Basements serve as an additional living or storage space in a home. To access the basement you need stairs in most older or even newer homes. The type of basement you have in your home might inspire you to install a basement door at the top or bottom of the stairs. We've inquired from building experts if basement stairs need a door, and here's the answer.
Whether or not the basement stairs in your home need a door will depend on the following:
- Whether the basement is insulated or not
- The basement's function
- If there's space available for a door
- If you need to separate the basement area
If you still have some questions about installing a door above or below your basement stairs, don't worry. In this post, we'll discuss the topic at length. Before you rush with a hammer and nails to install a door at your basement stairs, continue reading to see how having a door on basement stairs will affect the house as a whole.
Door Installation For Basement Stairs
Doors help create some privacy where it's needed, and they also keep smells and odors at bay. You can demarcate your basement stairs by installing a door at its entrance.
Here are some things you should take into account when deciding whether or not to put a door at the top or bottom of your basement stairs.
Insulated Or Uninsulated Basement
When basements are insulated, they retain heat. Therefore, drafts might be non-existent, which means a door will not be necessary at the stairs. Basements that are used as living quarters are usually well insulated. In this case, a door isn't required for insulation purposes.
On the other hand, if your basement isn't insulated, a door will be necessary to keep the cold air from wreaking havoc on your electricity bills. Uninsulated basements, in most cases, aren't used as living spaces but sometimes as storage.
The Basement's Functions
If you use your basement as a fully functional living space, a door at the stairs will be necessary. A door at the top or bottom of the stairs could help:
- Keep out the noise: Basements that function as apartments or entertainment rooms need a door at the stairs. The door will help soundproof the basement.
- Keep cold drafts from getting upstairs: Uninsulated basements can be very cold. The cold air can find its way up to the upper floors of the house. Not only is this annoying and uncomfortable but it can also affect your electric bills.
- Keep odors out: Whether you use your basement as a living or storage space, it might have odors or smells. To keep these smells and odors at bay, install a door at the stairs.
- Keep the basement safe and secure: Homeowners who would like to rent out the basement as a separate apartment should install a door. The door will ensure that to-be tenants feel safe and secure from unwanted intrusion.
- Separate the basement area: If your basement flows into the living space and you use it as a laundry area or a wine cellar, a door will help partition the area. The separation will provide a feeling of privacy.
Available Door Space
Before you install a door anywhere, and in this case at the basement stairs, you must consider the availability of enough space for a door.
The space available will determine the type of basement door you need to install. To avoid doors conflicting when they swing open, you can install sliding doors, trap doors, or folding doors.
Separating The Basement Area
A door makes it so there's not a gaping hole into the abyss that leads to your basement. Installing a door at the top or bottom of the basement stairs will help visually seal off the basement.
Details in home decor play an important role. Be sure to pick an interesting interior door for your basement stairs that will blend into the interior.
Can You Put A Door At The Bottom Of Basement Stairs?
Absolutely yes! Some houses don't have enough room for a door at the top of the stairs. In this case, the homeowner has only one option—installing a door at the bottom of the basement stairs.
The type of door that you opt for will solely depend on the area available. You could install a folding door, a sliding door, or a traditional door.
A door at the bottom of the basement stairs is favorable if the stairs are steep and the door will swing over them. You'll avoid unnecessary accidents which might occur while opening the door and simultaneously going down steep steps.
Do Basement Stairs Need A Landing?
Yes, they do! All staircases, including basement stairs, must have a landing whether at the top or bottom of the stairs. In basement stairs construction rules and regulations, the landing should be no less than the width of the staircase.
If the basement stairs consist of a flight of stairs, then a landing isn't necessary. Although this isn't a mandatory rule for interior doors to have a landing, it's safer.
Can A Door Swing Over Stairs?
Yes. Doors that swing over stairs can be found in most older homes. They can be installed to swing over the stairs when opened.
Regardless, this installation isn't safe because you'll have to step backward when coming from downstairs to open the door. For overall safety purposes, it's best to ensure that the basement door doesn't swing over the stairs.
How Far Can A Door Be From Stairs?
The national building requirements state that the minimum direction of travel of a door must be no less than 36 inches. That's how far the door must be from the staircase.
How Wide Do Basement Stairs Have To Be?
The standard width of basement stairs should be 42 inches, but the minimum is 36 inches. Before installing the basement stairs, know what you want to use the basement for.
Small steps will not be convenient if you are carrying furniture or laundry up and down the basement stairs. Here are other aspects to keep in mind when constructing the basement stairs:
- Never make the basement steps too narrow: Ensure that the steps on your basement are wide enough for a proper foot grip.
- Ensure that the steps aren't steep: The stair angle shouldn't be too steep.
- Plenty of headroom: Try to ensure that there's enough headroom to avoid hitting your head.
- A proper railing: Railings are necessary for any stairway. They significantly improve the overall safety of the staircase.
- Ample lighting: Lighting is crucial in basements. Therefore, ensure that the basement stairs are well lit, especially if the basement doesn't have any windows that provide natural light.
- Building code: Don't forget to follow all applicable local building codes. Better still, follow the national building rules for safety around your home.
In Closing
Having a door at the basement stairs facilitates privacy and safety. In most cases, having a basement door at the stairs helps demarcate the area.
Whether your basement needs a door or not will depend on the factors mentioned above. A door can be installed at the top or the bottom of the basement stairs.
Pick a functional door that will complement your home decor, and ensure that you follow the local building codes. There are several types of doors meant for basements, but a DIY can't be excluded.
Before you go, be sure to read through the following posts for more ways to improve your basement:
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