How We Planned Our Staircase

_{Photo by Jan Canty on Unsplash}

Today I am going to share how we planned our staircase. The staircase is not a big target as a pantry, but still, it can add artistic value to your house.

Initially, both of us had no idea or any dream staircase in our minds. We had to learn first.

Our Preparation

Before all, we checked some internet photos to get an idea of what we are going to make. Make sure to check Sri Lankan designs specifically. As same as the staircase, we had to design the cupboard area under the staircase.

There are several questions we had to find answers to.

First, we had to select the material used for the steps and handrail. We wanted wood as our house mostly has woodish styles. Apart from wood, we had options like tiles, cement, and titanium. I must say Lyra Studio's video about staircases gave us good knowledge.

We decided to use wood for both sides of the steps, but later this design changed. For handrails, we had two options, wood or iron. Iron is extremely expensive these days. But still, iron gives a good look. So we decided to use both iron and wood so that it doesn't cost as much as a fully iron handrail.

Then we picked a design we both liked. Actually, it was difficult to pick a design but finally, we were able to pick one and only one.

Design

Our design is to use wood for the top of the step and keep the front side in white cement. Eventhough we wanted to put both sides in wood, we found it difficult and inefficient with the wood price :/

The hand rail with wood and steel bars.

Selecting Wood

Then we discussed with the carpenter which wood to use. We learned that කුඹුක් (Kubuk) wood is the usual material used to make the top of the stair. For handrails, we had two options Teak and Nadun (නැඳුන්, තෙක්ක). We picked Nandun wood as it gives nice stripe patterns after grinding.

Where to Buy Kumbuk?

The next challenge was purchasing Kumbuk. Kumbuk is a little rare to purchase and as we heard it can be purchased only from State Timber Corporation with a permit. We contacted nearby State Timber Corporations Bussa and Beruwala and there was Wood only at Beruwala. The price of square feet was 1300-1400 LKR. But they only sell long boards like 5 feet which we have to pay extra for waste. We got some contact from a local sawmill where they have a Kumbuk trunk. We had to go for this option:O. There are two types of Kumbuk trunks, one is low in color, and the other is high in patterns and color. Usually, the second one is the type that uses for staircase steps.

_{Kumbuk Trunk}

We purchase Nandun Wood also from this mill.

Preparing Iron Bars

Iron in Sri Lanka is rare than gold these days. We checked multiple places to get done the iron bars we need. But there was no place to get it done. Our design had some handmade parts and an iron ornament. We met three steel workers and asked about their idea and the cost of making them. Actually, from each worker, we got extra knowledge on the size and material we need to pick.

Finally, we found a place to get this done. Sethumi Lanka Iron Works agreed to get this done as per the photo. They billed 2900 LKR per bar and didn't agree to reduce the price a little bit.

Within a week they gave us bars. They looked good than we thought.

Time For Carpenters's Talent

Now all set to go and it's time for carpenter's talent. I am so excited to see the final out.