90 cm.
- Designing interfloor stairs for a wooden house made of timber, you need to pay attention to the size of the opening in the ceiling. It should be such that the vertical distance between the step and the edge of the opening is 20 cm greater than the height of the tallest person in the house.
What you need to know to calculate
The following data will be required for the calculation:
- Size of the staircase in plan;
- Lifting height;
- Step width and riser height.
Example:
Let's say the floor height is 270 cm and the riser height is 15 cm.
- The number of steps is 18, because 270: 15 = 18.
- If the width of the steps is 25 cm, then a single-flight staircase will require a plan distance of 25 x 18 = 450 cm.
For a room or hall in small house that's a lot. This means that the staircase needs to be double-flight. And in very small space It is worth considering a screw design.
How to build a log staircase
Let's consider, as an example, how to make a simple one-flight staircase with your own hands on two stringers (strings):
| Image | Description of the stage |
| Making a drawing on graph paper | Having made all the calculations, we transfer them to graph paper, drawing a drawing of the future staircase to scale with dimensions indicated. |
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We saw the logs along and lengthwise for the steps. |
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We clean all manufactured elements of the future staircase from bark, remove knots, grind chips and burrs. |
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We install the stringers in place and fix them. If the house is new, then rigid fastening to the ceiling cannot be made in the upper part until the structure shrinks. |
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We try on the steps, setting them according to the level. |
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The steps are attached to long anchors with washers. We pre-drill a through hole in the stringer with a diameter of 8 mm, and then countersink it to a depth of 5-6 cm with a 28 mm feather drill. Before fastening, lubricate the bowl with wood glue or sealant. |
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After installing the steps, the holes in the stringers are sealed with wood putty or closed with plugs. |
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On final stage, support posts, railings and balusters are installed. |
When making wooden stairs, the log must first be dried, and after cutting into elements, processed protective compounds from rotting and burning.
If the staircase is external, then the ends need to be coated especially carefully and several times. The best thing is to tar it. And those areas that will come into contact with the ground should be protected with several layers of roofing felt.
After installation is completed, the structure is sanded again, after which it can be covered with decorative paint and varnish compositions. Having decided to self-production such a staircase, you will save a lot, since the price of such structures and their installation by specialists is very high.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that wooden staircases made of logs look quite massive and even rough, they fit well into some interior styles and emphasize the beauty of log houses. And to their strength and practicality, with proper manufacturing and proper care There can be no complaints at all.
Having carefully studied the pictures and videos in this article, you are probably convinced of this and, perhaps, even decided to implement a similar idea in your home. If so, we wish you to enjoy the manufacturing process itself and be satisfied with the result.