When constructing modular or small stone houses, the problem often arises of a lack of free space. Moreover, if there is not enough space inside the room for arranging the stairs to the second floor, you have to start looking for alternative solutions.
As such a solution, a ladder that is called the “goose step” can be used. Designs of this type look very neat and can be a great addition to the design of the room. The staircase got this name for several reasons - because of the specific shape of the steps and because the movements of a person climbing or climbing down it resemble the gait of a goose and a duck.
This design has been known since the tenth century. It was installed in towers and other buildings with narrow rises. Most often, these stairs are found in old churches and monasteries.
Design features
The main difference between this type of stairs and all others is its design. The steps that are used in it have an asymmetric shape. That is, half of the step has one width, and the second - the other. This feature makes it more difficult to move along it, which limits its use in homes where elderly people live. In addition, climbing such a staircase without the help of a railing is quite difficult.
Ladder type "goose (duck) step" has a large angle of inclination - 55 degrees. The steps are located at a great distance from each other. The step height can be adjusted as needed by the homeowner.
This design can be built with various twists. But it is necessary to remember that on what side the ladder will turn, it will depend on what shape the first step will have. That is, if the ladder will turn to the right, then at the first step the left side should be wider. Using this rule in the future will make it easier to climb stairs.
This staircase also differs from others in the form of steps, which can take the following forms:
- h-shaped;
- spherical;
- wedge-shaped.
The steps of the flight of stairs are located symmetrically with respect to its central axis.
Material for stairs
Now we will figure out what kind of wood to make a goose step from and what to do on it. For the manufacture of such a design, traditional materials are used:
- wood;
- glass;
- metal;
- combination of materials.
Historically, wood is most often used. It looks very good, easy to process, and its cost is low. To make such a ladder, it makes no sense to use linden or pine. These are soft varieties that are not always able to withstand heavy loads. Oak, beech or larch can be considered optimal wood.
The wood that will be used to build the stairs must be dried and there should be no knots on it. A goose step made of metal is assembled faster, but for its construction it is necessary either to have the skills of a welder, or you will have to invite a master from the outside.
This design has different ratings. Someone considers them compact and quite comfortable, while others complain about their operation. For the most part, they are in some inconvenience of use due to the difficulties associated with moving on it and transferring even not very overall things on it. But few know that with proper design and quality work, all the negative sides of the stairs will be reduced to zero.
When starting to create a project, it is necessary to take into account the fact that there are certain constant indicators (we will talk about them later), which should guide us in determining the number of steps and their main dimensions.
Pros and cons of design
Like any building structure, it has advantages and certain disadvantages. Its main advantage can be called the fact that it takes up little space (almost twice) in comparison with the traditional flight of stairs.
Such a staircase can be considered the best solution for houses with a small area. In addition, it can be installed in basements and technical undergrounds. The unusual shape of the steps gives the design an original look that can be well integrated into any interior.
Also, the design is not difficult, and all materials can be bought at the nearest hardware store. That is, it can be built independently by any person who has the skills to work with wood.
The obvious disadvantages include its steepness, the angle of its inclination is 45-60 degrees, and when you first look at it, you immediately doubt that it is possible to climb or lower it. The duck step is traumatic and can fall off it.
In what cases it is worth using
Stairs of this type have small overall dimensions. They will look good in most interiors, especially in small houses where there is a noticeable shortage of free space. The fact is that with the same span, comparing it with an ordinary flight of stairs, the goose step takes half as much.
Calculation of the stairs
The dimensions of the stairs here are calculated approximately according to the same scheme as traditional marching stairs. When conducting calculations, it is advisable to be guided by the fact that the size of the foot lies within:
- The widest part is 300 mm, the narrowest is 150 mm. The distance between the steps lies in the range of 150-200 mm.
- With the right calculation and manufacturing, such a ladder will be absolutely safe.
- When arranging the Goose Step staircase with a turn, it is advisable to equip the site between the marches. If there is no place for the platform, then at the turn you need to install typical steps with a width of 270 mm. They must be placed every 45 degrees.
It is necessary to remember that during the calculation it is necessary to be guided by the requirements of SNiP and other regulatory and construction documentation.
On the basis of practical activity, a calculation table was created, in which data are given that can serve as the basis for creating the stairs.
Accessories: dimensions and drawings
For the construction of a staircase of this design, small skills in working with wood are enough. As a rule, work is performed on the basis of previously created drawings. In the course of work, it is unacceptable to change the details specified in the working documentation.
To create a drawing, it is necessary to carefully remove the dimensions from the place where it will be installed and thus the width of the stairs will be determined. After this, it is necessary to determine the angle at which it will be installed, the number of steps and the length of the span.
You can also use the ready-made drawings presented below.
Step-by-step assembly and installation instructions
Goose-type staircases can have different designs. They can be installed on bowstrings, braids, bolets. A step-by-step instruction on how to assemble a goose step ladder with your own hands is described below.
At kosoure
Often such a staircase is built on one kosoura made of metal. After installing the kosour, the frames of the steps are mounted on it, which are also made of metal.
The main load on such a ladder falls on the edges of the steps, and the wider the step, the correspondingly, the greater the load on the edges. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully prepare the mounting unit of the steps to the kosour.
During installation, difficulties arise with its horizontal placement. For this step, you must first bait and, using a measuring tool, orient them in space. A measuring tool means a building level and a plumb line.
When constructing stairs on the kosoura, balusters and railings are installed directly on the steps. A distinctive feature of the staircase at Kosoura is the simplicity of its assembly. It must be taken into account that its characteristics are in no way inferior to wooden.
On a bowstring
To make a bowstring, you need to prepare thick planed boards. The thickness of the board should not be less than 60 mm. Its width should be within 300 mm. The angle of the bow should be in the range from 45 to 50 degrees. The length of the board should be related to the floor distance.
When marking the boards, remember that the steps should be strictly horizontal. This will help reduce the structural hazard.
Before proceeding with the assembly, it is necessary to put the bowstring up with grooves on a horizontal and even surface. To increase reliability, the grooves must be treated with adhesive and install steps in them.
It is possible that they will enter the grooves with some difficulty. In this case, they must be knocked down, for which it is impossible to use a metal hammer, since soft wood can be damaged. It is advisable to use a wooden or rubber percussion instrument.
After the glue dries, you can put on the opposite bowstring.